PENANG today welcomed Shanghai Airlines’ inaugural flight on the first day of August, signifying the strong ties between Malaysia and China.
In a water salute ceremonial upon arrival of flight FM887 at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 7.11am, the passengers were warmly welcomed by Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Representatives from the Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and Shanghai Airlines lined up to welcome the passengers.
In a brief press conference following the ceremony, Wong told reporters that this flight marks the second direct route between Shanghai and Penang.
“After the maiden flight of Juneyao Airlines from Shanghai to Penang on May 31 this year, Shanghai Airlines is the next airline that is headquartered in eastern China to continue the initiative.
“This is not only a significant advancement for the Shanghai-Penang air network, but it is a win-win cooperation between the two cities.
“This flight will continue to deepen interactions between the people of Penang and Shanghai, serving as a significant catalyst for the economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions,” he said.
Wong also expressed his gratitude to the Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for extensive efforts to introduce more direct international flights to Penang.
In the coming months, Wong said more such flights would be arriving in Penang.
“We expect more charter flights from China, Hong Kong, and India to come to Penang,” he said.
Currently, 31 direct flights are operated by various airlines flying to Penang, according to Wong.
“This shows the significant value Penang has to offer as one of the famous places of interest in the world,” he said, adding the aircraft connecting Shanghai to Penang would fly three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, Yeoh said Shanghai Airlines is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines.
“As of May this year, the country has welcomed 1,185,050 visitors from China, reflecting an astounding 194% increase compared to the same period last year. We target five million visitors from China by the end of this year,” he said.
Yeoh highlighted the importance of flight frequency to boost tourism in the state, adding the flight from Shanghai to Penang, using Boeing 738 can accommodate 168 passengers.
Also present to welcome the flight were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh, and other tourism industry players.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En