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Henry (centre) and other distinguished guests at the launching ceremony of the Kuching–Guangzhou route held at Centre Atrium, Vivacity Mall on March 17, 2026.Advertisement
By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, March 17: Sarawak enhances its global connectivity with the introduction of a direct Batik Air flight between Kuching International Airport (KCH) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), starting today.
The launch ceremony was held at the Centre Atrium of Vivacity Megamall today, officiated by Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who represented Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
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In his speech read by Henry, Lee said the new route reflects growing cooperation between Sarawak and China and will strengthen connectivity between the two regions.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Bao Hang International Sdn Bhd for its efforts in promoting and facilitating this scheduled chartered flight service between Kuching and Guangzhou. Their initiative and commitment have played a significant role in making this new air connection possible.
“The launch of this route represents more than just the introduction of a new flight service. It symbolises a growing bridge between our two regions, connecting people, strengthening friendships, and creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges,” he said.
He highlighted that Sarawak will continue to push for more direct global flights, adding that the new route could lead to regular scheduled services if demand remains strong.
“May this new air link serve as a bridge that brings our people closer together and opens a new chapter of cooperation between Sarawak and China,” he said.
The new route will operate twice weekly, with flights departing Kuching every Tuesday and Saturday, and returning from Guangzhou every Wednesday and Sunday.
Flight OD662 departs Kuching at 10.20pm and arrives in Guangzhou at 2.20am, while flight OD663 departs Guangzhou at 3.20am and arrives in Kuching at 7.20am. The aircraft is configured with 12 Business Class seats and 146 Economy Class seats, with the inaugural flight departing with a full load of 159 passengers.
Meanwhile, Henry welcomed the new service, describing it as timely as Sarawak continues to expand its international connectivity.
He said the direct flight is a positive development for tourism and business, as travellers no longer need to transit through Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu to reach Guangzhou.
“Sarawak is now well known internationally. Our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is widely recognised, and many people want to come and see Sarawak for themselves. When we have strong leadership, people develop respect and curiosity, and that is something we can continue to promote to the world,” he told reporters.
Also present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping; Bao Hang International chief executive officer Brandon Zhu; and Shenzen Wanyue Travel managing director Harvey Yi. — DayakDaily
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