PENANG has inked a deal with China's Juneyao Airlines to fly at least four times per week from Shanghai to the international airport in Bayan Lepas from May 31.
With Shanghai becoming the 16th international destination to have direct air links to Penang, the state executive councillor in charge of tourism expects a huge increase in tourist arrivals from China.
Wong Hon Wai said that Penang can now not only tap China's tourists but also the vast network of businesses, trade and education opportunities available in Shanghai.
"It is also the first time that Penang is tapping the northern part of China that is growing in tandem with its status as the second biggest global economy.
It is believed that Penang now has the most number of air links in the country after the national gateway - Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang.
Wong said that previously Penang had engaged China through its southern cities such as Xiamen and Guangzhou and the deal with Juneyao Airlines to Shanghai, is an auspicious one for Penang.
He said this recently at the launching ceremony by Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Juneyao Airline revenue management division representative David Wang and its Penang-based general manager Steven Andres Goh.
A regional airliner from China, operating out of Shanghai's two international airports in Hongqiao and Pudong airports, Juneyao Airlines used to ferry 70 million passengers annually before the Covid-19 pandemic and now it is up to about 20 million.
It is slowly re - re-establishing its air network and plans to promote Penang's niche in manufacturing and services including tourism in Shanghai, said Goh.
Besides the 16 international routes, the airport in Penang also has air connections to eight domestic destinations.
Wong is now eying the Indian aviation market with plans to establish direct flights to Chennai by year-end.
Besides Shanghai, Penang is also linked through various airliners with Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, and Haikou.
Wong also wants industrialists and educators to tap the international destinations to which Penang has links. - The Vibes, March 21, 2024.
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