Batik Air has launched a new weekly flight route connecting Kunming, China, and Penang, Malaysia, in a strategic move to boost tourism between the two countries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tap into the growing tourism market of China’s second-tier cities.
The new route, operated by Batik Air’s charter service, utilizes a Boeing 737-8 aircraft with a capacity of 189 passengers. The flight, which commenced on September 24, provides a direct and convenient connection between Kunming and Penang, facilitating travel for tourists from China to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions.
YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, welcomed the passengers on board the inaugural flight OD667 at Penang International Airport. He expressed enthusiasm for the new route, highlighting its potential to attract more Chinese tourists.
“The Kunming-Penang route provides an exciting opportunity for Chinese tourists to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions. From the breathtaking views of Penang Hill and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Melaka and Malaysia’s delectable cuisine, there is something for everyone,” Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin said.
The introduction of this route is also bolstered by the recent implementation of visa-free entry for Chinese travelers, effective from December 1, 2023, until December 31, 2026. This policy has significantly spurred inquiries and bookings to Malaysia from China. As of June 2024, Malaysia has welcomed 1,449,711 arrivals from China, representing a remarkable growth of 190.8% compared to the same period in 2023.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships with domestic and international airlines to drive further growth in the tourism sector. This new route is expected to play a crucial role in attracting more visitors from China and contributing to the overall growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.
The flight schedule is set to operate once a week, with the initial flight departing from Penang International Airport at 10:20 pm and arriving at Kunming Changshui International Airport approximately 3 hours later. The return flight takes off from Kunming at 3:28 am the next day, carrying passengers back to Penang.
Batik Air, previously known as Malindo Air, is a full-service carrier from Malaysia that operates flights to numerous destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including China, India, Japan, Thailand, and Australia. The airline has been working closely with Kunming Changshui International Airport to increase passenger flights between Yunnan and Malaysia, with plans to open regular flights between Kunming and other Malaysian destinations such as Johor Bahru, Sabah, and Kuching in the near future.
The provincial authorities in Yunnan believe that the opening of new air routes will enhance Kunming’s status as a regional aviation hub, strengthening economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges with ASEAN countries.
Sources:
- https://www.tourism.gov.my/news/trade/view/malaysia-welcomes-batik-air-s-charter-flight-from-kunming-to-penang-boosting-tourism-from-china
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/batik-air-takes-flight-new-kunming-penang-route-soars-to-connect-china-and-malaysia/
- https://www.traveldailynews.asia/aviation/batik-air-launches-kunming-penang-route-to-boost-malaysia-tourism/
