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Tag: airline

  • AirAsia revenues boosted by tailored services

    AirAsia revenues boosted by tailored services

    On January 15, this journalist visited “Santan Restaurant” located inside the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Santan Restaurant, which is run by a Malaysian low-cost carrier (LCC), is the world’s first restaurant specializing in airplane food.

    Opened in December last year, the restaurant offers some 20 varieties of snacks and lunchbox as well as beverages and coffee that are actually served onboard. An in-flight meal with a beverage can be had for around 4,500 won. “We’re planning to franchise the brand to meet the increasing consumer demand to experience in-flight food on land,” said Catherine Ko, the senior manager at Santan Restaurant.

    AirAsia is building international reputation as a low-budget airliner posting additional revenues through such fringe services and businesses as Santan Restaurant. The company also became the first LCC to introduce a “Flatbed seat,” a premium seating comparable to business class of large-sized carriers. AirAsia also features a “silent zone” exclusive to passengers aged 10 or older, and it offers a special seat dedicated to couples.

    The LCC allows passengers to choose the amount of luggage transfer service from 20 to 40 kilograms. Flight fares are set according to the luggage weight and time of ticket purchase, providing an expanded scope of choice to meet the different needs of passengers. AirAsia is actively harnessing data to develop better services by identifying consumer needs. The airliner analyzes passengers’ information such as their patterns or preferences throughout the entire cycle from travel planning, tickets issuance to boarding.

    While the seats come with no back-side monitors, AirAsia is providing their passengers with a rental service of tablet PCs containing video content, such as movies or dramas, as well as useful information on duty-free products, shopping, and tourist guide. Users are required to enter their information such as gender, age, and flight number. This gives the airliner access to the preferences and interests of its passengers.

    AirAsia.com, one of the company’s departments, developed a new service that allows passengers to choose what they want from various options such as hotels, leisure activities, Airtels, and traveler’s insurance. Passengers can purchase the flight tickets of other airliners on AirAsia’s homepage and enjoy shopping on its online shopping mall.

    “We’ve identified the trend where an increasing number of consumers are all pursuing different lifestyles in using airline services, so we’ve developed services that satisfy such varied needs,” said Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia.

  • Vietjet Commences First Ever Direct ServiceLinking Hanoi and Bali

    Vietjet Commences First Ever Direct ServiceLinking Hanoi and Bali

    In celebration of Lunar New Year 2020, new-age carrier Vietjetofficially commences its newest direct route linking Hanoi and Bali, Indonesia on the second day of Lunar New Year. This is Vietjet’s second service to the popular holiday destination, following the Ho Chi Minh City – Bali route that has been in operation from May 2019. It is also the first direct route departing from Vietnam’s capital city to Bali.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairwoman of Vietjet’s Board of Directors Nguyen Thanh Ha said, “Vietjet was founded with a pioneering mission to connect the skies. We are proud to be the first airline to operate direct flights between Hanoi and Bali. The new route, operated from the second day of the Lunar New Year, will meet the New Year’s travel demand of the locals and international travelers with less travel time and cost. Not only connecting the two most attractive cultural tourism destinations in Asia, the Hanoi – Bali route will also further promote cooperation between the countries in ASEAN.”

    The Hanoi – Bali route operates daily return flights from 26 January 2020. The flight departs from Hanoi at 10.00 am and arrives in Bali at 4.25 pm. The return flight takes off from Bali at 5.30 pm and lands in Hanoi at 9.55 pm. All are in local times.

    As Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi offers an unforgettable vacation with its rich history. Founded more than one thousand years ago, tourists will be astonished by Hanoi’s architecture and colonial facades. Bali, one the most popular island destinations in Indonesia and all of Asia, is often called “The Island of the Gods” and often described as a tropical paradise. Voted as one of the best islands in the world, Bali is a destination of pristine, beautiful landscapes and unique cultural charms.

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  • AirAsia X Launches Kuala Lumpur – Taipei – Okinawa Flights

    AirAsia X Launches Kuala Lumpur – Taipei – Okinawa Flights

    AirAsia X has launched flights between Kuala Lumpur and Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan.

    AirAsia will operate the flights, which will fly via Taipei, four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    Flight D7 384 is scheduled to leave KL at 07:35 and land in Taipei at 12:20. The aircraft then departs Taipei at 13:20, landing in Okinawa at 16:00.

    The return flight, D7 385, is timed to leave Naha Airport at 17:30 and land in Taipei at 18:10 before departing for KL at 19:10. The aircraft is scheduled to land back in KL at 00:05 the following day.

    AirAsia X Chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, said, “With the addition of Okinawa, AirAsia X now flies to 35 destinations. Together with AirAsia Group, our combined fleet of over 250 aircraft can now connect Okinawa with over 150 destinations across ASEAN, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the US.”

    Travelers from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha are not required to obtain a visa during their one-hour stopover in Taipei and may return to their seats after clearing a quick security check of their carry-on bags and inflight belongings.

    “As we begin to accept the delivery of the technologically-advanced Airbus A330neo aircraft later this year, the Group will continue to evaluate and consider launching exciting and viable new routes to destinations such as in Eastern Europe, within Asia and Australia. Such new routes, if viable, can accelerate domestic and regional tourism growth, especially in key markets with high demand,” added Tan Sri Rafidah.

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  • Nok Air suspends Guwahati-Bangkok flights from January 20

    Nok Air suspends Guwahati-Bangkok flights from January 20

    As per reports, Nok Air is expected to resume its operations from April 12, 2020.

    The airline has cited ‘operational reasons’ behind its decision to suspend the flights.

    Nok Air, which is a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, had operated its flights in the Guwahati-Bangkok route twice a week.

    It may be mentioned that Nok Air, which had started its flight operations from Guwahati to Bangkok in September last year, had suspended its operations just four months after airline SpiceJet has suspended the Guwahati-Dhaka direct flight service.

    The reason behind the suspension of the ambitious Guwahati-Dhaka flight service was due to not getting the desired number of passengers.

    Due to poor business operations of the flight service, SpiceJet had first reduced the frequency of the flight service from daily to twice a week.

    However, the new outcome of the flight service still being poor, SpiceJet had finally decided to suspend its operations.

    At present, only two international flights would remain operational from the Guwahati airport and that is Druk Airlines’ flights from Guwahati to Singapore and Guwahati to Paro.

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  • Cebu Pacific announces seat sale

    Cebu Pacific announces seat sale

    Filipinos and residents in the UAE can get a chance to enjoy the most exciting festivities in the Philippines as Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest national carrier, offers flights from Dubai to Manila for as low as Dh395 ($107.5) base fare.

    The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches some of which are recognized as one of the best in the world. But aside from its magnificent coastlines, the country is also a home to some of the best festivals you’ll ever get to see.

    Cebu Pacific celebrates the success of their hometown’s Sinulog Festival with these Festivals of Fun seat sale! Catch the remaining festivals of the Philippines this year by starting with Panagbenga aka annual flower festival in February.

    In addition, Cebu Pacific has the widest network in the Philippines—connecting travelers from the UAE to 37 local destinations and 25 international destinations with over 120 routes.

    The sale will be from January 20 to 23 and will cover the travel period from February 1 to June 30, which means a chance to experience as many festivals in the country as one can.

    Book now through www.cebupacificair.com or the mobile app, available both in Google Play and App Store. Those who prefer to pay in cash may pay over the counter at any branch of Al-Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange and Al Rais Travels located across the country, within 24 hours of making a booking online.

  • Cebu Pacific announces its $139 fares for Chinese New Year

    Cebu Pacific announces its $139 fares for Chinese New Year

    If the Philippines has been on your mind for a little while, then Cebu Pacific has got the flights for you. In celebration of the Chinese New Year 2020, airfares to the Philippines have been reduced to a price you’re going to love.

    This sale is short and sweet, take off from Melbourne to Manila from $139 or Sydney to Manila from $159 one way. That totals a round trip from $278 return, not bad if you ask us.

    Before you book, we suggest checking Skyscanner to make sure you’re getting the best possible price for your Philippines escape.

    You will be able to end 2020 with a bang, the travel dates run between 1 July to 31 December 2020 (and what a way to bring in the new year).

    If you’re stuck on itinerary, we’ve got you sorted. Whatever your idea of a holiday is, there’s something for everyone with visits to Boracay Island, the Chocolate Hills or the majestic Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

    This one really isn’t around for long, the sale ends 17 January 2020 unless sold out prior.

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  • Singapore Airlines Set To Fly The Airbus A350 to Ahmedabad

    Singapore Airlines Set To Fly The Airbus A350 to Ahmedabad

    Singapore Airlines will roll out one of its A350-900s on its new route between Singapore and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. Singapore Airlines’ new service is set to take flight from 1 February 2020. Ahmedabad will be the airline’s seventh Indian destination.

    The service would operate six days a week from the start of February, ramping up to a daily service at the beginning of April 2020.

    The outbound flights will push back from Singapore’s Changi Airport at dinner time for a mid-evening arrival into Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The return flight is a late evening departure from Ahmedabad, flying through the night for a breakfast time arrival into Singapore. Flying time is five hours and 40 minutes. For the first two months, the flights will not operate on Wednesdays.

    The Singapore Airlines A350 is a popular option for the Simple Flying team. In April 2019, Jay Singh flew from Singapore to Johannesburg on an SQ A350, an experience he described as ‘almost perfect.’

    Well, he was drinking Charles Heidsieck and eating a chicken curry rustled up through the airline’s ‘Book the Cook’ service. What’s not to like about that?

    Now he wants to do the ultra long haul Singapore to Newark A350 flight.

    A few months later, Nick Cummins found himself on the same aircraft type when flying Singapore Airlines. He flew from Germany to Singapore in October 2019. Nick liked it so much he made a video about it.

    Having had a few dodgy airline ham and cheese toasties in his time, he’s now on a quest to discover the best and worst airline ham and cheese toasties. The Singapore Airlines toastie got the thumbs up. Nick’s only real complaint was the airline didn’t have an endless supply of desserts.

    This all bodes well for passengers on the same aircraft type on the new service to Ahmedabad. If, like Nick and Jay, you are lucky enough to be in business class, you’ll enjoy your Piper with 40 other passengers relaxing in lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout. Even back in the main economy 3-3-3 cabin, the 263 passengers can enjoy one of the best economy class products in the sky.

    Services will be six days a week initially before going daily two months later. Photo: Singapore Airlines.
     

    The new service to Ahmedabad will provide local residents with one-stop access to North America, Oceania, Asia, and if you are not put off by a little backtracking, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

    The six days a week Singapore Airlines A350 service between Singapore and Ahmedabad will begin on 1 February 2020. It will become a daily service on 29 March 2020.

  • Cebu Pacific working to gradually resume flights

    Cebu Pacific working to gradually resume flights

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is working to gradually resume flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020.

    “Following the effects of ashfall, Cebu Pacific is working towards the gradual resumption of flights at NAIA beginning 11 a.m. today, January 13,” it said in an advisory.

    “We are conducting maintenance checks on all aircraft prior to restarting flights to ensure safety,” the airline added.

    Flights arriving at the NAIA were suspended from 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, while flights departing NAIA were suspended from 6:22 p.m. the same day.

    The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have yet to make any announcement on the resumption of operations.

    The MIAA and the CAAP were still assessing the situation on Monday morning, according to an advisory issued by the MIAA.

    “The resumption of flight operations depend on the state of ash clouds within the NAIA aerodrome as well as the ash fall along the runways and taxiways,” the MIAA said.

    “Airplanes will be allowed to land and take-off only when the airspace and runways are clear of volcanic debris. As soon as ash stops falling from the sky, the ash fall will have to be washed off the runways and taxiways before flights are allowed to resume,” it added.

    The MIAA advised passengers to check with their airline companies first on the status of their flights before proceeding to NAIA.

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  • AirAsia picks creative agency in India

    AirAsia picks creative agency in India

    AirAsia India has appointed Wunderman Thompson South Asia to manage creative duties following a pitch in 2019. The agency will be responsible for brand strategy and shaping the communications narrative in India, taking care of above-the-line and digital creative mandates.

    According to the press statement, Wunderman Thompson understood AirAsia India’s strategic and brand objectives and will be working on developing the brand’s strong and sustainable positioning that will cut across geographies, demographics, and mindsets and deliver differentiated content with incisive insights. A+M has reached out to Wunderman Thompson for additional information.

    AirAsia India is a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Investment. AirAsia India commenced operations on 12 June 2014 with Bengaluru as its primary hub. Its agenda is to drive salience across markets with customized content and clutter-breaking communication that inspires diverse audiences with its brand promise and the aspirational journey ahead.

    AirAsia India’s CMO Siddhartha Butalia said the agency approached the opportunity with strong strategic insights and compelling creative ideas that bring the emotion and inspiration back to travel. “We’re looking forward to partnering with them to drive consideration and relevance across the customer journey, take off to even greater heights and explore new territories,” Butalia added.

    Senior VP and managing partner at Wunderman Thompson, Kundan Joshee, said AirAsia has a unique value proposition and a distinct challenger brand spirit that makes it such a powerful brand.

    “Our job is to partner with AirAsia and bring alive its philosophy of service, efficiency and innovation. In today’s times, it’s essential for a brand to have multiple conversations with people across touchpoints and this gives us the opportunity to do new-age work and drive interesting conversations around the brand,” he said.

    Closer to home, AirAsia Group and Universal Music Group partnered last year to launch RedRecords, a new label partnership focused on signing, developing and breaking new Asian artists and elevating “A-pop” globally to new audiences throughout the region and around the world. RedRecords will focus on discovering and developing talent from Southeast Asia and throughout the wider continent and form a clear and unique sound that reflects the diverse and rich musical culture of the continent.

    The airline also announced last November that it is expanding its online offering to include flights on other airlines as it transforms airasia.com into Asia Pacific’s leading travel and lifestyle platform. This was done in partnership with leading travel technology company Kiwi.com. It also unveiled SNAP, a new name for flight + hotel packages on airasia.com offering the lowest guaranteed package prices in 2019.

  • Vingroup airline expects profits in 3 years

    Vingroup airline expects profits in 3 years

    Vingroup’s Vinpearl Air, a $200 million venture, is seeking to launch its first flight in July with expectations of turning profitable by 2023.

    The new airline could also recover its investment in 5-6 years, according to an evaluation report recently submitted to the Prime Minister by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

    The airline will have a total investment of VND4.7 trillion ($202.7 million), of which conglomerate Vingroup will contribute VND1.3 trillion ($56 million), or 28 percent. The remaining will be sourced from loans and other sources.

    Vinpearl Air is set to create 500-600 direct jobs when launched and 2,200-2,300 jobs by 2023-2024.

    It will pay a corporate income tax of VND1 trillion ($43.1 million) a year in the first five years of operation.

    Vinpearl Air plans to start off with six aircraft and increase the fleet to 30 by 2024.

    It wants to be based at the Noi Bai International Airport and park its aircraft in Hanoi as well as in other airports in Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City in the north, and Da Nang City and Khanh Hoa Province in the central region.

    The Ministry of Planning and Investment has said it supports the establishment of the airline, but asked the airline to provide more detailed financial calculations.

    Apart from Vinpearl Air, Vietravel Airlines and KiteAir are two other airlines seeking permission to fly this year.

    The country now has five commercial airlines: national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO).

    Airports across Vietnam served near 116 million passengers in 2019, up 12 percent from 2018, according to Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

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  • Garuda Indonesia is the Most Punctual Airline in the World

    Garuda Indonesia is the Most Punctual Airline in the World

    OAG, the world’s leading provider of travel data and insight, has released the results of its annual Punctuality League 2020, the industry’s most comprehensive ranking of on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s largest airlines and airports. Asia-Pacific airlines dominated the global rankings with nine out of the top 20 most punctual airlines in the world: Garuda Indonesia (1), Skymark Airlines (3), All Nippon Airways (7), Jetstar Asia (8), Singapore Airlines (9), Thai AirAsia (10), Japan Airlines (15), Qantas Airways (18) and Indonesia AirAsia (20).

    Garuda Indonesia takes the top spot globally and regionally with an impressive OTP of 95.01%. Skymark Airlines (OTP 90.12%) ranks in the top three for both the Global Airline and Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) categories. The region’s LCCs performed exceptionally well, with nine carriers ranking in the top 20 for that respective category, including Skymark Airlines (1), Jetstar Asia (2), and Thai AirAsia (3). Solaseed, Jetstar Asia, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia all improved their OTPs among ASPAC carriers this year.

    Japanese airport Osaka Itami (ITM) finished as the most punctual Large Airport for a second consecutive year with an OTP of 88.03%. Tokyo Haneda (HND) ranked second in the Mega Airport category with an OTP of 86.60% behind Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO; OTP 86.87%). Singapore Changi (SIN; OTP 84.03%), Kuala Lumpur (KUL; OTP 75.04%) and Seoul Incheon (ICN; OTP 74.95%) all improved their OTP in the Mega Airport category.

    “Asia Pacific carriers and airports continued to demonstrate exceptional OTP this year, with many LCCs and legacy carriers improving year-over-year performance. The leading performance of Garuda Indonesia, Skymark Airlines, Osaka Itami and Tokyo Haneda on the global stage is commendable,” said Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of JAPAC for OAG.

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  • AirAsia starts exclusive route from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat, Vietnam

    AirAsia starts exclusive route from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat, Vietnam

    AirAsia has unveiled its maiden flight to Da Lat, capital of Lam Dong province in the central highlands of Vietnam. The inaugural flight made history as the first international airline to offer direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Da Lat.

    Nattinee Tawanchulee, regional commercial head of AirAsia said: “We now add our latest destination to further expand footprint in Vietnam. This new direct service will provide additional air connectivity to the people in the central highlands of Vietnam to travel across the region, as well as introducing Da Lat as a holiday destination to the world. Also known as the city of eternal spring for its pleasant weather, it welcomes visitors all year round.”

    Da Lat is AirAsia’s seventh destination in Vietnam after Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Can Tho and Phu Quoc.

  • AirAsia names new boss in Japan

    AirAsia names new boss in Japan

    AirAsia has appointed Jun Aida as representative director and COO to lead AirAsia Japan, effective 1 January 2020.

    Jun will take over from Jenny Mayuko Wakana who will be stepping down 31 December.

    As a member of AirAsia’s senior leadership team, Jun will be responsible for the company’s airline operations in Japan and its future growth.

    AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Jun brings with him extensive management experience across various industries. We see tremendous potential in Japan and now is the time to catapult AirAsia Japan into its next phase of growth and success.”

    Jun joined AirAsia Group as a senior advisor in 2017. Prior to joining AirAsia, he was managing director for Phoenix Resort Co Ltd besides holding senior management roles in various multinational companies.

  • Airlines Cebu Pacific becomes latest IATA member

    Airlines Cebu Pacific becomes latest IATA member

    Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has joined IATA, becoming the second carrier from the country to be part of the trade association.

    Cebu Pacific says IATA membership will help it “gain access to expertise and learnings” about best practices and innovation.

    Conrad Clifford (left), IATA regional vice president for Asia-Pacific presents the IATA Certificate of Membership to Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei.

    Cebu Pacific chief Lance Gokongwei adds: “Moreover, we will also be able to share our own operational experience and contribute to further developing the airline industry as a whole.”

    IATA says the low-cost carrier has achieved full compliance with its’ Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which assesses a carrier’s operational management and control systems.

    Cebu Pacific currently flies 121 routes, with more than 2,600 weekly flights. Cirium fleets data indicates the carrier operates 54 aircraft, including a mix of A320 family jets and A330s, and has 44 aircraft on orders.

    Cebu Pacific joins a growing number of low-cost carriers added to the IATA fold. In November, Indian carrier IndiGo joined the association.

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  • AirAsia launches bundle deals

    AirAsia launches bundle deals

    AirAsia Group Bhd has continued its journey to becoming the fastest-growing travel and lifestyle platform in Asean with the launch of AirAsia Bundle Deals, through its airasia.com platform.

    AirAsia group chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said this launch would further diversify the group’s offerings apart from selling airline tickets, restaurant business Santan, hotel platform, as well as its own music label Red Records.

    “AirAsia has grown a lot from becoming a one-trick pony,” he told reporters at the launch here today.

    With over 100 merchants for the AirAsia Bundle Deals in the Klang Valley currently, he said this would be expanded to other cities and countries including Penang, Singapore, Thailand, and beyond starting next year.

    Fernandes said customers would be able to unlock various lifestyle deals comprising food and beverages (F&B), beauty and services through bundled deals by geo-location for a 90-day pass at only RM20, or easily redeemable with only 2,500 BIG Points.

    Airasia.com CEO Karen Chan said the AirAsia Bundle Deals was not only limited to the general public who visit airasia.com, but in the next phase, it would have a corporate reward solution and corporate purchases for organizations that would like to reward employees.

    “We are pleased to introduce another new lifestyle product as part of our journey in becoming a lifestyle brand. As AirAsia envisions to being beyond just an airline, we are now offering travel, lifestyle, logistics, financial services and more to cater to your lifestyle needs.

    “Customers can indulge with deals such as free hair cut, free facial, free manicure and many buy-one free-one deals made available in different locations,” she added.

    Meanwhile, in conjunction with the launch, airasia.com is offering a 24-hour launch promo of only RM1 from midnight tonight for purchases of AirAsia Bundle Deals. Simply log on to airasia.com/deals to grab the deals.

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