SHANGHAI, Sept. 22 -- China Eastern Airlines plans to increase its Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu services to double or even triple daily flights, while exploring a direct Beijing-Kota Kinabalu route.

The plans were discussed during a courtesy visit by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin to China Eastern Airlines' office in Shanghai on Tuesday, where he met Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Yang Chun Fei.

Also present were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai and representatives from the Sabah Tourism Board.

Jafry welcomed the plans, saying stronger direct air connectivity was crucial as Sabah prepared for Visit Sabah 2027, adding that increased frequenci...