Penang, 22 November 2024—Penang’s tourism sector received a significant boost last night with the arrival of Hong Kong Express Airways’ inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong. The milestone event was celebrated at Penang International Airport with cultural performances, symbolizing Malaysia’s rich heritage and the shared connections between Penang and Hong Kong.
The new daily service, operating under flight codes UO748 and UO749, is expected to strengthen ties between the destinations. The inaugural flight landed in Penang at 12:15 AM, having departed Hong Kong International Airport at 8:30 PM, and left for Hong Kong an hour later.
During a welcoming ceremony, Penang’s State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai, highlighted the importance of the route:
“This new connection is not only a milestone for Penang’s tourism development but also a vital link fostering closer ties between the people of both destinations. It will significantly reduce travel time and encourage cultural and economic exchanges.”
Hong Kong Express Airways now joins Cathay Pacific and AirAsia in connecting Penang and Hong Kong, offering more travel options. This development underscores Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as key tourism markets for Penang.
The inaugural flight carried over 100 passengers, including dragon boat athletes and media representatives, who were in Penang for the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024. Prominent teams from Hong Kong and China were among the passengers, reflecting the potential for cultural and sporting collaborations.
To welcome the new route, passengers were greeted with a traditional Malay Kompang performance and a lion dance, showcasing Penang’s vibrant cultural heritage. The celebrations also emphasized the shared appreciation for cultural traditions between Penang and Hong Kong.
Penang’s connectivity continues to grow, with 33 direct international routes currently in operation. The launch of Hong Kong Express Airways’ service, along with the upcoming Indigo Airlines route to Chennai in December, will expand Penang’s reach to 35 routes across 19 cities worldwide.
“We are thrilled to see Hong Kong Express Airways choosing Penang as its sole destination in Malaysia,” YB Wong said. “This partnership will open up new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and business development between our regions.”
Penang’s growing network and cultural richness, combined with its strategic location, are expected to attract more travellers from the GBA and beyond, cementing the city’s status as a key destination in Southeast Asia.
