KUCHING – Sarawak marked a significant milestone in its aviation sector with the arrival of 9Air’s inaugural scheduled charter flight from Haikou, China, which landed at Kuching International Airport at 5.10am on Saturday.
The service, operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, is scheduled to run every four to five days, offering consistent connectivity between Hainan Island and Sarawak.
The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) welcomed the flight, describing it as a crucial step in enhancing direct air links with China.
The new route positions Kuching as 9Air’s second Malaysian destination after Kuala Lumpur, signalling the airline’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia.
Among the passengers on flight AQ1295 was Cai Xing, Assistant to the President and General Manager of 9Air’s Route Network Department, who joined the first group of travellers.
He was received by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who later held a brief engagement session at the airport.
During the discussion, Dato Sri Lee expressed appreciation for 9Air’s commitment to Sarawak and encouraged the airline to explore further expansion.
He highlighted the potential of direct flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, noting that both cities share strong economic and tourism ties with Sarawak. Strengthening these connections, he said, would boost trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
The Minister also proposed that 9Air consider launching services to Miri, emphasising its role as the Northern Gateway to Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei.
With a flight time of just over three hours from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Miri offers strategic advantages for regional connectivity.
Miri’s growth prospects were also underscored, with developments such as the planned Fudan University branch campus in Kenyalang Smart City and the upcoming Integrative Medical Research Institute expected to attract international students, researchers, and business travellers.
These projects are anticipated to stimulate academic collaboration and commercial activity, further justifying the need for expanded air services.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Zhou Pu, Contract Manager of 9Air; Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Ground Team Red; and Sio Yew Hua, Aviation Technical Advisor at MOTS.
Their presence reflected the collaborative effort between government agencies and industry stakeholders to strengthen Sarawak’s aviation landscape.
Sarawak has been actively pursuing greater air connectivity with China as part of its broader tourism and economic agenda.
Recent initiatives, including Batik Air’s expansion and the Sarawak Tourism Board’s outreach in Beijing, demonstrate the state’s determination to tap into China’s outbound travel market.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, the addition of new routes is expected to play a pivotal role in attracting more visitors to the region.
The Haikou–Kuching service not only enhances accessibility for tourists but also supports Sarawak’s ambition to position itself as a hub for education, healthcare, and investment.
Officials believe that sustained collaboration with airlines such as 9Air will help unlock new opportunities for the state’s aviation and tourism industries.
