Kota Kinabalu: Some 194 Chinese tourists arrived at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Saturday, marking the resumption of China Southern Airlines’ direct flights between Guangzhou and Kota Kinabalu post-pandemic. They took off from the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou at 4.10pm and arrived here at 7.10pm on flight CZ8335.
The Airbus A321neo was given a water cannon salute at the airport and welcomed by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew and Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who garlanded them with Sabah’s native bead necklaces. They also received “Orangutan” promotional bags filled with local products. Also present was STB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman. Liew told the visitors that Sabah offered a wide choice of holiday spots and activities. Some of you love the sea and beaches or intend to go snorkelling or diving.SPONSORED CONTENT Carlsberg Golf Classic 2023 Swings Back into Action: The Ultimate #NEXTGEN Golf Tournament Kuala Lumpur: – The Carlsberg Golf Classic (CGC) is back in June this year with the introduction of two digital golf legs to draw beginner golfers, who play off-course in indoor simulators, rebranding it as #NEXTGEN. Read more “We have Mount Kinabalu, iconic wildlife and a world-class diving paradise at Sipadan on the east coast of Sabah
“From Tanjung Aru Beach, you will be able to view one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Some of you may opt for adventure, eco tourism, golf or even wellness tourism. For cultural enthusiasts, you have the opportunity to experience Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.”
General Manager of China Southern Airlines (Kuala Lumpur Office) Eric Wang said with resumption of the Kota Kinabalu route, the airlines would be operating three routes in the near future between China and Malaysia with departure from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang to Guangzhou, totalling 31 flights per week.
According to Wang, China Southern Airlines, affected by the pandemic, previously operated flights between Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou once a week. “Following recovery from the pandemic, flights between China and Malaysia have gradually resumed, and China Southern Airlines’ Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou route will also resume operations to three flights per day starting from 15th May 2023.
“The resumption of direct flights will give an additional lift to business development, tourism growth and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia,” he said.
On future plans, Wang said China Southern Airlines would carry out deeper and cross-border cooperation with key businesses and tourism stakeholders in the two countries in seeking the common good to achieve a win-win result. “Our aim is to further strengthen our services to provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all the passengers travelling between China and Malaysia,” he added.
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