By V. Sivaji
Penang’s tourism and business sector received yet another boost when AirAsia launched its direct flight from Hong Kong to the Penang International Airport (PIA) earlier today.
Flight AK2280 landed at PIA at 2.55pm and was given the traditional water salute ceremony.
On hand to welcome guests was Deputy Tourism Minister YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Penang caretaker government’s committee chairman for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin and Dato’ Abdul Aziz Bakar, Non-Executive Director of Capital A.
Others were Vice Consul General Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, Mdm Ding Qiao, Datin S. Barathi (CMI), Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan, Ken Tan (AirAsia), Shahrul Aman (Tourism Malaysia) Siti Hajar (Tourism Malaysia), Datuk Lim Mee Lee (PHA), Dato Khoo Boo Lim (VP MAH), Carolyn Leong (MATTA Penang), Ben Ho (MAH Penang) among others.
“Penang has the most international flights after Kota Kinabalu. This year, we target 15.6 million tourist arrivals with RM47.6 billion in tourism receipts.
“Tourism benefits the state and also the federal government as 15% of our nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) is from this sector,” said Khairul in his address adding that the government hopes to continue working with all relevant stakeholders, especially the airline sector to boost tourism and provide connectivity.
Meanwhile, Yeoh also extended his gratitude to Air Asia who have worked tirelessly to make this flight route a reality.
“Hong Kong and Penang share not only this exciting new flight route but also a long history of cultural exchange, trade and mutual respect.
“Hong Kong’s strategic location in the heart of Asia makes it an ideal gateway for exploring not only its own market but also its access to the China Mainland market,” said Yeoh.
He also highlighted that during his tenure, he had been working constantly to connect Penang with the major cities in the world. Among them are Abu Dhabi, UAE, Dubai, UAE, Doha, Qatar, Chennai/Mumbai, India, Shanghai, China, Shenzhen, China, Beijing, China, Chengdu, China, Tokyo, Japan, Seoul, Korea, Istanbul, Türkiye and Sydney, Australia.
Arriving passengers from Hong Kong were also greeted by the VIP guests and presented with goody bags.
