KOTA KINABALU: Sabah now receives 83 weekly flights from nine cities in China.
Out of those, 62 flights are operated by AirAsia, connecting Sabah to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuhan, Beijing, Fuzhou, and now Ningbo.
Sabah Tourism Board also announced the launch of AirAsia's inaugural flight from Ningbo to Kota Kinabalu which saw 179 passengers arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport here last night.
This new route will operate three times a week, every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with a capacity of 186 seats per flight, providing 558 seats per week, further enhancing the connectivity between Sabah and China.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this new route will not only strengthens the tourism industry but also foster greater cultural and economic ties between the state and other countries in these regions.
"We have seen significant growth from China, with 167,371 arrivals recorded up to May this year.
"We expect this increased connectivity to significantly boost tourist arrivals, benefit local businesses, and promote cultural exchange.
"This new connectivity aligns with Sabah Tourism Board's strategic plans to enhance the region's appeal and accessibility as a top travel destination," she said in a statement.
Present to welcome the passengers from Ningbo include Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, together with Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and AirAsia Malaysia managing director Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra.