PENANG has further strengthened connectivity and tourism ties with Hong Kong following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and HK Express.
The MoU aims to position Penang as a preferred destination for Hong Kong travellers, supported by the introduction of double daily flights between the two cities.
It was signed by PGT’s chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan , while HK Express was represented by its chief commercial officer, KK Ong. The MoU signing was witnessed by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and HK Express chief executive officer Jeanette Mao.
During the ceremony on Oct 27 at HK Express’ headquarters in Hong Kong, Wong said the MoU marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Penang-Hong Kong exchanges. HK Express is the low-cost carrier under the Cathay Group.
“This collaboration is among the state government’s latest initiatives to strengthen ties with Hong Kong through diversified partnerships and international promotion, laying a solid foundation for Visit Malaysia Year.
“The MoU is not only a symbol of mutual trust, but also a shared commitment. It will further strengthen the strategic partnership between Penang and HK Express, enabling us to jointly expand markets, share resources, and seize new opportunities.
“Through the strong route network of HK Express, Penang will be better connected to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, and other key source markets, welcoming more travellers to experience our cultural heritage, historical character, and artistic lifestyle.
“We hope this connectivity will not only boost visitor arrivals but also foster cultural exchange and creative collaboration, further positioning Penang as a standout destination on the regional tourism map,” said Wong.
Also present during the MoU signing ceremony were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng,Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong director M.Yoganthiran and PGT senior marketing manager Pauline Wong.
In addition, while in Hong Kong, Wong, along with the other members of the Penang delegation, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
The discussions focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in cultural tourism, event promotion, and sustainable travel development.
HK Express’ inaugural flight to Malaysia was launched on Nov 23 last year, with Penang as its first and only destination. The airline now also operates flights from Subang to Hong Kong.
Apart from that, Wong also said that in June this year, he led a Penang delegation to Hong Kong and witnessed HK Express’ announcement to increase the Hong Kong-Penang route to twice-daily flights.
“That commitment has now been fulfilled, as since Oct 26, the twice-daily flights have brought Penang and Hong Kong closer, strengthening ties and fostering greater cooperation,” Wong said.
Wong highlighted that Penang and Hong Kong share a long-standing and meaningful relationship.
“Both destinations are celebrated for their openness, cultural diversity, and creative energy. We share common languages and a similar urban rhythm, and our inclusive, innovative spirit continues to strengthen cultural and economic exchanges between us.
“It is also worth noting that when HK Express operated its inaugural flight to Penang last year, it carried over a hundred Hong Kong dragon boat athletes travelling to compete in the 2024 Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta.
“That symbolic journey not only marked the official launch of the route but also used sports as a bridge to deepen cultural and tourism exchanges between our two regions,” he added.
Meanwhile, HK Express CEO Mao said the airline’s vision is clear, to grow more and grow better, in other words, to expand its reach while continually elevating its standards.
“Penang stands as a strong testament to this strategy in action. Since launching the Penang route in November 2024, demand has steadily grown, with an average passenger occupancy around 80 percent.
“For the Winter 2025 season, we have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, providing travellers with flexible options which is 11am daytime departures and 8pm late-evening flights.
“This is ideal for maximising time on the ground or planning quick, value-driven trips, including overnight ‘red-eye’ itineraries.
“We have enhanced the in-flight experience with locally inspired cuisine,upgraded website and booking flow, expanded insurance coverage, and partnerships with popular product brands like Joguman, as well as celebrity personal brands such as Cristiano Ronaldo further boost our brand reach,” she said.
Mao also stressed that this expansion is the result of HK Express’ strategic network and schedule investments, together with strong support and promotional efforts from the state government and PGT.
“Alongside growth, we are committed to quality. Safety remains our top priority, and we take pride in recognition from leading international aviation rating and data organisations, our modern fleet, and our warm, professional crew.
“Both HK Express and PGT have collaborated closely to grow demand between the GBA and Penang, and there is more to tap in the 80-million-strong GBA market.
“HK Express and PGT have partnered to strengthen demand between the GBA and Penang, with ample opportunities remaining in the 80-million-strong GBA market.
“On our flights over the past year, more than one-third of our passengers originated from the GBA, and we have enhanced connectivity accordingly.
“In the coming year, we plan to extend our collaboration beyond Hong Kong and the GBA, attracting more travelers from Northeast Asia and Mainland China to Penang, while offering seamless one-stop connectivity for passengers traveling from Penang to Mainland China and Northeast Asia via Hong Kong,” she added.
At the same time, Ooi said the MoU will help connect HK Express with local tourism operators through PGT, fostering closer cooperation.
Ooi highlighted some of this year’s branding and marketing initiatives by PGT in collaboration with the airline, including media tours to Penang and promoting the island’s unique charm to a wider audience through TVB’s ‘Miss Hong Kong’ and ViuTV’s ‘The Battle of the Rubber’.
Speaking about passenger numbers, Ong noted that since the launch of the Hong Kong-Penang direct flight route on Nov 21 2024, the airline has carried over 100,000 passengers as of Oct 26 this year.
With the introduction of two daily flights, passenger occupancy is expected to rise significantly. He also shared that Hong Kong Express’ existing route network already covers many destinations across Northeast Asia.
“Looking ahead, through cooperation with PGT, the route will be expanded to additional second-tier cities in the GBA, including Dongguan, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen, attracting local tourists to Southeast Asia and creating broader market opportunities for both parties,” Ong added.
At present, the direct flights from Penang to Hong Kong are UO749 (from 12.50am to 4.35am) and UO787 (from 4.30pm to 8.15pm); the direct flights from Hong Kong to Penang are UO746 (11.55am to 3.45pm) and UO748 (8.20pm to 12.05am).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian