KUCHING: A flight from Guangzhou arrived in Kuching this morning carrying about 145 passengers, marking another positive step in strengthening Sarawak’s international connectivity.
Deputy Minister for Transportation Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the inaugural flight, which took around three hours and 45 minutes, reflects growing demand for routes between China and Sarawak.
He also said a return flight from Kuching to Guangzhou had departed the night before, which was launched at Vivacity Megamall on Tuesday (Mar 17).
He said this at a press conference at Kuching International Airport (KIA), representing Minister for Transportation Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, for the official launch of the Guangzhou–Kuching service operated by Batik Air Malaysia.
“Direct connectivity is a key advantage in attracting visitors and investors, noting that more international travellers are showing interest in Sarawak.
“We are working very hard to bring in more international routes from nearby regions within three to six hours’ travel time.
“It is all thanks to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, tourism agencies and industry players for their continuous efforts in promoting the state and securing new routes.”
Henry described this development as very promising for Sarawak’s tourism and economic growth.
“I believe many people are eager to come and see what Kuching has to offer. With this development, we must welcome travellers as it will definitely boost our economy.
“This new service provides greater convenience for tourists to explore Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Lee said the new route will greatly benefit business travellers by providing more convenient and seamless access, while opening up wider economic and investment opportunities between both regions.
“This air link will strengthen tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between Sarawak and China, while reinforcing Kuching’s role as an emerging international aviation gateway.
“This initiative represents an important first step towards establishing regular scheduled flights between Kuching and Guangzhou in the future,” he added.
The Kuching–Guangzhou service, operated by Batik Air Malaysia, will run twice weekly on a year-round basis.
Flights will depart from Kuching every Tuesday and Saturday at 10.20pm (Flight OD662), arriving in Guangzhou at 2.20am the following day.
Return flights from Guangzhou will operate every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.20am (Flight OD663), arriving in Kuching at 7.20am.
“The Sarawak government will continue to support and encourage the development of more international connections linking Sarawak with key global destinations, particularly major markets such as China.
“This improved connectivity will play a key role in driving tourism growth, facilitating trade and investment, and strengthening bilateral cooperation,” said Lee.
