by Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 9: Sarawak’s air connectivity with China received a significant boost today with the launch of Loong Air’s direct Shenzhen–Kuching service, operating every Tuesday under a Scheduled Chartered Flight arrangement.
The inaugural flight, GJ8055, touched down at 12.50pm carrying 85 passengers, while the return leg tonight has 171 passengers booked, an encouraging sign of early demand.
Ministry of Transport permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng said the new route will greatly ease travel by eliminating the need for passengers to transit through Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.
“This direct flight makes movement between Sarawak and China much more convenient. The strong passenger load on both flights shows encouraging demand,” he said during a press conference held after Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) launch of its inaugural direct flight to Shenzhen at Kuching International Airport today.
Building on this momentum, Wong revealed that Loong Air plans to introduce additional routes to Hangzhou and Guangzhou by March next year.
“These new links will support tourism, business and cultural exchange. We also hope more airlines will explore direct routes into Sarawak,” he added.
China’s Consul-General in Kuching, Xing Weiping, also welcomed the new service, describing the Shenzhen–Kuching route as a fresh bridge connecting both regions.
“Shenzhen is a major innovation hub, and this route brings our two cities closer. It will encourage more Chinese visitors to experience Sarawak’s culture and natural beauty,” he said.
Xing added that the direct service is expected to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and further boost tourist arrivals from China.
With weekly Tuesday flights now in place, the Shenzhen–Kuching connection marks another step forward in expanding Sarawak’s tourism prospects and supporting wider economic activity. — DayakDaily
