The maiden flight of Thai Lion Air was given the traditional water salute welcome at the Penang International Airport (PIA) yesterday evening.
On hand to welcome guests was Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Shahrul Aman along with Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan who represented State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai.
Flight no SL 132 departed Don Mueang at 12.10pm and arrived at PIA at 3pm. The return journey by SL133 from Penang to Bangkok was at 4pm.
A traditional welcome and goodie bags awaited the 127 passengers on board the Boeing 737-800.
Meanwhile, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai welcomed news of the direct flight as another added avenue to boost tourism and the economy of Penang.
“This flight makes a total of 18 airlines flying to Penang”, said Wong.
Other airlines connecting Penang to international destinations are flydubai, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, MAS, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Citilink. Sriwijaya Air and Scoot to name a few.
Meanwhile, Shanghai based Juneyao Air will also connect Penang with effect May 31, 2024.
