Starlux Airlines, Taiwan’s newest airline, has chosen Penang as one of its three direct destinations for its first flight which will initiate on January 23. The state was proud to mark the beginning of ‘Experience Penang Year 2020’ with a new direct international flight by a new airline operating in Taiwan.

State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee (PETACH) chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said: “The airline is confident in Penang’s tourism outlook and resources, and therefore chose Penang as one as one of the cities where they will begin with,”.

“The opening of new direct flights will benefit the industry and in turn create employment opportunities and generate revenue. Starlux has also employed locals here to facilitate arrangements for the flight commencement”.

“The new direct flight will not only boost tourism in the state but also businesses between Penang and Taiwan. Just two months ago, Shenzhen Airlines commenced their direct flight from Shenzhen to Penang and we are working to keep up the momentum.”

Yeoh added that they were expecting the approval of the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia for the landing permit by this week.Taiwan, he said, remains one of the top three destinations for Penangites with no less than 130,000 of them going there annually.

Hsu Chien-wen, Starlux Airlines Malaysia Branch general manager, who was at the press conference, said after conducting market survey, they found great potential in Penang.

Hsu said “We hope to work together with YB Yeoh, PETACH and Penang Global Tourism to boost tourism and investment opportunities. We will be offering affordable prices,”.