*GEORGE TOWN, June 1- In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, Penang has inaugurated a direct flight from Shanghai, operated by Juneyao Airlines.
The inaugural flight landed last night at 10:54 pm, marking the airline’s first venture into Malaysia and enhancing Penang’s connectivity with major international cities.
Penang Executive Councillor Wong Hon Wai highlighted that this new route is the third international direct flight introduced to Penang this year, following Flydubai’s launch of a Dubai-Penang route in February and Thai Lion Air’s Bangkok-Penang route in April.
Additionally, he said Shenzhen Airlines is set to commence direct flights from Shenzhen to Penang on July 27.
“The Shanghai-Penang route will significantly bolster Penang’s tourism industry.
“Tourists from eastern China, including cities like Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Nanjing, can now conveniently travel to Penang via Shanghai, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, and enhancing Penang’s international reputation,” he said in his speech.
The direct flight from Shanghai to Penang will operate four times a week initially, with plans to increase to daily flights starting June 22, 2024.
Currently, Penang International Airport offers direct flights to 15 international cities, with Shenzhen becoming the 16th in July. Domestically, Penang is connected to eight Malaysian destinations.
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