By V. Sivaji
China’s Spring Airlines made its inaugural flight from Shanghai/Pudong to Penang International Airport (PIA) earlier this afternoon.
The arrival of the airline to Penang adds to the growing number of Chinese Airline companies connecting China and Penang and timely for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 too.
Present to welcome the flight was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Tourism Malaysia Deputy Chairman Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, Ms Yu Jiali, General Manager of Southeast Asia, Spring Airlines and their team members.
The all white body with green tail tip aircraft bearing flight no 9C 7259 carried nearly a full capacity of 174 passengers, landed at 2.22pm at the Penang International Airport.
In his welcome Wong said that it gives him great pleasure to welcome the inaugural arrival of Spring Airlines’ direct flight from Shanghai to Penang.
“This development not only reflects Spring Airlines’ forward-looking and well-defined strategic planning, but also underscores the airline’s strong confidence in the Penang market. At the same time, it clearly demonstrates Penang’s growing appeal in the China tourism market, with rising momentum, sustained demand, and strong growth potential moving in tandem.
“The direct flight between Shanghai and Penang will be operated by Spring Airlines on a daily basis. On behalf of the Penang State Government and the people of Penang, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere appreciation to Spring Airlines. Thank you for your confidence in the Penang market and for your commitment to strengthening connectivity and exchanges between our two destinations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yeoh also welcomed Spring Airlines to Penang adding that the new route will elevate tourism between China and Malaysia.
“Malaysia is one of the preferred destinations for Chinese tourists and this new route will add to the overall tourism landscape of Malaysia.
“Throughout 2025, Malaysia recorded a total of 42 million international visitor arrivals, reflecting a 11.2 per cent sustained growth compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, China contributed 4.7 million visitors during this period, reaffirming its position as Malaysia’s second-largest source market. This strong performance underscores Malaysia’s enduring appeal among Chinese travellers, ” he said.
VIP guests joined hands to perform the cake cutting ceremony to mark the inaugural flight.
Spring Airlines has an inventory of an all Airbus fleet of 135 aircrafts mostly of the A320 and A321 models.
Also present was Penang MOTEC Director Dr Annuar Mohamed, Dato Khoo Boo Lim MAH National VP, Dato Tony Goh, MAH Penang Chairman, Ooi Chok Yan CEO, Penang Global Tourism, Andy Lau, MyBha Penang Chairman, Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad Walid, Head of Operations Penang International Airport among other tourism stakeholders.
