By V. Sivaji
The inaugural direct flight from Shanghai to Penang by Juneyao Airlines from Pudong International Airport touched down at the Penang International Airport at 10.54pm last night.
The momentous occasion also coincides with the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations which falls on May 31st.
The arrival of the flight was given the traditional “water salute” along with goody bags for the passengers.
On hand to welcome the travellers was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai joined by Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter) Vice Chairman Ben Ho, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (Penang Chapter) Chairman Edwin Tan, Juneyao Airlines’ Penang-Based General Manager Steven Andres Goh, Juneyao Airlines’ South East Asia-Based Finance Executive Jess Zhao and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region’s Regional Director Shahrul Aman bin Sabir Ahmad.
As part of the media promotion in China, the inaugural flight was promoted on Chinese online media, Weibo to showcase the history, food and scenic attractions in Penang.
According to Wong, this marks the first entry of Juneyao Airlines into Malaysia. This new route follows the recent launch of direct flights to Penang from Dubai by Flydubai in February and from Bangkok by Thai Lion Air in April, making it the third new international direct flight to Penang this year. Additionally, Shenzhen Airlines will launch a direct flight from Shenzhen to Penang on July 27, 2024.
“The state government is also working towards opening a direct flight route from other cities including Chennai, India to Penang this year end.
“Since attending ITB China in Shanghai on the 12th of September 2023 with Penang Global Tourism and holding in-depth discussions with Juneyao Airlines’ headquarters in Shanghai, Penang Global Tourism has actively assisted the airline in coordinating with various departments. The official launch of this direct flight from Shanghai to Penang is the result of the joint efforts of many stakeholders in Penang’s tourism industry.” he added.
He also said that the inaugural direct flight from Shanghai to Penang by Juneyao was fully occupied, marking an important first step in leisure and business travel between the two cities.
With the launch of the direct flight from Shanghai to Penang, many people from neighbouring major cities in eastern region of China such as Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Nanjing can now conveniently travel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport using China’s high-speed trains and domestic flights, and then take the direct flight to Penang.
To date, a total of 17 airlines operate direct flights to Penang, including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Jetstar Asia Airways, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Firefly, Lion Air, Citilink, Flydubai, China Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways International, Juneyao Airlines, and the 18th airline, Shenzhen Airlines, starting its direct flight from Shenzhen to Penang on July 27, 2024.
