KUCHING: AirAsia has resumed direct flights between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu beginning today.
The first flight from Penang to Kuching, operating as flight AK5432 with 160 passengers on board, touched down at the Kuching International Airport at 3.40pm.
On hand to accord them a special welcome are Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus and AirAsia head of Sarawak Affairs Hamdan Mohamad.
The service was axed a year ago on March 1 due to shortage of aircraft.
It was reported that half of AirAsia's aircraft were scheduled for maintenance.
The carrier will continue with its once daily frequency with the flight from Kuching to Penang departing at 11.50am and the Penang to Kuching flight departing 2.15pm.
The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Penang will depart at 8am with the returning aircraft departing Penang at 11.05am.
Nurul Ain said the resumption of the direct flights should be significant to the tourism industry in Penang and Sarawak.
"Each state has its own uniqueness and appeal. They will foster the two states tourism industry," she said.
Nurul Ain said in a statement that by bolstering the air connectivity of these states, "we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak's tourism growth."
"Leveraging 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," she said.
AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam said the airline is proud to strengthen its connectivity within Malaysia and at the same time boost its Sabah and Sarawak 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 Sabah and Sarawak while further supporting economic growth and tourism development in the country," he said.