TRAVELLERS can now travel to and from Shenzhen, China, via Shenzhen Airlines – the fifth largest airline in China.
The airline has opened its new route to Penang, offering a four-time weekly flight on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Shenzhen Airlines Customer Management Centre director Zhang Yu said the direct flights between Shenzhen and Penang would significantly promote business and tourism exchanges between the two parties.
“Shenzhen Airlines has about 220 aircrafts, operating nearly 300 routes and transporting nearly 80,000 passengers per day.
“I remembered that the route from Shenzhen to Kuala Lumpur is the first international route of Shenzhen Airlines, hence, there is a deep connection between Malaysia and Shenzhen Airlines.
“The new route from Shenzhen to Penang is important for us to widen our market in Malaysia,” he said in speech after attending the reception to mark Shenzhen Airlines’ inaugural flight to Penang today.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said he was beyond thrilled when he received the great news pertaining to the direct flights.
“I visited Shenzhen Airlines in February this year to discuss and facilitate direct flights from Shenzhen to Penang. My office had also followed up on the matter.
“With the aim of capitalising on the direct flights, I have met with the Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to exchange strategic ideas to boost the tourism market of Penang and Shenzhen,” Yeoh said in his speech at the Penang International Airport.
Chinese consul-general to Penang Lu Shiwei congratulated the airline for its success.
“Travellers have been looking forward to the direct flights from Shenzhen to Penang and vice versa,” he said.
A total of 153 passengers took the inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Penang today.
The airplane which landed at 5.27pm was welcomed with a water salute to mark the special event.
Also present were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association national president Datuk Albert Tan, Malaysia Airports airline marketing senior manager Zainuddin Mohamed and Pos Aviation line station head Danny Ng.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix Ahmad Adil Muhamad