GEORGE TOWN: Penang today welcomed Hong Kong Express’ (HK Express) inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong, marking a milestone in the state’s tourism development.
The flight departed from the Hong Kong International Airport at 8.30 pm yesterday and arrived at the Penang International Airport at 12.15 am local time.
The return flight departed Penang at 1.15 am and arrived in Hong Kong at 5.05 am local time.
HK Express becomes the third airline to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Penang, following Cathay Pacific and AirAsia’s earlier direct services.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that the expansion of the route represents another significant step in enhancing Penang’s international aviation network.
It also strengthens air connectivity between the two destinations, offering increased flexibility and convenience to residents, travellers and business professionals.
“The launch of this route 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 between Hong Kong and Penang, providing greater convenience for residents of both regions.
“I am confident that this route will attract an increasing number of travellers from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to experience Penang’s warm hospitality,” he said in a statement today.
Citing statistics from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Wong noted that Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million.
Meanwhile, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) spans 56,000 square kilometres, with a population of 86 million and a gross domestic product exceeding 14 trillion renminbi, contributing around 11 per cent to China’s total economic output.
Thus, the addition of this route alongside Cathay Pacific and AirAsia’s existing services underscores the vast potential of Hong Kong and the GBA as key tourism markets for Penang.
“Notably, Hong Kong Express’ inaugural flight carried over 100 dragon boat athletes, airline representatives and accompanying media, heading to Penang for the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024.
“This includes prominent teams such as the Dignified Dragons Team, China’s Dongguan Shui Nan Starway Team, the Hong Kong China Team, Hong Kong’s Amazing One Team, and the Amazing Grace Team. This flight exemplifies the dynamic opportunities for collaboration through sports and cultural exchanges,” Wong added.
He further said that Penang is looking forward to building stronger partnerships with HK Express to drive economic and cultural development in the region, creating more opportunities for people to experience the charm and uniqueness of both Penang and Hong Kong.
Currently, Penang offers 33 international direct flight routes operated by various airlines, connecting 18 cities worldwide, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Taipei.
“With the launch of Hong Kong Express’ direct flight and the upcoming Indigo Airlines’ direct route to Chennai on December 21, Penang’s connectivity will expand to 35 routes covering 19 cities,” he said. – Bernama
