KUCHING, Dec 11: Malaysia hopes to explore the potential for optimising and improving flight connectivity with China through Hainan Airlines’ 11 subsidiaries, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said those potential areas include connecting flights, direct flights, and charter services to maximise both countries’ business and tourism exchanges.
“This is doubly important for us given the start of the visa-free policy between Malaysia and China and the upcoming 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our nations in 2024.
“These two milestones will undoubtedly lead to a surge in travel between both countries and demand for more flights.
“Therefore, it is important for all parties to work together closely to discuss matters such as flight frequencies, passenger and seating capacities, flight times, and the opening or addition of new routes.
“This includes the development of more direct flights between the first and second-tier cities in Malaysia and China,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong further said that in terms of marketing and promotion strategies, three agencies — Tianshiyuan Travel, Beijing Bao Sheng Air Service, and Beijing Little DragonFly Airline Service — have reached a long-term strategic partnership with AirAsia.
“The combined sales of AirAsia tickets by these three agencies account for 35 per cent of AirAsia’s global ticket sales and 70 per cent of AirAsia’s sales in China.
“Each month, they deposit an average of RM70 million into AirAsia’s pre-paid account,” he added.
In addition, he pointed out that the two sides also explored the potential for cooperation in promoting charter flights and Muslim-friendly tourism through JD.com’s vast platform.
Tiong has recently led a delegation to meet with representatives from Hainan Airlines Group and other travel agencies in Beijing on Dec 9. — DayakDaily
