Indonesian hybrid airline Xpress Air aims to attract 1,500 passengers for the return flight from Melaka to Pekan Baru within three to six months.

Commercial Director Swadono Poernomo said it was the second international route for the airline after launching the Pontianak, Indonesia to Kuching Sarawak sector in 2014.

"This follows the success of the two-way flights between Pontianak and Kuching," he told reporters after the maiden flight from Pekan Baru arrived at the Melaka International Airport here today.

The flight had 26 passengers on board and was greeted by the State Transport, Project Rehabilitation and International Trade Committee Chairman, Datuk Lim Ban Hong on arrival at 3.10 pm.

Swadono said Xpress Air will initially operate the flight using a Dornier 328 aircraft which can carry 32 passengers with four weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 4.25 pm.

The airline will consider using a Boeing 737-300 which can fly 120 passengers if the response was good.