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  • AirAsia now flies from Kuching to Langkawi, four times a week

    AirAsia today launched its inaugural flight from Kuching to Langkawi, operating four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

    AirAsia Commercial Head Spencer Lee said the airline is committed to continue growing the hub as Sarawak has a lot to offer beyond being a tourism destination.

    “Increasing connectivity into the state is important for us as it is also one of the top preferred investment destinations in the country, with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) attracting investors to set up manufacturing plants on ICT, agriculture, industrial and many more,” he said.

    “We have flown about 3.2 million guests in and out of the Kuching hub last year. We believe the introduction of the two new routes; to and from Kuching, namely Pontianak recently and Langkawi today, echoes our commitment in Sarawak,” he said.

    Speaking to the media at the airport’s VIP lounge here, Lee said AirAsia is expected to launch another new international route from Kuching by the end of this year.

    “We will be introducing one more new route, flying to an international destination from Kuching within these few months. We hope to create more routes next year,” he added.

    Meanwhile, state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said AirAsia has done plenty to bring in more routes and it is time for the private sector to play their role.

    “This is a good opportunity for us to attract those from Langkawi as AirAsia is the only airline that connect Sarawak to Langkawi now. We cannot expect the airline to introduce a new route and then assist us in promotion and marketing.

    “Hence, I hope the private sector, especially tour operators as well as the Sarawak Tourism Board, will take the initiative to promote and market Sarawak to the world,” he said.

    “We need more qualified and trained tour guides, commercial complexes as well as more private hospitals to be set up to boost our medical tourism,” he added.

    Karim also touched on negotiations to construct a Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Kuching with AirAsia, and said he hopes it will materialise soon.

    “We are still discussing and negotiating with AirAsia on the LCCT project. I will reveal more when things have being finalised,” he said.

    AirAsia now flies to 11 destinations from Kuching, with more than 220 weekly flights. Besides Langkawi, other destinations are Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Pontianak.

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  • AirAsia May Launch Hua Hin Flights

    AirAsia May Launch Hua Hin Flights

    Malaysia’s AirAsia has indicated the possibility of launching the first regular international flight to Hua Hin in December.

    The no-frills carrier intends to offer a daily service from Kuala Lumpur airport 2 (Klia2) to Hua Hin airport with Airbus A320 narrow-body jets.

    The plans can only be confirmed once the Ministry of Transport approves a package of incentives that the airline has requested to make the flight viable, Darun Saengchai, director general of the Department of Airports, told the Bangkok Post yesterday.

    He did not disclose when the approval is expected, saying only that it should not take too long if the airline is to meet the planned launch date.

    He also did not specify the extent of incentives AirAsia asked for, but insisted that they will not be exclusive to the Malaysian airline, but also offered to others wanting to start international flights to Hua Hin.

    Insiders yesterday confirmed to the Post that AirAsia asked departments to waive parking and landing fees and halve the passenger service charge (airport tax), which is at 400 baht for international passengers, for up to five years and reduce office space rental charges at the airport.

    AirAsia has also asked for a US$15 (500 baht) cash incentive for each international passenger it brings on the flight.

    Officials from local government, state agencies and the private sector held a meeting last week in the district of Prachuap Khiri Khan to make arrangements for the planned AirAsia flight launch.

    AirAsia yesterday would not confirm details of its planned Hua Hin flight launch.

    The department, local authorities and the Hua Hin tourism and hospitality industry are enthusiastic about AirAsia’s plan, which will address the lack of regular commercial flights to the vacation destination.

    Commercial air services to Hua Hin were sporadic in the past, and airlines retreated due to inadequate passenger traffic volumes.

    Thailand’s commuter airline Kan Air was the last to stop its limited domestic flights to Hua Hin early this year due to aircraft issues.

    Earlier, no-frills Thai Lion Air dropped its Hat Yai-Hua Hin flights.

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  • Actress Raline Shah appointed as AirAsia Indonesia director

    Actress Raline Shah appointed as AirAsia Indonesia director

    AirAsia Group’s CEO and co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has announced that the company had appointed noted actress Raline Shah as a new director of PT Indonesia AirAsia.

    Fernandes announced Raline’s appointment through his private Instagram account on Monday, to which he also uploaded a photograph of Raline and himself.

    Fernandes, however, did not mention the exact position Raline would fill. AirAsia Indonesia spokesman Baskoro Adiwiyono also did not respond to questions about her appointment.

    Raline was born in Jakarta on March 4, 1984, and lived in the North Sumatran capital of Medan. She is an actress and a model. She emerged in the public eye when she took part in the 2008 Putri Indonesia Pageant,  in which she was noted as a favorite contestant.

    She has starred several movies, including 5 cm, 99 Cahaya di Langit Eropa (99 Lights in the European Sky), Supernova, and Surga yang Tak Dirindukan (a heaven unmissed).

    Raline graduated from the National University of Singapore with a bachelor of arts in political science.

    The Malaysian aviation company planned to integrate its South-East Asian business, kompas.com reported, but its plans were not in accordance with Indonesian regulations.

    AirAsia has regional branches in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, while its hub is based in Kuala Lumpur.

  • AirAsia celebrates Asean’s golden jubilee with low fares

    AirAsia celebrates Asean’s golden jubilee with low fares

    AirAsia is celebrating Asean’s 50th anniversary with low fares to all destinations across its regional network.

    The promotion from only RM50 is in conjunction with Asean Day tomorrow, commemorating the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on 8 August 1967.

    To seize this great offer, simply book on airasia.com or the AirAsia mobile app from Aug 7 to 13 for travel between Aug 7 2017 and Feb 8 2018 to any destination in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos or Vietnam.

    AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “For 50 years, Asean has inspired us with its message of unity. As Aseanists, we want to return the favour and we hope these low fares will inspire the people of Asean to discover more about the region we call home”, said AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

    AirAsia is proud to be an Asean airline, with operations in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, and is the only airline that flies direct to all 10 Asean countries.

    AirAsia also offers AirAsia Asean Pass which allows guests to enjoy flights within the region at fixed rates with travel validity up to 60 days.

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  • AirAsia India In Expansion Mode, Adds New Aircraft And Route

    AirAsia India In Expansion Mode, Adds New Aircraft And Route

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia India has inducted a new aircraft (Airbus A320) to its fleet taking the total to 12. Focusing on its expansion plans, the airline has announced a new Hyderabad-Jaipur route which will be operational from September 1. AirAsia India has also added additional flights on Bengaluru-Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata-Bhubaneshwar routes “keeping in mind the government’s vision for regional connectivity,” it said in a release. The new AirAsia India aircraft will be stationed in Bengaluru, it added.

    “We received great reception in less than a month of starting the operations to Bhubaneshwar and are happy to intensify by adding another flight. We strive to provide connectivity to India’s key and under-served routes,” AirAsia India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Amar Abrol said.

    The airline currently flies to 16 destinations with its hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata covering Kochi, Goa, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Pune, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Bagdogra, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar.

    Meanwhile, AirAsia announced the launch of direct flights between Tiruchirappalli and Bangkok at starting fares of Rs. 3,399 for a one-way journey. “AirAsia plans to continually penetrate the Indian market in the latter half of 2017 as it is a major market with great growth potential, especially as Bangkok and Thai cities have proven popular destinations for Indians,” Thai AirAsia, Commercial Director, Santisuk Klongchaiya said.

    Booking of tickets started from July 31 and will be open till August 13 for travel between September 29 and August 28, 2018. Currently, AirAsia offers direct flights to Thailand from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi.

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  • AirAsia, Indonesian tourism ministry in joint marketing pact

    AirAsia, Indonesian tourism ministry in joint marketing pact

    Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and AirAsia have announced a collaboration in marketing in terms of brand advertising, promotional activities and activations across various touch points including, digital, print, radio, in-flight branding, consumer selling travel fair and more.

    The launch of the collaboration was held in Shah Alam, and was attended by Judi Rifajantoro, professional staff to the minister for tourism infrastructure, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism; Robert D. Waloni, senior adviser to the minister for air accessibility, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism; Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia Bhd; and Rifai Taberi, commercial director of Indonesia AirAsia.

    “Under the joint promotion for the media campaign, we hope AirAsia will cater more travellers to Indonesia and more people especially Malaysians can experience Indonesia thanks to AirAsia’s numerous routes. This is obviously part of a much broader agenda of collaboration with airlines and the community,” said Rifajantoro.

    Aireen said, “This partnership could not be more timely as we have been seeing a robust demand for Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2016, we have flown more than four million guests between both countries to contribute significantly to the tourist arrivals last year and this is only a fraction of the great potential we can achieve.

    “We look forward to this commitment with the Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia and we are confident that we can further increase more tourist traffic and income for both countries.”

    AirAsia connects Malaysia with Indonesia with more than 350 times weekly flights to 15 different cities such as Banda Aceh, Bandung, Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, Medan, Pekanbaru, Palembang, Padang, Pontianak, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, Makassar, and Yogyakarta.

    The airline recently added more frequencies to several routes in Indonesia and has launched direct flights from Kuching, Sarawak, to Pontianak.

    In conjunction with the partnership, AirAsia is offering promotional fares for flights into Indonesia, starting from RM79, for bookings made from yesterday until Sunday, for immediate travel until Feb 25, 2018.

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  • AirAsia offering up to 45% discount in latest campaign

    AirAsia offering up to 45% discount in latest campaign

    AirAsia is offering discounts of up to 45% on local and international flights in its latest campaign – Buy More, Save More.

    From today until Aug 6, travellers can get 15% off flight bookings for one passenger, 25% off for two passengers, 35% off for three passengers and 45% off for four or more passengers on the same booking.

    Travellers can also get a 20% discount via a Fly-Thru flight booking or opt for the AirAsia X Premium Flatbed.

    The promotion is available for travel between Feb 26 and Aug 28, 2018.

    “This promo has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to travel alone or with your family or friends, we will get you to the destination for less,” said AirAsia group chief commercial officer Siegtraund Teh.

    The low-cost carrier flies to more than 120 destinations across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and the United States.

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  • AirAsia to take wing in Japan after long layover

    AirAsia to take wing in Japan after long layover

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia Japan will ply this country’s skies again as early as September, flying a domestic route from its home base of Chubu Airport near Nagoya, in a move likely to shake up the budget air travel market here.

    The unit of Malaysia-based AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s biggest low-cost carrier, will fly between Chubu and the city of Sapporo on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. It plans to later offer flights from Chubu to Taipei as well, it had told affiliates by Friday.

    Chubu Airport aims to open a terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers in the first half of fiscal 2019 in response to a spike in activity. A number of budget carriers operate through the airport, but AirAsia Japan will be the first to make it a base where planes are parked overnight and maintained.

    Five airlines currently offer flights between Chubu and Sapporo, including Japan Airlines and low-cost carrier affiliate Jetstar Japan. Adding AirAsia to the mix may froth up price competition.

    Low-cost carriers offer lower fares than traditional carriers by cutting costs and onboard services.

    A turbulent history

    AirAsia previously offered domestic Japanese flights via an earlier incarnation of its Japan arm, set up in 2011 through a joint investment with All Nippon Airways, which has since become a unit of ANA Holdings. But it withdrew from those routes in 2013 amid a disagreement with its partner. The joint venture became a fully owned unit of ANA Holdings that took to the clouds again under the moniker Vanilla Air.

    Aiming to re-enter Japan’s skyways, AirAsia partnered in 2014 with companies including e-commerce powerhouse Rakuten and sporting goods retailer Alpen to form the new AirAsia Japan, taking a 49% stake including nonvoting shares.

    In 2015, that company moved its headquarters to Chubu Airport. At first, the carrier intended to start offering flights that year, but such issues as shortcomings in its safety management system forced a series of delays. A planned route between Chubu and the northeastern city of Sendai was nixed as well. A fourth, indefinite delay was announced in January.

    AirAsia Japan’s management also shifted during the delays. The company’s first CEO, All Nippon Airways alum Yoshinori Odagiri, stepped down at the end of 2015. Thereafter, the unit courted Takashi Ide — former chairman of low-cost carrier Skymark — for a top management position, while Odagiri’s seat was filled by Osamu Hata.

  • AirAsia X Malaysia passengers up to 1.39 million

    AirAsia X Malaysia passengers up to 1.39 million

    AirAsia X  carried slightly more than a third more passengers in the second quarter (Q2) ended June 30 compared with a year earlier, with the total distance travelled by these passengers expanding by about the same percentage.

    Announcing its preliminary operating statistics yesterday, the long-haul budget carrier said operating performance in the period trended slightly above expectations despite Q2 historically being the leanest quarter.

    The number of passengers who flew with AAX Malaysia grew 34.4% to 1.39 million compared to a year earlier, while revenue passenger kilometres grew 35.0% to 6.79 billion.

    “The company continues to stimulate demand to fill up additional capacity injected in Q2 by achieving a marked improvement in passenger load factor of 80%, up five percentage points (ppts) year-on-year (y-o-y), in line with the 26% y-o-y growth in available seat kilometres to 8.45 billion in the quarter,” AAX said.

    During the quarter under review, AAX Malaysia added frequency to two routes: Kuala Lumpur–Shanghai and Osaka.

    AAX Malaysia also added Honolulu to its network during the quarter under review, the airline’s maiden service to the United States.

    No new aircraft was added in the period, so the fleet size stood at 22 A330s.

    On the associates, it said AAX Thailand recorded a strong passenger load factor of 92%, an increase of three ppts from 89% a year ago.

    AAX Thailand carried 387,959 passengers in Q2, 26% higher than the same period last year. There is no new route or frequency for AAX Thailand’s network in the quarter.

  • Thai AirAsia funds mechanic courses

    Thai AirAsia funds mechanic courses

    Thai AirAsia has signed an agreement with Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep and Bangkok Aviation Centre (BAC) to provide an aircraft mechanic development course through an intensive one-year course.

    Graduates will have an opportunity to be employed by Thai AirAsia.

    The airline’s CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, said the aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth, especially in the low-cost carrier segment.

    “The expansion has created high demand for experts in the sector, including aircraft mechanics to support operations,” he said.

    Thai AirAsia currently employs 321 aircraft mechanics, 105 are aircraft engineers while the other 216 are maintenance personnel, all managing the airline’s 54 (to be 58 by the end of 2017) Airbus A320s.

    The company is targeting to hire 100 more mechanics over the next three years, he said.

    Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep provides European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standard aircraft mechanic courses, while BAC, is a leading aviation training provider.

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has indicated Asia will require over 40,000 employees in aviation including mechanics.

    The 12-month course is specifically designed to meet the needs of Thai AirAsia and students will receive a salary from the airline like other employees during their training.

    Interested individuals can find information and download an application form at www.airasia.com/recruitment until 31 July. The course begins 16 October this year.

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  • AirAsia looks to consolidate units under “One AirAsia” plan

    AirAsia looks to consolidate units under “One AirAsia” plan

    AirAsia’s group CEO, Tony Fernandes, has announced his intention to consolidate the airline’s Southeast Asian units under one list holding company.

    Known as the “One AirAsia” plan, AirAsia plans to unify its units in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as go public in two years’ time, according to Bernama. Fernandes said the airline’s group deputy CEO Rozman Omar, is “working hard” to create the group company and that the corporate structure exercise requires plenty of effort.

    This is due to the fact that AirAsia has to persuade the Malaysian, Indonesian, Philippine and Thai governments to change ownership rules. He added that having a listed holding company within AirAsia is “working really well” as the airline is reducing costs, combining its services and standardising its products.

    AirAsia’s recent launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Davao showed the airline’s commitment in expanding in the Philippine market, said Fernandes. AirAsia also plans to grow its fleet to aid its expansion plan, as well as the increasing demand for affordable air travel.

    Earlier this year, AirAsia said its current focus will be on “digitalisation”, as it recognises that travellers of today want a personalised and seamless travelling experience. It also launched MyCorporate, a suite of products exclusively made with its business traveller in mind. Companies that sign up to MyCorporate will have access to a convenient, easy-to-use online booking system and comprehensive reporting to keep track of corporate travelling expenses.

    Recently, the airline found itself in a quandary due to the existence of a doppelganger. Going by the name of Azeri Asia TV, the media channel is owned by Azeri Asia Holdings (M) Sdn. Bhd. The loyalty programme of the channel too bears resemblance to that of AirAsia’s, flaunting the name “Azeri Asia TV BIG Loyalty Programme”. AirAsia in a press statement cautioned the public and said that this infringes on its intellectual property rights. It added that it had “never authorised Azeri Asia to use AirAsia’s corporate identity”.

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  • AirAsia gives free baggage allowance, meals to soldiers

    AirAsia gives free baggage allowance, meals to soldiers

    AirAsia announced on Wednesday that it is giving soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who are on a peace-keeping mission, extra baggage allowance and free inflight meals.

    “We recognize the incredible sacrifices of our military heroes and Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos,” AirAsia CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador said in a photo posted on the airline’s Facebook page.

    The budget airline said AFP military personnel can avail of free baggage allowance of up to 40 kgs after presenting their ID and mission order.

    Facebook user Inday Rakel earlier narrated how passengers of an AirAsia flight helped three Mindanao-bound soldiers — two of whom were headed for strife-torn Marawi City and another for Cotabato — with their excess baggage.

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  • AirAsia up 1.91% on upgrade, outlook for better 2Q results

    AirAsia up 1.91% on upgrade, outlook for better 2Q results

    Shares of low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd rose 1.91% at mid-morning today following an upgrade by CIMB IB Research as well as positive outlook for its second quarter earnings.

    At 10.49am, AirAsia rose 6 sen to RM3.21 with 4.35 million shares traded.

    CIMB Investment Bank Bhd upgraded AirAsia Bhd shares to “add” from “hold” after the stock’s recent drop and in anticipation that the budget airline will report better financials in the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 (2QFY17).

    CIMB analyst Raymond Yap wrote in a note yesterday that the research house however maintained its AirAsia share target price at RM3.51.

    “Upgrading AirAsia after recent share price correction,” Yap said.

    “On a yoy (year-on-year) basis, we believe that AirAsia may deliver better results in 2QFY17F despite the ringgit being weaker by 5.7% yoy and the jet fuel price (inclusive of hedging) higher by 11% yoy. This is because we expect loads to be 4% pts higher yoy, offsetting most or all of the cost hikes.” he said.

    AirAsia is scheduled to announce its 2QFY17 financials next month.

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  • AirAsia’s new inflight menu celebrates Asian flavors

    AirAsia’s new inflight menu celebrates Asian flavors

    In-flight meals are not usually the most exciting cuisine. During trips, travelers usually make do with cup noodles or overpriced hotdog sandwiches at the airport prior to their flights.

    Frequent travelers will be happy to have the option of enjoying appetizing and affordable meals on their way to a destination. Nasi lemak from Malaysia, green curry from Thailand, and beef bulgogi from Korea are just a few of the gourmet meals you can now enjoy onboard AirAsia, whether you’re traveling on international or domestic flights.

    AirAsia unveiled its Santan inflight menu and catalogue featuring the best of Southeast Asian flavours at a press event held in Bohol in partnership with Amorita Resort.

    Santan or coconut milk is a popular ingredient used in different Southeast Asian cuisine, and is featured in some of the inflight meals. The new inflight menu and catalogue features hot meals, savory snacks, healthy food selections, a variety of beverages, and special gift items and merchandise.

    Nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with traditional anchovies chili paste, cucumber, and various side dishes, is considered the national dish of Malaysia. AirAsia’s in-flight version manages to deliver big on flavor, with its savory coconut milk-infused rice and chicken in spicy sambal sauce.

    Chicken rice is popular in hawker stalls and restaurants in Singapore. The Hainanese roast chicken with seasoned rice served with a tasty secret chili, ginger and garlic sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser

    Thai green curry, an aromatic chicken curry infused with authentic spices from Thailand like kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil served with fragrant white rice, is also a hit with travelers.

    Are you a fan of Korean food? Try AirAsia’s spicy beef bulgogi, a stir-fried beef dish served with japchae or Korean glass noodles.

    For true blue Pinoys, there’s also our signature chicken adobo from the Philippines.

    Pasta lovers and kids will enjoy the Chicken Lasagne, a blend of classic creamy cheese and chicken with assorted vegetables. Dessert selections include red velvet cake, chocolate meringue and chocolate chip cookies.

    AirAsia, which has been voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine straight years, aims to reinvent flight hospitality with its inflight meal options.

    “Gourmet experience onboard doesn’t have to be expensive and as an added value for our guests, we are keeping our pricing at affordable levels and at the same time maintaining the high quality and flavour of all our meals,” said AirAsia Philippines’ head of ancillary Karlo Sanchez.

    Hot meals are available onboard and via online pre-booking on all AirAsia flights across their network, extending as far as India, China, Australia and United States. A la carte hot meals cost P150 while combo meals with a choice of drinks and brownie are priced at P180 via online pre-booking.

    To enjoy greater savings, AirAsia encourages guests to pre-book their meals or to purchase their meals in advance online. Guests who pre-book will be assured of meal availability and will enjoy priority meal service onboard.

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  • AirAsia’s Shenzhen-Langkawi route starts Aug 9

    AirAsia’s Shenzhen-Langkawi route starts Aug 9

    AirAsia is expanding its connectivity by introducing direct flights from Shenzhen, China, to Langkawi starting Aug 9. Chief executive officer Aireen Omar said the concept of low-cost airline was introduced in Shenzhen with the aim of enabling more people to fly.

    “Now people in the Guangdong province are well-connected to the world through our extensive flight network of over 120 destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” she said in a statement.

    Since its inaugural flight in 2007, the airline has flown 4.3 million guests in and out of Shenzhen, bringing in high local and international passenger traffic into the city.

    Celebrating its tenth anniversary flying into Shenzhen, China, AirAsia was now offering 35 weekly flights from Shenzhen to South-East Asia.

    The average load factor for this year for the three routes from Shenzhen recorded a performance of over 85%, placing AirAsia as the leading foreign airline, in terms of flight frequency and passengers flown into Shenzhen.

    To celebrate the occasion, AirAsia is offering all-in fares as low as RM256 from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen and RM257 from Kota Kinabalu to Shenzhen.

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