By V. Sivaji
The Hong Kong Express Airlines made its inaugural flight to the Penang International Airport (PIA) adding to the already growing number of direct flights to Penang from China.
Flight UO748 touched down at 12.15am earlier this morning and was given the customary water salute.
Present to receive the passengers and crew members was the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, CEO of HK Express, Ms Jeanette Mao, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan, representatives from Tourism Malaysia among others.
The passengers were given a rousing traditional kompang and lion dance welcome along with goody bags.
In his welcoming address, Wong expressed his delight to celebrate yet another milestone for Penang’s tourism industry—the arrival of the inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong to Penang by Hong Kong Express Airways.
“These two cities, rich in history and a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, are now even more closely connected with the introduction of this route, following Cathay Pacific and AirAsia’s earlier direct flights.
“Hong Kong Express Airways becomes the third airline to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Penang. This addition further strengthens the air connectivity between the two destinations, offering increased flexibility and convenience to residents, travelers, and business professionals. It also marks another significant step forward in enhancing Penang’s international aviation network”, said Wong.
This direct service will operate daily, thus offering consistent and reliable connectivity.
“In mid-June this year, I had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of Hong Kong Express Airways in Hong Kong, where I met with its top management. During that meeting, we reached a consensus on establishing this direct route. Today, our shared efforts have borne fruit.
“I am confident that this route will attract an increasing number of travelers from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to experience Penang’s warm hospitality. According to statistics from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million. Meanwhile, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) spans 56,000 square kilometers, with a population of 86 million.
“Notably, the inaugural flight of Hong Kong Express Airways carried over 100 dragon boat athletes, airline representatives, and accompanying media, heading to Penang for the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024”, he said.
Currently, Penang offers 33 international direct flight routes operated by various airlines, connecting 18 cities worldwide, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei. With the launch of Hong Kong Express Airways’ direct flight and the upcoming Indigo Airlines’ direct route to Chennai on the 21st of December 2024, Penang’s connectivity will expand to 35 routes, covering 19 cities.
