Shanghai Airlines Expands Reach with New Malaysia Route, Boosting Tourism Ties
In a significant development for air travel and tourism between China and Malaysia, Shanghai Airlines has launched a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur with the Jilin and Shanxi provinces of China. This exciting new connection not only enhances travel convenience for tourists but also strengthens the burgeoning tourism ties between the two nations. The inaugural flight, FM813, touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday, December 16, 2024, carrying 150 passengers from Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, with a convenient stopover in Yuncheng, Shanxi province.
The arrival of flight FM813 was met with enthusiasm by officials from various organizations, including Tourism Malaysia, represented by Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Mr. Lee Thai Hung; Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB); and Shanghai Airlines. This collaboration underscores the mutual commitment to fostering stronger tourism partnerships between China and Malaysia.
This new route, operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizes a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The increased accessibility it provides for travelers from Jilin and Shanxi provinces is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from these regions. Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd, is already a key player in the China-Malaysia air travel market, offering daily flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, as well as thrice-weekly services to Penang. The addition of this new route solidifies its position as a major contributor to the growth of tourism in Malaysia.
The impact of increased air connectivity is already being felt. By October 2024, Malaysia saw a remarkable 139% surge in arrivals from China, with 2,822,247 visitors compared to 1,180,980 during the same period in 2023. These figures highlight the strong demand for travel between the two countries and the positive impact of initiatives like the new Shanghai Airlines route.
Malaysia’s ambitious tourism goals for 2024 further underscore the significance of this development. The country aims to attract 27.3 million international tourists and generate RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue. This new air link, coupled with strategic marketing efforts, is poised to play a vital role in achieving these targets. The increased convenience and accessibility provided by the new route will attract a wider range of travelers, from leisure tourists to business professionals, further stimulating economic growth in both countries.
The launch of this new route comes at a time when both China and Malaysia are prioritizing tourism as a key driver of economic growth. This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving shared tourism goals and strengthening diplomatic relations. The positive impact on both economies, through increased tourism revenue and job creation, is expected to be substantial, paving the way for even closer ties between China and Malaysia in the years to come. With the continuous expansion of air connectivity and targeted marketing strategies, the future looks bright for the tourism sectors of both nations.
The strategic importance of this new air route cannot be overstated. It’s a testament to the growing economic and cultural ties between China and Malaysia, and represents a positive step towards increased cooperation and mutual understanding.
