KUALA LUMPUR, China Eastern Airlines has launched its first direct flight from Yantai, Shandong, to Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, marking a significant enhancement in connectivity between Malaysia and China.

In a Facebook post, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing highlighted that the launch of this route represents a new milestone in Malaysia-China bilateral relations and will contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

‘During a marketing mission to China in January, I had the opportunity to dine and exchange ideas with Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of the China Eastern Airlines Group.

‘He responded positively and indicated that the airline is exploring the feasibility of opening additional direct flights from Chinese cities to Malaysia, with hopes for friendly cooperation from our agencies to ensure the smooth launch of these routes,’ he said.

Tiong also said that during his visit to China Eastern Airlines Group’s headquarters in Shanghai on May 30, he learned about the air
line’s plans to open several new routes in the second half of the year, including the newly launched route from Yantai.

‘China Eastern is now the only airline offering direct flights from Yantai to Kuala Lumpur, marking a historic achievement,’ he said.

Tiong also urged Tourism Malaysia to capitalise on this new connectivity by increasing promotional activities and developing more tourism-related products to attract Chinese tourists.

He stressed that these efforts are essential for revitalizing Malaysia’s tourism market and stimulating economic growth.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry in a statement had said China Eastern Airlines’ new route connecting Yantai and Kuala Lumpur is set to operate twice a week using an Airbus A320, which accommodates 152 passengers.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency