The number of international flights landing at Penang International Airport continues to climb because according to The Malay Mail Online, a total of 2 airlines are introducing additional routes from Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City to Penang.
The airlines that are introducing the additional routes are Dragonair and AirAsia.
Dragonair, a member of the Cathay Pacific Group, is an award-winning airline that offers 10 flights between Penang and Hong Kong on weekly basis. It was recently named “Best Regional Airline” at the 26th Annual TTG Travel Awards Ceremony in Bangkok.
Now, the airline is adding 2 more flights to Penang and they will operate for a 4-month seasonal period from 30th November (Monday) onwards. In addition, the flights will be ran by Dragonair’s fleet of Airbuses with a business and economy class configuration.
Passengers are guaranteed to experience the airline’s improved seating and personal storage space, and a new in-flight entertainment system.
Regarding the additional flights, a Dragonair spokesman said:
The additional flights will offer customers more choices and flexibility when planning their travel.
In conjunction with the addition of the flights, Dragonair launched a promotion for travellers who are seeking for value airfares during this year-end holiday season. The promotion, which began from 30th October, includes flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Europe. The airfares begin from as low as RM590 and will last until 31st December.
As for AirAsia, direct flights from Penang to Vietnam capital, Ho Chi Minh City, will be introduced next month. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
In a press statement, AirAsia Berhad commercial head Spencer Lee said:
Penang is one of our important hubs and we recognise its great tourism potential.
As the world’s best low-cost airline for 7 consecutive years, AirAsia will also add direct flights from Langkawi to Guangzhou, the 3rd largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays starting from 24th January 2016.
Penang Tourism Malaysia director Harun Pilus said that the introduction of the additional routes by the 2 airlines are positive contributions to the tourism industry in Penang.
He said:
With easy access via direct flights to the island, foreign tourists will have the convenience of reaching their destination here without changing flights and avoid loss of time.
“More tourists arrivals will boost the state’s economy,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Malay Mail Online also reported that AirAsia has plans to raise the tourism bar for Langkawi as the AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar said that the airline was working closely with Langkawi Development Authority for the “Discover Kedah 2016″ campaign.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip because we will have a total of 8 long weekends in 2016 😉
Sources: The Malay Mail Online, Dragonair, Vietnam Breaking News.
