More Chinese tourists with AirAsia's KK-Wuhan flight

KOTA KINABALU: More tourist arrivals from China are expected with the launching of direct daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Wuhan.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia on Friday started its inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to China's central Wuhan province at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

Some 120 passengers from Kota Kinabalu were sent off by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun on the maiden four-hour flight to Wuhan at 7pm.

With promotional all-in fares from as low as RM249 one way, Air Asia said that they are already seeing "strong forward booking" of up to 70% till March this year.

Air Asia head of commercial operations Spencer Lee said they were confident that Chinese tourist arrivals to Sabah will continue to grow after the commencement of the route. This would strengthen social and cultural ties between both regions, he said.

“Sabahans can now enjoy the best of Wuhan with a direct flight and low fares” he said adding that the return flight on Saturday was almost a fully booked with 180 passengers.

“Our latest route from Kota Kinabalu to Wuhan is part of our initiative and commitment towards developing Sabah as a gateway for tourists from China to East Malaysia,” added Lee.

Masidi told reporters that AirAsia's maiden flight to Wuhan meant that there were some 61 flights between KK and China every week served by airlines such as Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines as well as AirAsia.

"Last year, AirAsia flew 3.8 million passengers to and from Sabah - the highest number by a single airline and contributing greatly to the state's economy," he said.

"I believe the future between China and Sabah lies in tourism. I call on the government, private sector, airlines and tour agencies to join hands and work hard in ensuring the success of the state's tourist industry," he added.