HK Express Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia 

Collaborating to Expand Two-Way Tourism Between Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Penang, Promoting Cultural Economic Exchange

_{(From left) Yoganthiran Manikam, Director of Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong; Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express;  KK Ong, Chief Commercial Officer of HK Express; Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO For Tourism & Creative Economy; YB Joseph Ng Soon Siang, State Assemblyman for Air Itam & Director of Penang Global Tourism}

Hong Kong, 5 November 2025 – HK Express Airways (HK Express) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia, formally formalising a strategic partnership on 27 October 2025. The two parties will collaborate over two years in areas including market promotion, flight schedule optimisation, passenger experience, and industry cooperation, working together to drive tourism exchange and economic interaction between Hong Kong, neighbouring Greater Bay Area cities, and Penang, which will provide travellers with more convenient and diversified travel options.

According to the MoU, both parties will allocate a total of seven figures in HKD in promotional resources, with a focus on the following directions:
•    Joint Marketing: Launch multi-channel joint online and offline promotional campaigns to showcase the unique charm of Penang as a “UNESCO World Heritage City”, including George Town's architecture and street art, diverse cuisine, island nature, and creative and cultural festivals.
•     Flight Schedule Optimisation: Building upon the existing Hong Kong-Penang route, evaluate the addition of extra seasonal flights and increased capacity during peak seasons to further enhance air connectivity between Penang and major global cities, offering passengers a more convenient travel experience.
•   One-Stop Greater Bay Area Connectivity: Deepen the coverage of the “Intermodal Pass”, providing seamless sea-land-air connections for passengers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Macao, shortening total travel time and enhancing cross-border travel convenience.

HK Express increased the frequency of its Hong Kong-Penang route to two daily flights from October this year, offering greater flexibility for business travellers, holidaymakers, and travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Leveraging the Cathay Pacific Group’s global network, Penang will now be seamlessly connected to over 100 destinations, facilitating a two-way flow of passengers.

Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, said: “Since launching the Penang route in November 2024, demand has grown strongly and steadily, with an average load factor of around 80 percent. In the Winter 2025 season, we have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, offering real choice with 11:55 am daytime and 8 pm late-evening departures. This step-up is the result of HK Express’s network and schedule investment, together with the strong support and promotional drive of the Penang State Government and Penang Global Tourism. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen connectivity through Hong Kong to Penang and beyond, deepen joint promotions, and leverage our network to bring more visitors in both directions. To support this, we will both commit marketing investment to amplify our co‑marketing, digital content, and trade initiatives.”

YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO For Tourism & Creative Economy, said: “Penang is a city of dual UNESCO recognitions, and this partnership will bring more travellers to experience our UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Penang Hill. Through the expanded flights, visitors will have more opportunities to discover the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, nature and culture that makes Penang a shining gem on the regional tourism map. Our deepened partnership with HK Express is a key part of Penang’s strategy to expand our reach and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. This collaboration strengthens our market presence and ensures more travellers can discover the unique art, heritage, and lifestyle that Penang offers.”

Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism, said: “The launch of HK Express’ double daily flights between Hong Kong and Penang marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity between both destinations. This partnership not only enhances travel convenience but also opens up new opportunities for collaborative marketing, cultural exchange, and tourism growth. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area to experience Penang’s unique blend of heritage, gastronomy, and modern vibrant.”

HK Express aims to further leverage Hong Kong's dual advantages as an international aviation hub and the gateway to the Greater Bay Area. By combining Hong Kong's rich urban experiences with the diverse offerings of neighbouring cities, HK Express seeks to attract more Penang travellers for in-depth “Hong Kong + Greater Bay Area city” tourism. At the same time, HK Express will continue to expand its seamless sea-land-air “Intermodal Pass” service within the Greater Bay Area, providing one-stop services that include ticket purchasing, baggage check-in, flight connections, and travel insurance to optimise the overall travel experience. Looking ahead, HK Express and Penang Global Tourism will continue exploring opportunities for co-creating travel products and promoting the sustainable development of regional tourism.
 

*Additional flight services commence operation on 26 October 2025