Tag: Indonesia

  • Indonesia to ban online shopping via social media

    Indonesia to ban online shopping via social media

    Indonesia’s government is preparing to introduce a series of new business regulations that will prohibit the sale of products via social media. During a parliamentary hearing, the Indonesian Deputy Trade Minister, Jerry Sambuaga, announced this.

    “Social media and social commerce cannot be combined,” the official said, reiterating the government’s intention to crack down on “predatory” practices of sellers on social media, which would threaten offline markets in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The deputy minister cited as an example the use of the “live” function for the sale of goods via the social media platform TikTok: “The revisions to the trade regulations currently underway will prohibit these practices firmly and explicitly,” said Sambuaga.

    The representative of TikTok Indonesia, Anggini Setiawan, he responded this morning, saying that separating social media and e-commerce into separate platforms would impede competition. TikTok has 2 million sellers in Indonesia, and has previously reported that it has no plans for a dedicated platform for cross-border trade of Chines

  • Indonesian coffee brand Fore Coffee opens first store in Singapore

    Indonesian coffee brand Fore Coffee opens first store in Singapore

    Fore Coffee, the herald of Indonesian coffee culture, is proud to announce its highly anticipated entry into the Singaporean coffee scene – launching its first store in Singapore on November 9, 2023, at Bugis Junction. With a journey spanning over five years of unwavering commitment to excellence, Fore Coffee has risen to prominence as a prominent player in Indonesia’s coffee landscape, boasting an impressive network of 150 stores across the nation by September 2023.

    Fore Coffee, as the torchbearer of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore, offers not just a cup of coffee, but a gateway to an inspiring everyday life. Founded in 2018, Fore Coffee has emerged as a powerhouse in Indonesia’s coffee industry, marked by its dedication to quality and innovation. The brand’s success lies in its adept use of cutting-edge technology, from tools to its mobile app, combined with skillful bean blending techniques.

    With a resolute commitment to sourcing highly curated coffee beans directly from Indonesian farmers in regions like Aceh Gayo, Toraja, West Java, and Bali, Fore Coffee’s beans undergo a meticulous roasting and preparation process before being expertly crafted by their baristas. This commitment to authenticity extends to their signature coffee blends that promise to redefine Singapore’s coffee culture in the ‘Indonesian way.’

    Fore Coffee’s narrative is one of craftsmanship, tradition, and community spirit. With a reverence for Indonesian soil, the brand meticulously curates exceptional coffee beans that honor the flavors unique to each region. This journey embodies sustainability and supports local farming communities. The brand’s skilled baristas harness the potential of Indonesian coffee beans to craft flavours that are truly unique. Every cup reflects a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and elevating the coffee experience to an art form.

    Fore Coffee’s business journey has been marked by profitability since 2021 in Indonesia, even amidst pandemic challenges. The brand has successfully expanded into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Backed by an impressive funding from renowned investors including East Ventures, SMDV, Pavilion Capital, Agaeti Venture Capital, Insignia Ventures Partners, and several angel investors, Fore Coffee’s growth is fueled by its exceptional performance.

    Vico Lomar, Co-Founder & CEO, Fore Coffee said, “Fore Coffee’s brand positioning and menu reflect its role as an ambassador of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore. The brand’s signature coffee blends, crafted with a deep understanding of the discerning Singaporean palate, redefine the local coffee landscape through an Indonesian lens.”

    The Singaporean coffee market presents a compelling opportunity for Fore Coffee’s entry. According to research conducted in June 2023 in collaboration with Redseer, a strategy consultant, the Singapore coffee market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, reaching 1,286 USD million by 2027. Singaporeans’ strong affinity for coffee, averaging 6-7 cups per week, aligns perfectly with Fore Coffee’s mission. The brand recognizes the mature coffee market in Singapore, combined with a love for Indonesian beans, particularly Arabica. With an understanding of local preferences and a commitment to innovation, Fore Coffee is poised to flourish in Singapore’s coffee landscape.

    Fore Coffee’s expansion into Singapore is centred around its exceptional signature beverages. From the beloved Gula Aren Latte to the Pandan Latte and innovative Butterscotch Sea-Salt Latte, these creations are meticulously curated to resonate with local preferences.

    Drawing insights from Flavor Group Discussions (FGDs), Fore Coffee is tailoring a selection of 16 key SKUs to capture the essence of Singaporean coffee culture. By adhering to local nutritions preferences, Fore Coffee empowers individuals to enjoy their drinks consciously, promoting healthier individual choices with varying sugar levels and diary options. Fore Coffee’s irresistible coffee offerings start at just S$4.5, ensuring affordability and accessibility for coffee enthusiasts across Singapore.

  • myOKIES: QR menu for order and pay

    myOKIES: QR menu for order and pay

    myOKIES has launched a digital contactless service for Vietnamese businesses, enabling customers to order and pay for purchases directly from their cell phones using a QR code.

    Customers can scan the code using their smartphone camera, which will take them to the myOKIES page where they can select their items and pay using a variety of payment methods, including 21 different e-wallets, all types of debits, credit cards, and cash.

    myOKIES has 136 languages available for customers, enabling businesses to expand their international customer base easily and effectively.

    The benefits of the myOKIES service extend beyond convenience, as it eliminates the need for customers to physically touch a menu or paper receipt, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of viruses and other germs, protecting the environment with a paperless focus, and enabling sustainability for businesses.

    Moreover, customers can use the myOKIES platform to reserve tables and appointments and purchase products in-store and online by accessing the myOKIES website or the myOKIES app.

    myOKIES is also known for its simple yet elegant design, which is reflected in its mobile application and website. The platform’s design is consistent with myOKIES’ overall brand identity, which emphasizes simplicity, efficiency, elegance, and ease of use.

    Its QR code ordering and payment feature also offer a unique lifestyle experience for the young generation, who are always on the lookout for new ways to enhance their daily lifestyle.

    Jalen Phung, CEO of myOKIES Vietnam, understands the importance of serving the younger generation’s lifestyle preferences. “We recognize that the younger generation is looking for new and innovative ways to enhance their daily activities, and we are excited to offer them a solution that is both convenient and visually appealing.”

    myOKIES service is not limited to just the food industry and can be utilized by any business from mid- to high-end that wants to provide their customers with a secure and convenient way to make purchases, including retail businesses and other service businesses like spas, coffee shops, business lounges, furniture stores, and in-room dining for 5-star hotels and resorts, which are myOKIES target business partners.

    myOKIES QR code for ordering and payment service is an outstanding example of how technology can enhance the customer experience and help businesses grow in the most efficient way. With its easy-to-use platform and seamless features, it’s a service that is sure to continue gaining popularity among businesses and customers alike.

  • AirAsia Indonesia to more than double fleet in 3 years

    AirAsia Indonesia to more than double fleet in 3 years

    Capital A plans to more than double its fleet in Indonesia in the next three years to capture a growing tourism market after the Covid-19 pandemic, its chief executive Tony Fernandes said on Monday (Sep 4).

    AirAsia Indonesia, a unit of Capital A, currently has around 28 planes in its fleet. Fernandes told reporters on the sideline of an Asean business forum in Jakarta that he plans to grow the fleet to 75 by 2026, bringing in more wide-body aircraft.

    Fernandes said that the company’s main goal after the pandemic has been to grow its fleet as travel returns to normal levels quickly.

    “I’m very excited and we want to do as much direct connectivity, we want to open routes that we haven’t opened up before,” Fernandes said, citing Indonesia’s plans to develop destinations beyond the popular holiday island of Bali.

    Last year, Malaysia’s AirAsia Group changed its name to Capital A to reflect its growing portfolio of businesses beyond the core budget airline.

    Fernandes stepped down as AirAsia X CEO in October 2022, but has been the CEO of its parent company since 2018.

  • H&M Indonesia Boosts Productivity, Compliance, Employee Engagement, and Sustainability with YOOBIC

    H&M Indonesia Boosts Productivity, Compliance, Employee Engagement, and Sustainability with YOOBIC

    H&M Indonesia today revealed outstanding results from its partnership with YOOBIC, the leading employee experience platform for frontline teams in the retail and hospitality spaces. Adopted across the global retailer’s more than 60 stores and 290 frontline staff in Indonesia, YOOBIC’s all-in-one solution has significantly elevated employee engagement, communication, and productivity, as well as enhancing efficiency, compliance, and sustainability.

    Recognizing the considerable progress made since rolling out YOOBIC in 2022, H&M Indonesia received the coveted “Project Launch of the Year” title at this year’s YOOBIC Frontline Excellence Awards. The judges commended the retailer for achieving an impressive 99% user engagement rate and 97% compliance in operational, visual, and cash office standards since implementing the YOOBIC platform.

    The adoption of YOOBIC’s comprehensive frontline employee experience platform has greatly improved communication within H&M Indonesia. With features like private messaging, video calls, and group chats, staff members can easily interact with each other, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork. Social media-style newsfeeds further enhance this environment by providing a space for co-workers to share announcements, success stories, and sources of inspiration. Frontline staff can also use the platform to directly communicate with store managers and company leaders, sharing advice, concerns, and feedback.

    Armed with YOOBIC’s unified digital platform, H&M Indonesia’s customer-facing staff also have the ability to automate and expedite manual tasks, enabling them to better manage their time and focus on higher value objectives, including building customer relationships. The clothing brand’s retail leaders, meanwhile, have hailed YOOBIC’s digitization of daily operations as a game-changer. Electronic checklists give store managers the ability to easily follow their team’s task completion, while the inclusion of real-time analytics and automated dashboards allows for the tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) and compliance by HQ, ensuring that shopper experiences consistently meet the highest standards across all locations.

    YOOBIC’s extensive L&D capabilities have proved a hit with H&M Indonesia as well, bolstering the company’s dedication to ongoing employee growth. Store leaders can now seamlessly integrate training into their team members’ workflows, delivering interactive courses directly to their mobile devices in easily digestible chunks. This microlearning approach is enriched with data, providing managers with comprehensive insights into their employees’ progress and needs.

    “With YOOBIC, we’ve been able to harness frontline digitization and real-time analytics to solve a number of stubborn operational challenges, including difficulties around communication, productivity, compliance, and training,” said Karina Soegarda, Communications Manager, H&M Indonesia. “YOOBIC’s digitization of manual processes has also allowed us to cut paper usage by 30%, boosting our company-wide commitment to greater sustainability.”

    “Through real-time data sharing and digital task management, H&M Indonesia boosted productivity, launched 25 campaigns in six months, and elevated decision-making with analytics, all while making a significant reduction to paper usage,” said YOOBIC’s Paul Mabire, Head of Sales, APAC. “We’re proud to partner with a brand so committed to operational excellence and employee engagement — we can’t wait to keep innovating together!”

    YOOBIC’s collaboration with H&M Indonesia is an important element of the company’s wider expansion strategy in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. According to the CBRE Asia-Pacific Retail Flash Survey report of January 2023, 71% of APAC retailers are planning to expand or open new stores this year. By 2025, retail sales in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are projected to reach $1.77 trillion, positioning the region as the fourth-largest global market by 2050.

    YOOBIC stands ready to support APAC’s retail boom, providing a mobile-friendly and digitally-enabled workplace experience that enables retail staff to excel while fostering engagement and loyalty. YOOBIC’s comprehensive platform for frontline employee experience has been extensively tested and proven successful in hundreds of thousands of retail stores worldwide. Constantly evolving with product innovations and incorporating new technological features including AI features, YOOBIC effectively drives frontline employee communication, training, and operations, meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

  • Indonesia’s Express Cargo Airlines starts operations

    Indonesia’s Express Cargo Airlines starts operations

    Express Cargo Airlines has gained its domestic, non-scheduled Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in Indonesia and started commercial flight operations on 13 August.

    The carrier is one of three cargo start-ups launching in Indonesia this year, alongside BBN Airlines Indonesia and Raindo United Services, each with a single B737-800(BCF).

    Express Cargo Airlines operates a single B737-300(F), PK-ECA (MSN 24789), based out of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, and a Cessna (single turboprop) C208EX Grand Caravan for regional cargo flights. It currently offers charters to eastern islands in the country.

  • Cainiao launches new hub in Indonesia

    Cainiao launches new hub in Indonesia

    Cainiao Group, the logistics arm of Alibaba, has officially launched its first warehouse in Indonesia as part of a regional hub expansion plan.

    Situated in GIIC Deltamas Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, east of Jakarta, the new Cainiao Cikarang Logistics Park is the third warehouse to be added to the company’s planned warehouse network of ‘chubs’ in Southeast Asia.

    The project has a total land area of 320,000 square metres and encompasses six warehouses covering 170,000 square metres. Cainiao said these ‘cHubs’ are strategically located near key transportation nodes and manufacturing hubs like Indonesia to boost connectivity to global markets.

    The Alibaba logistics unit is confident about the country’s strong potential and demand for warehousing capabilities as industry experts forecast rapid eCommerce growth and increasing customer expectations for fast and affordable deliveries.

    “The vision is for Cainiao Cikarang Logistics Park to pave the way for future full chain capabilities to support manufacturers for their logistics and trading needs, such as fulfillment and sorting for local deliveries, import and export for B2B and B2C businesses, smart supply chain management, and logistics technology such as IoT, automation and warehouse management systems,” Cainiao noted.

    Factoring in sustainability and local climate characteristics, the logistics park project also features skylights, incorporated into warehouse rooftops, as well as a natural ventilation system that will ensure a comfortable environment with energy savings in mind.

    Cainiao shared the project received strong interest from local businesses prior to the official launch and achieved a 75 percent occupancy rate. Tenants include PT Senopati Fujitrans Logistic Services (Senfu), PT SGMW Indonesia (Wuling Indonesia), CJ Logistics, Klog, Haier and Lazada. Work is underway to expand the overseas warehouse network in Thailand and Vietnam.

    “We have witnessed immense potential in Southeast Asian region and have been actively investing to expand our warehouse network in order to cater to the needs of local businesses. We are thrilled to finally announce this new warehouse, our first infrastructural investment in Indonesia and third in the region. Our strong network and expertise in logistics and supply chain capabilities will help our partners and customers in Indonesia accomplish more in less time and boost local and regional trade activities by streamlining workflows and processes across the value chain,” said Eric Xu, Vice President, Cainiao Group.

  • AirAsia Partners with Green Rebel for Meatless Menu Options

    AirAsia Partners with Green Rebel for Meatless Menu Options

    Indonesia’s premier plant-based protein brand, Green Rebel, has teamed up with Malaysian budget airline, AirAsia, to provide meatless alternatives of traditional Southeast Asian delicacies for the inflight menus on regional routes.

    Beginning today, Green Rebel’s vegan Pak Nasser’s Plant-Based Nasi Lemak will be available on AirAsia’s Malaysia routes, while passengers on Philippines routes will be able to taste vegetarian Sisig. Two other plant-based dishes — Nasi Rendang with assorted vegetables and Rendang with Coconut Rice — will appear on the menus on select AirAsia’s Indonesia flights starting later this week.

    Santan, AirAsia’s food service subsidiary, has replaced traditional meat ingredients with Green Rebel‘s plant-based proteins for these recipes. The substitution includes products like Beefless Rendang, Chick’n Chunks, and Plant Mince. Classic dishes like Nasi Lemak have been elevated using basmati and wild purple rice, served with Green Rebel Chick’n Chunks, eggplant curry, French beans, and potatoes. Guilt-Free Sisig, a popular Filipino dish, uses Green Rebel’s Plant Mince, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers.

    “Green Rebel is the first plant-based alt meat brand to partner with AirAsia in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia,” Green Rebel co-founder and CEO Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, said in a statement.

    Tjahjadi says Green Rebel and AirAsia have aligned values, “in particular a commitment to sustainability and flavour localisation.”

    Green Rebel says its food technology ensures the plant-based protein not only imitates the mouthfeel of meat but also absorbs deep flavours and marination, making it perfect for Asian culinary methods like braising, stewing, steaming, hotpot, grilling, and even deep frying. Made from 100 percent natural plant-based ingredients, all Green Rebel products are free from MSG, preservatives, and refined sugar. The protein base includes non-GMO soy and shiitake mushrooms, and is flavoured using Asian spices and herbs for an authentic taste experience.

    Green Rebel has a strong commitment to sustainable, affordable, and tasty plant-based meat alternatives. The company conducts independent Life Cycle Assessments on its products and has found its plant-based beef and chicken alternatives have significantly less global warming potential compared to their traditional counterparts.

    “We discovered that our meatless beef has 91 percent less global warming potential than local beef, and similarly our meatless chicken has 84 percent less global warming potential than local chicken,” Tjahjadi said.

    “We are looking at savings on carbon emissions by 90 percent, water use by 72 percent, land use by 90 percent, and overall energy use by 81 percent to produce plant-based meat in comparison to animal-based meats.”

    The new partnership supports AirAsia’s environmental commitments, which align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius policy. AirAsia has been working on measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including reducing 221 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per aircraft per year through an optimization solution implemented in 2022.

    “We’re excited at the possibilities as mindfulness about healthy and sustainable eating grows in this part of the world,” said Tjahjadi.

     

  • Spotify targets Gen Z Filipino and Indonesian listeners with local artists in new brand film

    Spotify targets Gen Z Filipino and Indonesian listeners with local artists in new brand film

    Spotify aims to connect with their Gen Z Filipino and Indonesian listeners through their new “Music That Finds You” campaign that illustrates the streaming platform’s personalized music discovery services.

    The campaign, which stars Pinoy hip-hop artists Nik Makino and Flow G and Indonesian rock band NOAH, will span across film, television, OOH, and digital assets.

    “Gen Z are voracious consumers of Spotify’s library of audio content,” said Jan-Paul Jeffrey, SEA head of marketing, Spotify.

    “They play more than 578 billion minutes of music in Indonesia and the Philippines and are more engaged with digital audio than any other generation,” he continued.

    The brand film which features Nik Makino and Flow G for the Philippines begins with an individual struggling to study for her college entrance exams. When she presses play on the Discover Weekly personalized playlist, a light, reminiscent of a bat signal, shines from her bedroom window

    The hip hop duo then ziplines through the city from the party they were at to the protagonist’s house to perform for her as she resumes her studying while bopping along with them.

    The brand film brings the magic of Spotify to life and showcases the cultural influence Spotify has on Gen Z listeners that witness how niche homegrown artists are able to amass streams on Spotify, according to a statement by the brand.

    “As the world’s largest global music streaming service, Spotify has the unique ability to reach youths plugged into culture and provide them with an avenue to foster more meaningful connections with artists and podcasters they love,” added Jeffrey.

    Similarly, the advertisement for Indonesia begins with an individual playing their Discover Weekly playlist before starting their morning when members from NOAH parachute out of an airplane filled with other artists.

    As NOAH rocks out with the protagonist in his front yard, the advertisement emphasizes the playlist’s capabilities to provide listeners with personalized music that will make their day better.

    Along with Discover Weekly, Spotify has Daily Mixes and their Time Capsule which are both tailored specifically to each individual listener, while features such as BLEND offer a social experience for any two listeners with a shared playlist.

    As Spotify improves its services for their listeners, last month the streaming platform announced that it would be conducting another round of layoffs, just a few months after its previous wave of job cuts.

    This particular wave affects the podcast division, wherein approximately 2% of Spotify’s workforce in this division will be let go.

    According to Spotify in a statement, it is expanding its partnership efforts with leading podcasters from across the globe, with a tailored approach optimized for each show and creator which marks a fundamental pivot for Spotify in order to support the creator community better.

  • Indonesia’s Tanamera Coffee launches in Malaysia

    Indonesia’s Tanamera Coffee launches in Malaysia

    Indonesian specialty coffee roaster and café chain Tanamera Coffee has opened its first outlet in Malaysia.

    The Kuala Lumpur outlet marks Tanamera Coffee’s third market after its native Indonesia, where it operates 22 stores, and Singapore, where it has opened eight sites since debuting in 2020.

    “We are thrilled to finally bring Indonesian specialty coffee to Malaysia with the opening of our very first outlet in the exciting and vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur. This is our third country and we can’t wait to serve you, both in this store and other upcoming outlets,” Tanamera Coffee said on social media.

    Founded in 2013 to promote Indonesian specialty coffee, Tanamera Coffee sources its coffee from the Aceh, Sumatra, Toraja, Bali, Java, and Flores regions of Indonesia.

    World Coffee Portal research forecasts the total Malaysian branded coffee shop market will exceed 2,700 outlets by 2025.

    Alongside strong outlet growth for convenience-focused operators, such as ZUS Coffee and Gigi Coffee, a wave of premium coffee chains are seeking to catalyse growing demand for specialty coffee in Malaysia.

    Having opened its first international outlet in Malaysia in October 2022, Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan is aiming to reach 100 locations in the Southeast Asian country by the end of 2024. Luxury US brand Ralph’s Coffee entered Malaysia in the same month as part of its new flagship retail store in Kuala Lumpur.

    Meanwhile, Seattle-based Starbucks, operated in Malaysia by Berjaya Food Bhd, expects to reach 400 stores in July 2023. Additionally, Taiwanese specialty coffee chain HWC Coffee has grown its Malaysian footprint to 29 outlets and opened a flagship store and coffee academy in Kuala Lumpur in June 2023.

  • Indonesia sharply increases agricultural imports from Vietnam

    Indonesia sharply increases agricultural imports from Vietnam

    So far this year Indonesia has imported 15 times the rice it did from Vietnam last year and nearly triple the coffee due to unfavorable weather.

    According to Vietnam Customs, it has bought US$181 million worth of rice, accounting for 9.5% of Vietnam’s exports this year and jumping from eight to third place in the list of its biggest rice buyers, behind the Philippines and China.

    Indonesia’s coffee imports from Vietnam have been worth over $76 million, up 185%.

    Its vegetables imports rose by 20% at $2.44 million, and seafood imports by 70% to $7.83 million.

    Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture said agricultural imports have shot up due to El Nino, which is causing drought between May and July.

    The government has decided to import two million tons of rice this year.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture said global coffee, rice and seafood outputs are going flat due to El Nino and there is a risk of further decline, which would cause countries to increase stockpiles.

    The El Nino-Southern Oscillation is a recurring climate pattern caused by changes in water temperature in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

  • Indonesian Based Apparel Startup Claude sewn the Seed in Funding

    Indonesian Based Apparel Startup Claude sewn the Seed in Funding

    The fast growing direct-to-consumer apparel company, Claude, that aims to be everyone’s go to brand for going shopping has just announced the closing of its seed round.

    This independent brand that introduces relevant elevated looks has been busy stealing the hearts of the global market, stepping out from the comfort zone of domestic base and successfully penetrate international waters, from Southeast Asia, to Europe, to the United States. Suspected to be one of the first brands from Indonesia that are daring to be global and succeeded. “In this globalized world where technology enables us to cross-border real-time, becoming global immediately enhances your total addressable market hundred times over while simultaneously strengthening the strong brand equity we carefully preserve”, Co-Founder and CEO Tommy Budihardjo says.

    Revolutionary in its business model, Claude uses micro-batches system for new designs and produces more only after the demand is proven, hence minimizing waste while enhancing the speed in offering of new designs. Combined with its own real-time analysis, Claude understand the customers’ behaviour and taste real time and therefore can adapt instantly. “Apparel industry is one of the biggest contributor of waste – especially due to unsold stock – the industry is overdue for a change, and we are happy to lead the charge with our business model that successfully cut finished goods waste by 90% and maximize the revenue and profitability at the same time”, the CEO stated.

    Claude’s latest round will be used to enhance current product offerings and strengthen the market it has already penetrated. The fund was led by one of the early-backers of Tokopedia and Kakao Corp, CyberAgent Capital and supported by the family office Prima Fund I. “Indonesia is one of the largest consumer retail markets in the world. With Claude’s strong brand value along with the experiences brought by the management team, we believe that the company could bring its unique value propositions and be well-accepted by the huge Indonesian and SEA apparel markets.”, says Nobuaki Kitagawa, Managing Director of CyberAgent Capital, Inc.

  • AirAsia expands Asia presence with Penang-Hong Kong route

    AirAsia expands Asia presence with Penang-Hong Kong route

    AirAsia continues to expand its presence in Asia with a route to Hong Kong from its third biggest hub in Penang starting 10 August 2023.

    This route marks the airline’s seventh direct international route from Penang and is set to further boost regional inbound tourism to the state, bolstering an already thriving state tourism industry. The three weekly flights will add to a total of 217 flights weekly from Penang to both domestic and international destinations.

    The route was announced by YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE); Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism (PGT); and Kenneth Tan, Director, Government Relations (Northern Region) at AirAsia at Komtar, Penang.

    YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) said: “We are confident that the addition of three weekly flights from Hong Kong will not only reinforce Penang’s status as a top tourist hotspot in Malaysia but will also contribute significantly to the island’s overall appeal. Hong Kong is part of China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) which refers to the Chinese government’s scheme to link their rapidly developing regions together into an integrated economic and business hub. By connecting with China’s GBA, it would be advantageous for Penang to attain higher tourism and economic growth.”

    “The Penang State Government firmly believes that through collaborative efforts with industry players such as AirAsia, we can harness the full potential of our local tourism industry.Forging strong partnerships with private sectors, implementing innovative marketing strategies and investing in infrastructure development will undoubtedly boost visitor arrivals, extend their length of stay and enhance their overall travel experience.”

    Riad Asmat, AirAsia Malaysia CEO said: “We are excited to reconnect Penang to Hong Kong after launching it for the first time in 2009 where we established Penang as a hub at the same time. We are also thrilled to be the only low-cost carrier connecting both islands directly, providing more value and greater accessibility to our guests. This is an exciting historical route for AirAsia and we anticipate a remarkable response from both leisure and business travellers alike.

    “AirAsia Group has the largest international connectivity from Penang with a market share of 40%. This expansion not only strengthens AirAsia’s foothold beyond Asean but also reinforces our commitment to fostering economic growth through tourism. We look forward to working closely with the state government to support the tourism industry and stimulate air travel to the Pearl of the Orient.”

    In celebration of the route announcement, the airline is offering incredible promotional fares starting today from RM299 all-in* one-way for travel period from 10 August 2023 to 26 October 2023. Click on the ‘Flights’ icon on the airasia Superapp or website for booking and explore the iconic Hong Kong for a steal!

    AirAsia Group operates 217 flights weekly via ten routes to Penang from Kuala Lumpur (67x weekly), Johor Bahru (28x weekly), and Langkawi (21x weekly) as well as Singapore (35x weekly), Ho Chi Minh City (7x weekly), Jakarta (11x weekly), Bangkok (14x weekly), Medan (28x weekly), Surabaya (3x weekly), and Hong Kong (3x weekly).

  • Indonesia AirAsia launches Jakarta-Perth route

    Indonesia AirAsia launches Jakarta-Perth route

    Indonesia AirAsia has launched its inaugural flights on the Jakarta-Perth route, becoming the only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities post-pandemic. The new route, supported by the Western Australian Government and Perth Airport, initially operates four times a week, providing over 1,400 visitor seats weekly.

    The demand for travel between Indonesia and Australia is high due to convenient flight times and the appeal of both destinations for various activities, including shopping, dining, adventure, beaches, and education.

    Eddy Krismeidi Sumawilaga, Head of Indonesia Affairs and Policy of Indonesia AirAsia, expressed excitement about the new route and reported positive occupancy rates for the inaugural flights. The airline expects the Jakarta-Perth route to be popular among leisure travellers and Indonesians visiting Perth for business, leisure, education, and visiting friends and family. The route also offers Australians the opportunity to explore popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. With the support of Tourism Western Australia and Perth Airport, the airline anticipates strong demand for this new connection.

    The Western Australian Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, highlighted the significance of the Jakarta-Perth flight in strengthening the relationship between the two destinations and enhancing Western Australia’s reputation as a gateway. Kate Holsgrove, Acting CEO of Perth Airport, emphasized the positive impact of the new service on Western Australia’s business, student, and tourism sectors, with the potential to attract more visitors and students from Jakarta.

    The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth, Listiana Operananta, expressed support for the new route and encouraged more West Australians to explore Indonesia and vice versa, noting the potential for further exploration between Jakarta and Perth due to their similarities and short flight duration.

    The flights between Jakarta and Perth are operated on Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats. The flight duration is approximately 4.5 hours, and the frequency is four times a week.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is set to mount flights to the Ilocos Norte capital of Laoag starting May 22, making it the 35th domestic destination in the airline’s network.

    Cebu Pacific said flights from Manila to Laoag will be daily, as the airline seeks to tap travelers seeking to explore the Ilocos region.

    “Laoag plays a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich history and culture, and we are excited to finally be able to bring more Juans to this beautiful city,” President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

    “We hope the launch of the Laoag route will encourage more people to travel and experience the Ilocos region,” he added.

    The carrier reported a P14-billion net loss in 2022, marking an improvement from the P24.9-billion net loss incurred in the previous year as it cut its operating loss by about half to P11.4 billion.

    The company is set to add 11 more aircraft to its fleet this 2023, seeking to return to profitability within the first quarter of the year.

    Shares in Cebu Air Inc., which operates the carrier, were trading up by P0.05 or 0.12% at P41.70 apiece as of 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday.