KUCHING: Sarawak marked a milestone in air connectivity with the arrival of 9Air’s inaugural Haikou-Kuching scheduled charter flight at Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 5:10 am today.
Among the passengers on board the flight, AQ1295 was Cai Xing, assistant to the president of 9Air and general manager of the Route Network Department.
Minister for Transport Sarawak, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, personally welcomed the passengers.
Lee expressed optimism over Sarawak’s growing appeal to Chinese airlines and the potential economic benefits of enhanced connectivity.
“We are delighted to see 9Air expand its services to Sarawak. Direct connections to major Chinese cities will enhance business, investment and people-to-people ties,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential for direct flights to Miri, noting the city’s strategic advantages.
“Miri is strategically positioned as the Northern Gateway to Sarawak and Brunei.
“With upcoming developments like the proposed Shangai Fudan University branch and the Integrative Medical Research Institute, it presents promising opportunities for both academic and business travel,” he said.
Lee recalled prior discussions with 9Air’s parent company, Shanghai Juneyao Group, underscoring the airline’s phased approach.
“Last year, we explored the potential for direct charter flights to build market confidence before launching full scheduled services.
“Today, that strategy is taking shape with the Haikou-Kuching route,” he said.
He added that the trend of increasing Chinese charter flights demonstrates Sarawak’s growing attractiveness as a tourism and investment destination.
Following the Minister’s remarks, Cai Xing shared insights into 9Air’s operations and network strategy, emphasising the importance of the new Haikou-Kuching route.
“Our Haikou-Kuching flights will allow us to assess market demand and operational feasibility, paving the way for potential scheduled routes from Guangzhou and Shenzhen,” he explained.
He further underscored the airline’s broader expansion plans in Malaysia.
“We are committed to strengthening connectivity across Southeast Asia, with plans to launch the Haikou-Penang route on Nov 18,” Cai said.
The Haikou-Kuching service operates on a bi-weekly rotating schedule, departing Haikou on Tuesdays and Saturdays one week and Thursdays the next, with return flights arriving on the same morning.
With this addition, Kuching becomes 9Air’s second Malaysian destination after Kuala Lumpur, underscoring the airline’s expanding presence in Southeast Asia.
