KUALA LUMPUR – Jiangxi Air has officially launched its inaugural direct flight service between Nanchang and Kuala Lumpur in a move aimed at deepening tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and China, marking a historic milestone for both the airline and Malaysia’s aviation landscape.
Touching down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Flight RY6607 became the first-ever direct commercial link between Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, and Malaysia’s capital city. The warm arrival ceremony celebrated not just a new air route but a promising new chapter in cross-border collaboration.
Jointly established by Xiamen Air and the Jiangxi Provincial Government, Jiangxi Air’s decision to choose Kuala Lumpur as its first-ever international destination signals strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism potential and recognition of its status as a strategic entry point to Southeast Asia.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport officiated the launch event, which drew dignitaries from both countries. Among those present were Mr. Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism); Dato’ Normah Osman, Deputy Secretary General (Policy) from the Ministry of Transport; and Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General of Promotion (II), Tourism Malaysia.
Also in attendance were Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Jiangxi Air’s General Manager Mr. Kang Zhiyang.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing welcomed the new service as more than just a route, but a reaffirmation of trust and opportunity.
“This new air link is a testament to the strong and ever-growing tourism ties between Malaysia and China. It enhances connectivity and supports our continuous efforts to position Malaysia as a premier travel destination in the region,” he said in a statement.
The new service, which operates twice a week, aims to cater to the increasing demand for both leisure and business travel between the two countries. Jiangxi Air will operate the route using its modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering 175 seats per flight.
The outbound flight, RY6607, departs from Nanchang Changbei International Airport in the morning and arrives in KLIA by early afternoon. The return flight, RY6608, leaves Kuala Lumpur in the late afternoon and reaches Nanchang in the evening, offering convenient travel times for both business and leisure travellers.
Malaysia has seen a surge in Chinese tourist arrivals this year, with more than two million visitors from China recorded in the first half of 2025 alone, a significant increase from the previous year. Tourism officials are hopeful that the direct connection between Jiangxi and Malaysia, particularly among travellers from eastern China, will sustain this upward trend.
For many, this new route also unlocks unexplored travel opportunities from the Jiangxi region, an area rich in culture and economic vitality but previously underconnected to Southeast Asia.
A Step Forward for Visit Malaysia 2026
The launch comes as Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, a national tourism campaign aiming to position the country as a top travel hub. One of the key pillars of that vision is strengthening air connectivity, and Jiangxi Air’s entry is considered a significant step forward.
Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with airlines, airport authorities, and the broader travel industry to expand global access and visibility.
“We remain focused on fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance Malaysia’s appeal to the world,” the agency said in a statement. “Collaborations like this pave the way for stronger people-to-people ties and shared economic growth.”
As more skies open between Malaysia and China, the arrival of Jiangxi Air not only brings new passengers but also new possibilities. And with travel demand continuing to rebound, it’s a timely reminder that in aviation, every new route is a new reason to connect. -MalayaDailyToday
