From left – Ooi, YB Yeoh and Tan at the press conference
By V. Sivaji
Airasia becomes the first low cost carrier to offer direct flights between Penang and Hong Kong as early as August 10, 2023 post pandemic.
Present to announce the new development was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin accompanied by Ken Tan (director Airasia Penang) and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan in Komtar earlier today.
The thrice weekly flights via their Airbus 320 is priced from RM299 onwards from Penang International Airport (PIA) will surely bring more tourists and holiday makers from Hong Kong.
Flying days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“Penang is a popular destination for tourists from Hong Kong as they like our food, culture, heritage and lifestyle. They also benefit us in terms of the economy via investment in property and also setting up businesses,” said Yeoh.
He also added that many of us will rejoice this announcement as now we can travel between the two islands conveniently and affordably.
“Hong Kong is a hugely-popular destination for Malaysians, so this new route will undoubtedly be well-received.
“We applaud AirAsia for its unwavering efforts to introduce unique routes, further promoting Penang as a must-visit destination in Malaysia with a total of 217 weekly flights, whilst also enabling Penangites to explore other countries.
Hong Kong is part of China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) which refers to the Chinese government’s scheme to link their rapidly developing regions together into an integrated economic and business hub.
“By connecting with China’s GBA, it would be advantageous for Penang to attain higher tourism and economic growth. The GBA has been growing faster than the average across China. It has been part of the continuing shift of the center of gravity of China’s economic activities.
“Penang can tap into this economic powerhouse, attracting businesses, investments and trade opportunities which contribute to the overall economic growth.
“The air connectivity to both Guangzhou by China Southern Airlines and to Hong Kong by Air Asia are my initiatives to increase our state’s accessibility to the global market, which is in line with the Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021-2030,” he said.
In the meantime, Ken Tan also gave the assurance that Airasia will bring more direct flights to the island state in the coming future.
“We are thankful to YB Yeoh and the state government who have been supportive of all of our initiatives,” he said.
Presently, they have seven international flights direct to PIA.