Low cost carrier AirAsia flew two inaugural flights yesterday into Sarawak from Shenzhen to Kuching and Singapore to Bintulu.
The two new direct flights are part of AirAsia’s plans to boost the international connectivity into east Malaysia.
This is in line with the government efforts to improve the tourism industry and flight connections into the state.
Spencer Lee, head of commercial at AirAsia Berhad said: “We are honoured and humbled to welcome two new international flights into Sarawak today.
“AirAsia has always been committed towards expanding the markets in Sarawak and these direct flights reiterate our commitment to grow the connectivity in and out of the state.
“To date, we have flown about 4.8 million guests in and out of Sarawak which is 12.1% more from 2016 with China and Singapore in the top five nationality.
“We hope the introduction of these new routes will foster the number of visitors into Sarawak next year, and this is only made possible by the continuous support rendered by Sarawak’s state government and tourism authorities.”
AirAsia now flies to 12 destinations from Kuching with a total of 229 weekly flights one way.
In addition to Shenzhen, the airline also flies from Kuching to Singapore, Pontianak, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
AirAsia also flies to three destinations from Bintulu namely Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching with a total of 39 weekly flights one way.