PENANG is set to benefit greatly from several initiatives by the aviation and tourism industries.
The strategic partnership between Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Qatar Airways recently could potentially connect Penang with many global destinations.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail, who is also the Malaysia Airlines Berhad CEO, said the partnership with Qatar Airways would enable MAG to grow its network.
“The connectivity to Penang is very promising. Malaysia Airlines flies to 1,100 destinations globally with its partners. With our partnership with Qatar Airways, it will allow us to tap the North African market and the southern Europe market. And to a certain extent of up to 10 connecting points out of North America,” he said.
A statement announcing the strategic partnership was issued yesterday (Feb 23).
It was reported that: “Malaysia Airlines’ passengers will enjoy seamless connectivity to popular destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas with Qatar Airways’ extensive network via the Hamad International Airport in Doha. While Qatar Airways passengers will gain better access to the wider domestic Malaysian market and key destinations in Asia, such as Penang, Langkawi and Medan (Indonesia) operated by Malaysia Airlines via its hub Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).”
Captain Izham said MAG was also very excited to relaunch the Firefly jets connecting Penang and Kota Kinabalu, Penang-Kuching and Penang-Johor Baru, this April 11.
“Penang has a huge potential and that is why we are setting up the base in Penang for our Firefly jets.
“We envision that the fleet will grow. We will start operating with three aircrafts this year.
“We aimed at growing the Firefly fleet to more than 10 aircrafts, based in Penang, by quarter three or four next year (2023).
“We are very excited as Penang is one of our focus hubs,” he told a media conference in Komtar today.
Captain Izham said MAG hoped that the Malaysia and Singapore Governments would accelerate the respective approvals for the Malaysia-Singapore Vaccinated Travel Lane by air (VTL-Air) programme for Penang.
The media conference in Komtar was held to announce the strategic partnership agreement between MAG and the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held in Komtar to mark the strategic partnership.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said PCEB has acquired 28 hybrid conferences for the year 2022, as well as 11 for the year 2023.
“PCEB has formed a strategic partnership with MAG, which would play a critical role in enhancing the support value of Business Events Penang.
“MAG will join PCEB at all trade fairs and roadshows that the bureau visits as part of this strategic collaboration, giving the national airline a stronger brand presence,” he said.
Ashwin emphasised the significance of the ‘BElong in Penang’ campaign, which aimed at instilling hope and excitement in the Penang Business Events industry.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin lauded PCEB for its efforts in expanding strategic relationship with MAG.
“Over the years, PCEB and Business Events players in Penang have been able to leverage Malaysia Airlines’ extensive network to position and promote the state as the preferred Business Events destination in the region.
“Penang will continue to explore the possibility of launching more direct flights with international airlines to boost and elevate Penang’s connectivity, allowing the state to be seamlessly integrated with other parts of the world.
“We hope to grow the Penang International Airport (PIA) into a regional passenger and cargo hub.
“I sincerely hope that MAG will always choose Penang as their priority destination when it plans for new direct flight or any route,” Yeoh said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang government understood the importance of collaboration to bring the industries together and assist one another to progress.
“I am happy that PCEB has been developing its collaborative relationships with our Southeast Asian and Asian peers to increase brand recognition,” he said.
Chow said that the state had hosted 156 events with a total of 19,283 attendees and funded nine Business Events in 2020, despite the suspension of international travel and restrictions on Business Events.
“They resulted in an Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) of RM38.853 million.
“This demonstrates that in addition to being a key destination for international and domestic investors, Penang is also a favourable tourism and Business Events destination.
“Thanks to Malaysia Airlines as a key partner, Penang is able to provide value-added services to Business Events organisers, particularly in terms of special flight prices.
“I am glad that PCEB is in negotiations with Malaysia Airlines about charter flights for specific occasions. This bodes well for both Penang and Malaysia Airlines, when we go in for bids.
“Penang Business Events industry partners will be able to use Malaysia Airlines’ broad network to position and market Penang as the ideal Business Events hub as a result of this relationship,” Chow said.
Chow said: “I have credence that Malaysia Airlines will add more direct connections to Penang and establish the state as the country’s second international hub.”
“We hope that when additional flights to Penang are launched, destination management businesses, travel brokers, hotels, and other private sectors will be pleased. We anticipate an increase in events, participants, and room nights,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad