GEORGE TOWN (Sept 24): Penang is exploring the opening of more direct air routes to cities in northern China to expand the state’s connectivity and diversify its tourism market.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Qingdao is currently the only city in northern China with a direct flight connection to Penang, making the expansion of connectivity to the region one of the state’s priorities.

“At present, direct connectivity between Penang and cities in northern China remains relatively limited. Therefore, Penang aims to broaden its coverage of the China tourism market and extend its aviation network to more cities in northern China,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Wong said the matter was among the issues discussed when he led Penang Global Tourism in engaging with representatives of several China-based airlines in Malaysia during a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering in Kuala Lumpur recently.

He said the engagement was not only aimed at gaining an early understanding of passenger loads and market trends for direct flights to Penang during China’s upcoming extended holiday period, but also served as a platform for short- and medium-term planning to expand air connectivity.

“The gathering provided an important platform for the Penang state government to convey to the China aviation industry its strong interest and intention to further explore routes to northern China,” he added.

Wong said Penang currently has direct flights to several major cities in China, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Qingdao, as well as Hong Kong.

He said Hainan Airlines would launch its inaugural direct Haikou-Penang route on Oct 11.

Wong said the engagement with China airlines also sought to consolidate existing routes and ensure stable flight operations, while exploring opportunities with airlines that do not currently operate direct flights to Penang.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee