By V. Sivaji
The Penang International Airport is now connected directly to nine cities in China.
This is following the latest direct flight by Hainan Airlines from Haikou which landed at the PIA at 8.30pm last night. The inaugural flight of Flight No HU477 carrying some 110 passengers was greeted with the customary water salute ceremony.
Leading the welcome ceremony was YB Wong Hon Wai, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Teh Lai Heng, PGT Chief Executive Officer Ooi Chok Yan, Hainan Airlines Malaysia Office general manager Zi Yang, Tourism Malaysia Senior Director, Pn Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi and a host of other dignitaries.
The arriving passengers were greeted with a kompang ceremony and also presented with souvenirs upon arrival.
“China is currently Penang’s second largest source market for tourism, with considerable potential for further growth. The new direct flight route will expand Penang’s air network in China offering travellers from Hainan greater convenience when visiting Penang for holidays. Penang and Hainan have maintained friendly state-province relations since 2013.
“The Hainan Free Trade Port is an important platform for China’s opening-up. Penang, meanwhile is a major electronics manufacturing centre, semiconductor hub and regional logistics gateway to Malaysia. With each destination offering distinct industrial strength, there is considerable potential to explore further economic and trade cooperation,” said Wong.
He also added that at a tie when geopolitical continue to cause challenges and uncertainty for international tourism markets, the introduction of a new air route to Penang is particularly important.
VIP guests also exchanged momentoes and performed the cake cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
Others present were Ms Huang Lishi, Consul from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, Ms Liu L, Vice Consul from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, Dr Annuar Mohamed MOTAC Penang Director, Abdul Hadi Che Man, Tourism Malaysia Northern Director.
Hainan Airlines has an inventory of 220 aircrafts from Airbus and Boeing.
Meanwhile, more direct flight are coming to Penang as Batik Air will commence its Batam-Penang direct flight on Oct 18 and Polish Airlines will connect Warsaw-Penang on November 5, 2026.
