Second Chinese airline resumes flight to KK

Water salute: High pressured water streams being sprayed on the tarmac to welcome Shanghai Airlines as the plane arrives with 159 passengers on board.

KOTA KINABALU: Shanghai Airlines has become the second Chinese carrier to resume direct flights into Kota Kinabalu after China Southern Airlines in April.

On Sunday, Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai welcomed the 159 passengers on board the flight here.

“The collaboration between Sabah and China-based airlines marks a significant step in fostering stronger international relations and opens up new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchanges.

“Sabah looks forward to the positive impact of these direct flight connections in promoting tourism, trade and cultural understanding between the two regions,” Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said in a statement yesterday.

Shanghai Airlines will operate daily flights between Shanghai and here, he added.

In April, China Southern Airlines resumed its direct flights between Guangzhou and Kota Kinabalu.

Following the arrival of Shanghai Airlines, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, along with a high-level delegation from the ministry, boarded the aircraft to Shanghai for an official working visit.

The trip until July 9 will cover Shanghai, Xian and Beijing.

Liew will lead important meetings with Chinese government officials and airline representatives to discuss tourism-related matters and explore opportunities for collaboration.