Shanghai now accessible from Kota Kinabalu via AirAsia

KOTA KINABALU: In conjunction with the auspicious Lunar New Year, AirAsia celebrated its inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai with a 100 per cent passenger load, continuing to soar high in the prosperous Year of the Dragon.

The inaugural flight AK1516 departed from Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 9:30pm on Feb 20 and landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2am on the next day.

On the return flight, the airline also welcomed the inaugural flight AK1517 from Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu with more than 90 per cent load.

The aircraft, carrying Sabah Tourism Board (STB) CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, was greeted on arrival here with a celebratory water salute.

“We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia’s inaugural flight from Shanghai today. It is heartening to know that this is the eleventh international route that the airline operates to Sabah with three flights weekly.

“We truly appreciate AirAsia’s efforts in continuously boosting tourism opportunities in the state, especially from the fastgrowing Chinese market,” said state Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew.

She said as the airline with the most routes flying in and out of Sabah, AirAsia has been instrumental in providing affordable travel for all and providing a welcome boost to our economy with many spin-off effects including job creation.

“STB saw an incredible increase of 1,119% in tourist arrivals from China between 2022 and 2023.

“The continuous commitment by AirAsia to launch new routes and grow its services delivers significant tourism and economic opportunities between Malaysia and China.”

Meanwhile, AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said as China’s largest foreign low-cost carrier, the airline recognises the route’s immense potential.

“It comes at a perfect time, coinciding with a surge in tourism during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, and following the ongoing visa-free initiative between both nations.

“Our services to China are continuing to grow in line with strong demand. This additional new route serves as a significant opportunity for us to support the Malaysian government’s ambition of attracting five million tourists from China.”

Operated by AirAsia Malaysia, Shanghai is the sixth destination in mainland China accessible from Kota Kinabalu, following Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Wuhan.