By V. Sivaji
Despite the early hours, tourism industry stakeholders turned up in full force to welcome China’s Shanghai Airlines inaugural flight to the Penang International Airport (PIA) earlier today at 7.11am.
On hand to greet the arriving passengers was Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, the deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai among others.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director, Shahrul Aman, Penang Motac director Dr Annuar Mohamed, Penang MAH chairman Dato Tony Goh, Penang MATTA chairman Ms Carolyn Leong among others.
Flight no FM 877 was given the traditional water salute and the passengers were also presented with goody bags.
At a press conference, Yeoh explained that the direct flight was the result of the Minister of Tourism Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s visit to Eastern China Airlines chairman.
“There will be another eight more flights to other Malaysian cities as a result of the visit. From January to May 2024, there was a total of 1,1,85,050 million Chinese tourists, reflecting a 194% increase compared to 2023.
“Chinese tourism expenditure has recorded RM4.7 Billion for the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile the visa free policy for Chinese tourists has been extended to 2026.”, said Yeoh.
He also added that with the increased connectivity between Malaysia and China, the vision to reach five million tourist arrivals will be achieved by the end of 2024.,
Wong also extended his heartfelt gratitude to Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia, for his tremendous support.
“With the arrival of Shanghai Airlines, it offers the second connection between Shanghai and Penang following Juneyao Airlines earlier this year.
Other Chinese airlines flying directly to PIA are Juneyao Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
The arrival of Shanghai Airlines will further add to the number of Chinese tourists coming to enjoy their stays in Penang.
Shanghai Airlines will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using a narrow-body Boeing 738 aircraft.
There are now seven cities in China with direct flights to Penang, including Xiamen (Xiamen Airlines), Guangzhou (China Southern Airlines), Shenzhen (Shenzhen Airlines), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific and AirAsia), Shanghai (Juneyao Airlines and Shanghai Airlines), Haikou (Batik Air charter flights), and Chongqing (Firefly Airlines charter flights).
Shanghai Airlines is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines and has a fleet size of 85 aircrafts and flies to 80 destinations.
Among their planes are the inventory of A330-300, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 Max 8 and the Boeing 787-9 models.
