KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air has added two new destinations to its route network, offering travellers connections to Beijing and Changsha.
The new routes, commencing in March 2025, reaffirm the airline's commitment to expanding its network, strengthening ties between Malaysia and China, and providing greater connectivity alongside opportunities for tourism and trade.
The inaugural flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport will take off on March 21 next year, operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Friday's and Sundays.
Flights to Changsha Huanghua International Airport will start on March 22, with services running four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy highlights the strategic importance of the new routes.
Beijing and Changsha are key destinations that reflect the airline's vision of connecting people, cultures, and opportunities across Asia, he said.
"These new routes reaffirm our commitment to providing greater connectivity and more travel options, while enhancing tourism and trade between Malaysia and China.
"As tourism between the two countries continues to thrive, the significance of these new connections becomes even more evident," he said in a statement.
Batik Air said Beijing, with its perfect harmony of ancient heritage and modern innovation, stands as a must visit destination.
Changsha, the dynamic capital of Hunan Province, captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy.
The two new destinations will become Batik Air's 7th and 8th routes in China, joining the airline's existing services to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Haikou, Kunming, Zhangjiajie and Zhengzhou.
In 2023, Malaysia welcomed over 1.47 million Chinese visitors, and in 2024, the number has grown to 2.82 million since January 2024 to date, marking a percentage increase of 92.5 per cent, solidifying China's position as the third-largest source of international arrivals.
The visitors made a significant contribution of over RM8.83 billion to Malaysia's economy last year.