PENANG continues to expand its international aviation network and tourism reach with the strengthening of charter flight connectivity between Penang and Kunming, marking another milestone in the state’s growing ties with China.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the “Penang–Kunming Charter Flight and Tourism Product Promotion” event brought together a wide spectrum of tourism and aviation industry players from both destinations, highlighting the importance of collaboration in strengthening travel flows.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome all tourism industry players who attend today’s Penang–Kunming Charter Flight and Tourism Product Promotion. Please allow me to extend my warmest welcome and sincere appreciation for your presence,” he said in an event held at the JEN Hotel in George Town today.
Wong noted the strong participation from local travel agents, inbound and outbound tour operators, as well as representatives from Batik Air and industry partners from Kunming, China.
He added that the presence of tourism operators from Perak, Kedah and even Medan, Indonesia, underscored Penang’s role as a key aviation hub in the northern region.
“This clearly reflects Penang’s position as a key aviation hub for Northern Malaysia, and indeed a gateway extending into Northern Sumatra. This status is well deserved and firmly established,” he said.
Currently, Penang is connected directly to eight cities in China, namely Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Qingdao and Chongqing — demonstrating the steady growth of the state’s aviation network with China.
Wong said the Penang–Kunming charter service, operated by Batik Air and managed by Sichuan Haiyou Tourism, has shown encouraging progress since its launch on Oct 27, 2025.
“The route began with one flight weekly but has already increased to three flights per week since March 4, 2026, due to strong market response and growing demand. This positive development is indeed most encouraging,” he said.
The Kunming–Penang flight (OD667) currently operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Kunming at 3am and arriving in Penang at 6.30am. Meanwhile, the Penang–Kunming flight (OD666) operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Penang at 10.40pm and arriving in Kunming at 2 am the next day.
Wong emphasised that charter flights play a critical role in strengthening the tourism and aviation value chain.
“Charter flights are not merely a supplement to aviation capacity, but an important mechanism for market cultivation and route incubation. They serve as a practical testing ground to assess route viability and market response,” he said.
He added that charter flights offer flexibility to match seasonal demand and are often the stepping stone towards scheduled direct flights.
“Through such trial operations, we can better understand passenger profiles and consumption preferences, thereby laying a solid foundation for sustainable and commercially viable scheduled routes,” he said.
Beyond tourism and aviation, Wong highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Penang and Kunming, recalling the contributions of Nanyang volunteer drivers and mechanics during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
“The bond between our two places has long transcended time and space, rooted in a shared historical memory,” he said, noting that the legacy is commemorated through memorial monuments in both Kunming and Air Itam, Penang.
“As time passes and years unfold, Penang and Kunming are once again closely connected through charter direct flights. I believe that people-to-people exchanges, tourism flows, and commercial cooperation between our two regions will continue to grow, further deepening our ties and writing a new chapter of shared prosperity in this new era,” he added.
Also present were Batik Air head of sales and commercial Arasu Soundarajan, Batik Air (China) sales manager Anthony Ang, Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association Penang chapter chairman Andy Chuah, and MCTA Penang chapter advisor Datuk Simon Saw.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis