Penang International Airport, 29 October 2024– AirAsia has officially launched a new direct flight route connecting Shenzhen and Penang, marking a significant expansion in Penang’s international aviation network. At an inaugural ceremony at Penang International Airport, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), celebrated the new route as a bridge for cultural and economic exchange between the two regions.
The first AirAsia flight, AK1691, departed Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 3:40 AM and arrived in Penang at 8:53 AM. The return flight, AK1690, is scheduled to leave Penang at 10:45 PM and reach Shenzhen by 2:35 AM the next day. This route will operate four times weekly, providing direct flights between the cities on specific days.
“AirAsia’s commitment to expanding routes has made them a pillar of Penang’s aviation network,” said Wong. “AirAsia now accounts for nearly one-third of all flights to and from Penang, with 208 weekly flights connecting the state to five major Malaysian cities and seven key international destinations.” This network enhancement contributes significantly to Penang’s status as an international tourism and business hub.
The addition of the Shenzhen route taps into a large potential market, given Shenzhen’s population of 17.79 million and its position in China’s economically dynamic Greater Bay Area. “The Greater Bay Area, with its 86 million residents and 14 trillion yuan contribution to China’s GDP, is fertile ground for Penang’s tourism industry,” Wong added. The region’s advanced transportation infrastructure, including recent expansions such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Channel, complements this new connectivity.
Shenzhen and Penang, both globally recognized technology and tourism hubs, are anticipated to benefit from this route through increased tourism, business opportunities, and economic collaboration. Penang’s position as a major electronics exporter and Shenzhen’s reputation as China’s “Silicon Valley” lay the foundation for mutual economic growth and deeper partnerships.
Penang’s appeal, with its heritage sites, culinary diversity, and scenic beauty, is expected to attract a steady flow of visitors from Shenzhen and beyond. This direct route embodies the growing ties between Penang and the Greater Bay Area, fostering tourism and business collaboration while enhancing connectivity across Asia.
