Flight HO1365 prepares for its flight to Penang at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. [Photo/Publicity Department of Pudong New Area]

On May 31, Juneyao Airlines launched a direct flight route from Shanghai to Penang marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The new HO1365 flight took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 5:45 pm and touched down in Penang at 11 pm local time.

This is the first direct flight from Shanghai to this northwestern Malaysian state. The operation of this route not only expands Juneyao Airlines' network layout, but also contributes to the ongoing recovery of the tourism sector between China and Southeast Asia.

Utilizing an Airbus A320neo, this flight route, which currently will initially operate four flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It is set to increase to a daily flight starting from June 21. The return flight, HO1366 from Penang to Shanghai, is scheduled to depart at 00:05 am and arrive at 05:25 am.

Malaysia has recently implemented streamlined measures for Chinese citizens entering the country, allowing visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days by completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) application online. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced in May that it has extended the visa-free policy for 12 countries, including Malaysia, until Dec 31, 2025. Malaysian citizens who hold a regular passport and wish to enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days do not need to apply for a visa.

Juneyao Airlines will operate an average of nearly 100 round-trip flights per week in Southeast Asia during summer and fall of 2024, including 60 flights to Thailand, 21 to Singapore and seven to Bali in Indonesia, according to the company.

Source: Publicity Department of Pudong New Area