HK Express has successfully launched its newest route connecting Hong Kong with Penang International Airport (PEN).
The inaugural flight departed Thursday 21 November, marking a return to the Malaysian market. This vibrant destination offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western influences. It showcases Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and modern developments.
A Focus on Southeast Asia
“Our role as Hong Kong’s exclusive low-cost carrier comes with a clear mission – providing affordable travel options that make Asia’s dynamic cities accessible to everyone,” explained HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao.
“Penang, like much of Southeast Asia, offers excellent value for money. Our competitive fares mean travelers can spend more on enjoying local experiences and cuisine, truly embracing our ‘Live More’ philosophy. This approach has consistently resonated with our passengers, who appreciate the balance of affordability and quality service.”
Discussing the company’s regional strategy, Mao highlighted their focus on Southeast Asia. “This year alone, we’ve introduced four new destinations. Penang, Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, Clark in the Philippines, and soon, Phu Quoc in Vietnam.”
“With a quarter of our passengers coming from the Greater Bay Area, and considering this year’s 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations plus recent visa exemption agreements, we expect increased travel from mainland Chinese visitors to Penang.”
“This new route enhances both travel options and cultural connections between regions, fostering stronger ties between communities.”
Complementing Cathay Pacific Service
The new HK Express night flights complement Cathay Pacific‘s existing daily Penang service, creating a comprehensive travel schedule that caters to diverse passenger needs.
This strategic scheduling allows smooth connections for passengers traveling through Hong Kong to over 80 worldwide destinations within the Cathay Group network, establishing Hong Kong as a key transit hub for Southeast Asian travel.
The Charm of Penang
Penang’s appeal lies in its unique blend of history, food culture, and scenic beauty, supported by its significant Chinese community. The UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town particularly attracts cultural enthusiasts and food lovers from around the globe.
Visitors feel welcome thanks to locals’ multilingual abilities, including proficiency in Malay, English, Mandarin, and various Southern Chinese dialects including Cantonese. This makes it an especially attractive destination for Chinese-speaking travelers.
The route’s launch coincides with the prestigious Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta. Approximately 100 Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland team members traveled on the inaugural flight to compete this weekend.
This timing highlights the strong cultural bonds between Hong Kong and Penang, while demonstrating HK Express’s commitment to supporting cultural exchange events.
About HK Express
HK Express maintains IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration and stands among the world’s safest and most punctual airlines.
Recent achievements include ranking third globally and first in Asia for on-time performance among low-cost carriers. The carrier also received the prestigious 7-star safety rating from airlineratings.com. This is the highest possible recognition from this respected global airline review platform.
The airline continues to expand its route network while maintaining its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
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