Flight MF8649 from Fuzhou to Kota Kinabalu was welcomed with a water salute ceremony at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) today.
KOTA KINABALU: Xiamen Airlines successfully resumed its Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route.
Some 174 passengers on the reinstated flight arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) here today, demonstrating the strong demand for this route.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this significant development will see three weekly flights, operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
She said the return of this route marks a pivotal moment for both tourism and business connectivity between Fuzhou and Kota Kinabalu, enhancing travel convenience and promoting greater cultural and economic exchanges between the two regions.
Liew (standing, eighth left) with the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu Dr. Huang Shifang (seventh left), STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit, STB officer, Xiamen Airlines representative and crew as well as the cultural group at the welcoming ceremony.
“Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and Xiamen Air have been working together on the revival of the Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route. This air route is vital in strengthening our tourism sector, providing an accessible gateway for Chinese tourists to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of Sabah. We anticipate a positive impact on local businesses and the economy,” said Liew.
With the additional route, Sabah now receives 55 weekly flights from eight cities in China, namely Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Hong Kong, Wuhan, and Fuzhou, she added.
According to Xiamen Airlines, with the resumption of Sabah Kota Kinabalu and Fuzhou, Xiamen Airlines will increase the number of flights between China and Malaysia to 38 per week, which will bring more convenience to the exchanges of economy, trade, tourism and culture between the two countries.
“The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the founding of Xiamen Airlines. Xiamen Airlines will always uphold the corporate mission of “Take more people to explore the world”, stay true to the original intention, treat customers sincerely, and continue to provide safe and high-quality services to meet the travel needs of people from both countries, fostering communication and serving as a bridge of friendship between China and Malaysia.”
STB thanked Xiamen Airlines for their continued partnership and dedication to enhancing travel connections.
