KUCHING, March 31, 2024 -- 
AirAsia celebrates the resumption of services between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu today, highlighting the airline’s strong commitment to the East Malaysia market.
The airline, together with Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak welcomed flight AK5432 from Penang to Kuching with more than 80 per cent load, signifying a promising potential for future growth between these routes. The aircraft was also greeted with a celebratory water salute upon its arrival.
Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “We are proud to strengthen our connectivity within Malaysia and at the same time boost our East Malaysian hubs. As a homegrown airline, this route resumption reflects our commitment to expanding connectivity in Malaysia. By reintroducing this route, we aim to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Penang and East Malaysia while further supporting economic growth and tourism development in the country. We look forward to welcoming more guests on board as we continue to expand our domestic network in the future.”
At a glance
- Company
- AirAsia
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Kuching, Malaysia
Key figures
- Load factor on flight AK5432 from Penang to Kuching
- more than 80 per cent
People
- Bo LingamGroup CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group
- Nurul Ain Mohammed YunusDirector of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak
Products and programs
Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus said: “This service resumption marks a significant milestone in fostering tourism between Penang and Sarawak. By bolstering connectivity between these routes, we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak's tourism growth. Leveraging on the diverse travellers from Penang, we aim to showcase Sarawak's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique experiences. This renewed connectivity opens up exciting opportunities to attract more visitors and further enhance Sarawak's position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia.”
Flight schedule from Kuching (KCH) to Penang (PEN):
Flight schedule from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Penang (PEN):
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Questions around this news
Which air connections did the release say were resuming?
The release announced the return of services connecting Penang with Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. It describes the routes as strengthening links between Penang and East Malaysia. Although the release includes headings for schedules from Kuching and Kota Kinabalu to Penang, it does not provide flight times or days of operation.
What happened when the Penang-to-Kuching flight arrived?
Flight AK5432 was welcomed in Kuching by the airline and Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak’s director. The release reports that the flight had a load of more than 80 per cent and says the aircraft received a ceremonial water salute on arrival.
How does the release describe the routes’ potential effect on tourism?
Tourism Malaysia Sarawak’s director said the renewed connection could help encourage travel from Penang to Sarawak. She highlighted the state’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and distinctive visitor experiences, and said improved connectivity could support tourism growth and Sarawak’s standing as a destination in Malaysia.
What does an airline load factor measure?
Load factor is a measure of how much of an airline’s available passenger-seat capacity is occupied over a specified flight or period. It is commonly expressed as a percentage. A higher load factor indicates that a larger share of the seats offered was filled, but it does not by itself show whether a flight was profitable.
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