PENANG, 1ST AUGUST 2024 – Passengers on board flight FM877 arriving at Penang International Airport from Shanghai were welcomed by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia along with representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and representative from Shanghai Airlines. The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute upon its arrival at Penang International Airport, symbolizing the strong ties between the two destinations. Shanghai Airlines is an airline headquartered in Shanghai and wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. Shanghai Airlines currently flies to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu seven times a week. This new service, which will connect Shanghai and Penang, will run three times a week using a Boeing 738 aircraft that can accommodate 168 passengers. This new connection is poised to significantly enhance tourist traffic and strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and China offering more convenient travel options for tourists and fostering closer relationship between the two nations. The
expansion of routes from China is a result of YB Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing’s efforts during his official working visit to China which has yielded positive outcomes.
Since the implementation of the visa-free policy for Chinese travellers on 1 December 2023, Malaysia has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals. As of May 2024,the country has welcomed 1,185,050 visitors from China, reflecting an astounding 194% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which recorded 403,121 arrivals.
The introduction of this new route presents an excellent opportunity to attract more tourists from various cities across China. MOTAC remains dedicated to forming strategic partnerships and collaborations with international airlines to boost promotional efforts and stimulate travel demands.
