Penang targets more direct flights to boost tourism

Penang is making a concerted effort to attract more tourists through improved air connectivity.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, announced the upcoming launch of four weekly direct flights from Shanghai to Penang by Juneyao Airlines, starting May 31st.

Penang to India direct flight on the horizon

Wong expressed confidence in establishing a direct flight connection between Penang and Chennai, India, by year-end.

This optimism stems from recent business delegations he led to four Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi – aimed at encouraging Indian airlines to consider direct Penang routes.

Wong also urged the Malaysian federal government to discuss a permanent visa exemption with China, upgrading the existing visa-free facility between the two nations.

“This breakthrough taps into the vast potential of outbound tourism markets in northern Chinese cities,” Wong said at a press conference.

“Enhanced air connectivity significantly increases traveler interest in exploring Penang.” He added, citing that “the new service will allow the tourism sector to grow sustainably.”

Juneyao Airlines takes flight

Starting May 31st, Juneyao Airlines will operate four weekly flights from Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG) to Penang (PEN). The five-and-a-half-hour flights will utilise 180-seat A320 aircraft.

Flight details are as follows:

• Flight HO1365 departs Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport (PVG) at 5:30 PM and arrives in Penang (PEN) at 11:00 PM.
• Flight HO1365 departs Penang (PEN) at 12:05 AM and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 5:25 AM (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).

The launch event also introduced Steven Andres Goh as Juneyao Airlines’ Penang-based general manager.

Penang’s focus on fostering new direct flight connections and advocating for visa exemptions signifies their commitment to revitalising the island’s tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Juneyao Air also announced the launch of direct flights between the Kunming and Kuala Lumpur, commencing on May 31st, 2024.

This new route coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

The announcement comes after both countries implemented a visa-free agreement in December 2023, allowing visa-free travel for citizens (15 days for Malaysians in China, 30 days for Chinese in Malaysia) until the end of November 2024.