GEORGE TOWN, Nov 18: Penang has received its first charter flight from Haikou early this morning, marking it the first destination in Penang for China’s low-cost carrier 9 Air.
The airplane arrived at 5.32 am, at the Penang International Airport, which was accompanied by the traditional water salute, which is a ceremonial salute only those special flights will received.
In the airplane, the guests were welcomed to a cake-cutting event with team members from Penang Global Tourism, specifically Yoon Pauline, along with the airplane crew.
The flight left Penang and arrived at Haikou at 6.35 and arrived in Haikou Meilan International Airport at 10am, establishing the flight service.
The State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said: “The Haikou-Penang charter service opens new connectivity possibilities, and I believe that this will open travel and the economically partnerships between the two cities.”
Wong elaborated that it is important for Penang to be accessible and noted that 9 Air’s to Penang was recently announced after the flight services from Haikou to Kuching in East Malaysia. Furthermore, Malaysia is becoming a more attractive destination for air travel and tourism.
“This new connection enhances Penang’s international accessibility and supports ongoing efforts to boost tourist arrivals from China,” he said.
The new link is anticipated to open more opportunities for tourism, business travel, and bilateral exchanges between Penang and Hainan as the region gears up for stronger travel demand in the coming year.
