Penang welcomes Shanghai Airline's first direct flight

Penang welcomed on Thursday (Aug 1) the inaugural direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, operated by Shanghai Airlines, which marks another significant milestone in Penang's efforts to penetrate the international tourism market. The flight, which landed at 7.11am at the Penang International Airport here, is also the second direct flight route between Shanghai and Penang after the inaugural flight of Juneyao Airlines on May 31. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the launch of this direct flight not only builds another bridge of friendship between the people of Shanghai and Penang but also injects new vitality into the economic and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia. "The new direct flight opens up Penang to the vast market of East China. Residents and businesses in Shanghai and neighbouring provinces can now take advantage of China's advanced high-speed rail and comprehensive domestic flight network to connect seamlessly to Penang via Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This new route is poised to ignite renewed interest in Penang among East China tourists, revitalising our tourism industry and with a surge in visitors from East China, we anticipate substantial growth opportunities for Penang's tourism sector,” he said in a statement.<br/>