Penang Global Tourism (PGT) has cemented a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong-based carrier HK Express, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to significantly enhance air connectivity and tourism exchange between Penang, Hong Kong, and key Asian markets. The agreement, which was formally signed on October 27, 2025, at the HK Express headquarters in Hong Kong, is a significant step toward establishing Penang as a major travel hub.
This cooperative endeavor follows HK Express’s notable expansion on the Hong Kong (HKG)–Penang (PEN) route. Less than a year after its November 2024 launch, the airline formally launched its second daily flight on the route on October 26, 2025. With the route already boasting an impressive average load factor of roughly 80%, this doubling of flight frequency highlights the strong and expanding demand for travel between the two regions.
Direct bilateral cooperation is not the only goal of the MoU. It makes strategic use of HK Express’s wide network to connect Penang to high-growth travel destinations such as Taiwan, Japan, Mainland China, and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). A greater number of foreign visitors are anticipated to arrive in Penang as a result of this improved connectivity, especially from Mainland China, which has emerged as Malaysia’s second-largest source of foreign visitors since visa restrictions were loosened.
YB Wong Hon Wai, the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, spoke at the signing ceremony and praised the partnership as the beginning of a “new journey” to fortify cultural and economic ties. He also noted that the partnership is in line with Penang’s strategic vision for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. This change reflects HK Express’s larger dedication to the Malaysian market, which has experienced rapid growth in 2025. This includes the August 2025 start of daily flights from Hong Kong to Subang (SZB) and the November 27, 2025, start of a planned daily service from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. By providing Malaysians with improved, seamless connectivity throughout North Asia, these expanded services further solidify Hong Kong’s position as a crucial aviation hub.
Penang’s reputation as a top cultural, historical, and artistic destination will be enhanced by the collaboration between PGT and HK Express, guaranteeing steady growth for Malaysia’s tourism industry.
