JOHOR BARU: China's Spring Airlines, with the cooperation of Malaysia Airlines, will start flying to Shenzhen from the Senai International Airport (LTAS) here starting Jan 13.

Johor Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee Chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the charter service on Mondays and Fridays will cater to the growing number of Chinese travellers to the city.

"The service to Shenzhen is introduced following positive response to AirAsia's Johor Baru-Guangzhou flights since May last year.

"The Shenzhen-Johor Baru service is the second flight linking Johor with China. Hence, we expect an increase in the number of Chinese visitors to Johor this year," Tee told reporters here today.

He said the flight leaves Shenzhen at 6.50pm and arrives in Johor Baru at 10.40pm, while the flight from Johor Baru departs at 11.40pm and arrives in Shenzhen at 3.50am the following day. (There is no time difference between Shenzhen and Johor Baru).

Meanwhile, Tee said AirAsia will start its Johor Baru-Jakarta flights on Jan 12, and fly thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The flight departs Jakarta at 8.50pm (Indonesian time) and arrives in Johor Baru at 11.40pm, while the flight from Johor Baru leaves at 7.30pm and arrives in Jakarta at 8.20pm (Indonesian time).

The new flights from Johor Baru to Shenzhen and Jakarta are timely, as both China and Indonesia are among the three major markets for Johor's tourism industry, Tee said, adding that they will also help boost Johor's economy and trade.

The state government, in collaboration with LTAS, strives towards developing Johor Baru as a significant southern peninsular aviation hub, as the airport currently operates 14 routes, comprising seven domestic and seven international flights, he added. -- BERNAMA

TAGS / KEYWORDS:
Shenzhen , LTAS , Jakarta

Source:
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/201112/jb-start-new-direct-flights-shenzhen-jakarta