The direct air route between Qingdao and Penang in Malaysia, operated by Qingdao Airlines, will launch on March 31, with three weekly flights. The announcement came on March 22 during a cooperation conference.

With this new route, Qingdao becomes the first city in northern China to offer non-stop flights to Penang, Malaysia — creating an "aerial golden bridge" for high-level, mutually beneficial cooperation in culture, tourism, industry, and sister-city relations.

Malaysia ranks as Qingdao's third-largest source of inbound tourists and a key economic partner. Malaysian companies have invested $290 million in 170 projects in Qingdao, while trade between Qingdao and Malaysia reached 47 billion yuan ($6.81 billion) last year.

The new direct flight aims to boost business collaborations in high-end manufacturing, marine economy, biomedicine, and the digital economy, while enhancing two-way tourism and cultural exchanges.

Officials from both sides see it as a catalyst for stronger ties in education, sports, and youth engagement, with potential for future sister-city relations.

At the event, presentations highlighted tourism and investment opportunities, along with the signing of multiple cooperation agreements across commerce, culture, and education sectors. This new route marks a notable step toward deeper integration and shared prosperity between the two cities.

Penang's nightscape sparkles under the starry sky. [Photo/WeChat account: Qingdao Airlines]