The inaugural charter flight from Haikou, Hainan Province (China) to Penang, operated by China’s low-cost carrier 9 Air, touched down at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 5:32am today — marking 9 Air’s first-ever service to Penang.
To celebrate this milestone, the airport greeted the aircraft with the customary water-cannon salute. A cake-cutting ceremony followed, attended by Ms Pauline Yoon, representatives from Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and the 9 Air flight crew, symbolizing the historic significance of the inaugural flight.
Just over an hour later, 9 Air departed Penang on its return leg at 6:35am, arriving at Haikou Meilan International Airport at 10:00am. The Haikou–Penang route has been launched as a charter service, adding a fresh air-connection between the two cities and enhancing cross-border tourism and business exchange.
This expansion complements 9 Air’s recent launch of its Haikou–Kuching charter service in East Malaysia — and now the airline extends its footprint into West Malaysia by establishing Haikou–Penang as well.
By doing so, 9 Air is not just broadening its presence in Malaysia; it is strengthening air connectivity between Hainan and Malaysia, offering more convenient options for travellers and supporting deeper economic and tourism ties.
About 9 Air’s fleet – 9 Air currently operates a fleet of 27 aircraft. Its fleet is composed of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737 MAX 8s all configured in a 189-seat layout. This efficient, homogeneous fleet aligns with 9 Air’s low-cost model and supports its growing network across China and Southeast Asia.
Source – Office of the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai
YB Wong Hon Wai