PENANG, August 10, 2023 -- AirAsia celebrated its newly-resumed flight from Hong Kong to Penang today with a grand welcome. The route, operated with a thrice weekly frequency, marks a significant milestone for AirAsia making it the only low-cost carrier offering this direct air connection between the two vibrant cities.
(L-R) Mr Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism, En Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director, International Promotion, Tourism Malaysia, YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Caretaker Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, Dato’ Abdul Aziz Bakar, Non-Executive Director of Capital A, Mdm. Ding Qiao, Vice Consul General Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Penang
The welcoming ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the Caretaker Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism, Mr Ooi Chok Yan, and Non-Executive Director of Capital A, Dato’ Abdul Aziz Bakar, further highlighting the importance of this new connectivity for both leisure and business opportunities.
Flight AK2280 departed from Hong Kong International Airport and arrived at Penang International Airport at 2.55pm with an impressive load of 96 percent, of which elated guests were greeted with a warm reception. Guests on board the flight were welcomed with a water cannon salute and were treated to exclusive AirAsia merchandise.
The famous ‘Pearl of the Orient’ renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and delectable cuisine has long been a popular destination for both leisure and business travellers. With the introduction of this new route, AirAsia aims to enhance connectivity between Hong Kong and Penang, making it more seamless for travellers to explore the beauty and charm of this picturesque island.
In brief
AirAsia marked the resumption of its Hong Kong–Penang service with a welcome event at Penang International Airport. The company says the connection is its seventh direct international route from Penang and that it is the only low-cost carrier offering the direct link. Flight AK2280 arrived from Hong Kong International Airport with a reported load of 96 percent. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said the route adds to the airline’s network from Penang, which the release identifies as its third-largest hub in Malaysia. Promotional one-way fares were announced for travel between the cities, with separate booking and travel periods. AirAsia says it operates more than 99 weekly flights on seven direct international routes to and from Penang.
Key takeaways
- AirAsia marked the resumption of its direct Hong Kong–Penang service.
- The airline described the connection as its seventh direct international route from Penang.
- Flight AK2280 arrived at Penang International Airport with a reported 96 percent load.
- Promotional one-way fares were offered for travel between Hong Kong and Penang.
YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) said: “I heartily commend AirAsia for its continuous efforts in evolving their network to and from Penang to allow for more seamless travel. This new route connecting Penang and Hong Kong will undoubtedly serve to strengthen tourism ties and promote cultural exchange, further boosting economic development for both cities. I look forward to seeing the benefits this new route reaps not only for Penangites but for fellow travellers in North Asia.”
Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: "We are thrilled to officially operate our seventh direct international route from Penang, the Hong Kong-Penang route which is a significant addition to our ever-expanding network in Penang, our third-largest hub in Malaysia. As the only low-cost carrier offering this direct connection, we aim to make travel more accessible and affordable for our guests flying between these two dynamic cities. My humblest gratitude goes out to the Penang State Government and Penang Global Tourism for their steadfast support in promoting Penang as a must-visit destination.”
To celebrate the launch of this new route, AirAsia is offering an amazing promotional fare for flights between the two cities. From now till 13 August 2023, grab your all-in one way fares from Penang to Hong Kong from only RM279*with a travel period from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. Guests wishing to connect to Penang from Hong Kong may snap up AirAsia’s flash deal promo of just HKD538* for an all-in-one-way fare from 11 to 13 August 2023, for travel between 21 August 2023 and 31 March 2024. Travellers can take advantage of these special fares to experience the best of both destinations for a steal.
AirAsia currently flies seven direct international routes to/from Penang with over 99 flights weekly from the island to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
*All-in fares inclusive of taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and airport charges. Other terms and conditions apply.
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Questions around this news
Which other international destinations does the airline serve directly from Penang?
The release lists Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan and Singapore, in addition to Hong Kong. It also says the airline operated more than 99 flights weekly from the island across its seven direct international routes at the time of publication.
What is a low-cost carrier?
A low-cost carrier is an airline that generally aims to keep base fares relatively low, often by offering fewer services within the ticket price. Passengers may be able to pay separately for optional extras, such as checked baggage or seat selection. Business models and included services differ among airlines.
What does an all-in fare usually include?
An all-in fare is presented as a total price that includes specified mandatory charges, rather than only the basic ticket price. What is covered can vary, so travellers should check the fare conditions for items such as taxes, airport charges, fees and optional services that may still cost extra.
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