The new route marks third international route from Kuching as AirAsia expands its East Malaysia hub

AirAsia, the world's best low cost airline for nine consecutive years is set to connect Kuching, Malaysia to Shenzhen, China with daily direct flights starting 26 December 2017.

The new route marks third international route from Kuching and the third new route launched from Kuching International Airport this year; besides Pontianak and Langkawi as AirAsia continues to expand its East Malaysia hub.

Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial AirAsia Berhadsaid, "We are thrilled to connect Kuching to Shenzhen and increase the international connectivity to East Malaysia. Sarawak is ranked among the most popular investment destinations in Malaysia for Chinese companies and with the largest investment on steel and renewable energy for the state coming from China, we believe the new route will strengthen and open up other possible opportunities for international trade, foreign direct investments (FDIs), e-commerce and more thus empowering the state's economy further.

"Moreover, the new route, which brings us a step closer to establish Kuching as a regional hub, is in line with the government's effort to improve the tourism sector and flight connectivity in Sarawak. Hence, we would like to express our gratitude to the Sarawak State Leadership, Chief Minister of Sarawak, and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak for their endless support and cooperation. We are committed to continue growing this hub further and put Sarawak on the map as one of the top destinations, and bring in more visitors to Sarawak on top of the 2.6 million guests we have flown to the state so far this year."

To celebrate the announcement, AirAsia is offering promotional all-in-fares from RM88* one way from Kuching to Shenzhen when you book from now to 5 November 2017 on airasia.com and AirAsia's mobile app for iPhone and Android devices, for travel period between 26 December 2017 and 25 March 2018. AirAsia BIG Members will also earn 100 BIG Points when they purchase the Travel Insurance online.

AirAsia now flies to 12 destinations from Kuching with a total of 229 weekly flights one way. In addition to Shenzhen, the airline also flies from Kuching to Singapore, Pontianak, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. In addition, as part of its commitment for the China market, AirAsia has increased the frequency from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming to 14 times weekly starting 19 December 2017, and from Langkawi to Shenzhen to four times weekly starting 23 December 2017.

Sited across the mainland Chinese border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a modern city with vibrant economy and sprawling landscapes. One of the richest and most populous cities in China, the city features spectacular attractions such as Overseas Chinese Town; Dafen Oil Painting Village; Xianhu Botanical Garden; Splendid China Folk Village, theme parks and many more. A visit to Shenzhen is not complete without trying the local cuisines such as Shajing town oyster; Gongming roasted goose; Nan'ao abalone; Xixiang Jiwei shrimp and other delicacies. Visitors can also expect a frenzied shopping experience at Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu Commercial City, Hua Qiang Bei electronics centre, as well as Nanshan, Renmin Nan and Shen Nan Zhong districts which are well-known for great bargains.

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*Promotional all-in-fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes and fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Flight Schedule for Kuching, Malaysia (KCH) - Shenzhen, China (SZX):