#AK/FD/QZ/D7 | AirAsia / Thai AirAsia / Indonesia AirAsia / AirAsia X [Archive] - Page 11

nazrey

August 17th, 2011, 04:48 AM

AirAsia X-Khazanah deal hinges on valuation
By JEEVA ARULAMPALAM Wednesday August 17, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/17/business/9310531&sec=business#13135486487961&if_height=636

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2011/8/17/business/p2-airasiaqtchtsecpici.JPG

PETALING JAYA: Investment bank Morgan Stanley is expected to finalise the proposed valuation of the 10% stake in AirAsia X to be purchased by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and present it to the long-haul budget carrier's board by September, according to sources.

While it was too premature to put a price tag on the proposed purchase, sources said Morgan Stanley had been appointed the deal adviser and was currently working on the deal valuation.

Khazanah will be issued new shares in AirAsia X and is expected to come in as a pre-initial public offering (IPO) investor of AirAsia X, ahead of the airline's plans to list next year.

In 2008, AirAsia X executed an agreement to place a 20% stake to Bahrain-based Manara Consortium and Japan's Orix Corp for US$75mil (or RM250mil). When the placement was done, it was one year after the long-haul low-cost carrier established operations.

The valuation placed on AirAsia X's shares today would be higher given the growth and expansion in business experienced by the airline since.

Last year, AirAsia X achieved a revenue of RM1.3bil with a net profit of RM80mil from carrying some 1.92 million passengers. The airline targets to touch RM2bil in revenue this year, owing to better ancillary income and higher yields, and carry some 2.7 million passengers.

AirAsia X now has a fleet of nine Airbus A330 and two Airbus A340 with a route network to 15 destinations globally.

“Everything hinges on the valuation before Khazanah will look to accept the share purchase. So it is not a done deal just yet,” said the source.

When contacted, AirAsia X chief-executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said Khazanah's potential participation would signal the entry of a strong institutional investor into the company and would be used as a benchmark for the subsequent IPO price.

Current shareholders of AirAsia X include Aero Ventures Sdn Bhd (52%), AirAsia Bhd (16%), Corvina Holdings (10%), Orix Corp (11%) and Manara Consortium (11%)

Last week, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), AirAsia and AirAsia X signed a collaboration agreement, whereby the outcome of the agreement will see MAS focus on being a full-service premium carrier, AirAsia on being a regional low-cost carrier (LCC) and AirAsia X, a medium-to-long-haul LCC.

Azran said it was important for an airline to establish a clear product positioning and brand. The deal would allow all three airlines to operate in their respective market segments.

He added that a premium airline like Singapore Airlines realised the need to set up a separate entity, a long-haul budget carrier, to compete with AirAsia X so as not to dilute the parent company's brand.

“Previously, when MAS was competing with AirAsia X, it didn't make sense,” Azran said.

The agreement creates a clear distinction in which segments the three local airlines will operate in and Azran said it was an increasing global trend to see airline groups set up different carriers within an airline group to address different segments, as seen with Qantas' announcement yesterday in establishing a new premium airline in Asia.

Azran also emphasised that the collaboration agreement gave promise to a more rational route policy that would allow all three airlines to compete globally and domestically.

“The agreement allows us to align capacity to where demand is. For instance, there are a large number of people flying Singapore Airlines to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney as there is not enough capacity,” he added.

Azran had previously stressed that a factor weighing on its IPO process was the lack of a route allocation policy by the Government, which was needed to provide clarity for the airline's current and future investors.

nazrey

August 17th, 2011, 07:56 AM

AirAsia Philippines' first aircraft arrived at the Diosdado Macapagal

nRn3Ng-hYhg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/5715936427_03f01e8fae_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashraffrahman/5715936427/

CoolFellas

August 18th, 2011, 10:50 AM

Queens Park Rangers expected to announce takeover by Tony Fernandes

• AirAsia owner set to buy 66% stake
• Announcement expected on Thursday

David Conn
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 17 August 2011 20.32 BST

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/17/qpr-takeover-tony-fernandes-bernie-ecclestone

Queens Park Rangers are expected to announce the takeover of the club by the Malaysian airline entrepreneur Tony Fernandes at a press conference at Loftus Road on Thursday. Fernandes, the co-owner and chief executive of the low-cost airline AirAsia, has been in London in the past few days, negotiating to buy the 66% stake in QPR that is currently owned by the Formula One rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone. The club would not confirm on Wednesday night that the press conference has been called to unveil Fernandes as the new majority owner, but sources close to the deal said it was "nearly there".

Fernandes, who has twice tried to buy into West Ham, the club he supports, turned to QPR after a bid to invest at Upton Park was rejected in June by the West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. Ecclestone, with his Formula One friend Flavio Briatore, has become an unpopular figure with QPR fans, who are particularly angry at swingeing ticket-price increases that were imposed after the club won promotion to the Premier League.

Ecclestone has talked publicly of the club being worth £100m, but sources have suggested Fernandes will not agree with that valuation at a club where investment is required if Neil Warnock's team are to have a reasonable chance of staying up.

The Malaysian is expected to take over in partnership with Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of the Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who has been discussing buying 10% from Ecclestone. That would increase the Mittal stake to 43%, with Fernandes holding 56%. Bhatia, who stepped down as chairman in May, after the ticket-price increases were announced and his own takeover offer was rebuffed by Ecclestone, is said to have struck up a good rapport with Fernandes and to be keen to be involved.

Queens Park Rangers ; http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/Home

-----------------------------------------------

Fernandes semakin hampir kuasai QPR

18 Ogos 2011
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0818&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Sukan&pg=su_01.htm

LONDON - Tan Sri Tony Fernandes dijangka mengambil alih Queens Park Rangers dalam tempoh 24 jam lagi dan menyatakan sokongan penuh terhadap pengurus kelab Liga Perdana Inggeris itu, Neil Warnock.

Ahli perniagaan terkemuka Malaysia itu bakal menjadi pemegang saham majoriti kelab dan difahamkan membeli lebih daripada 51 peratus pegangan, seperti yang dibincang sebelum ini.

Fernandes, yang memiliki syarikat penerbangan tambang murah Air Asia dan Team Lotus dalam F1 dilihat berada di Loftus Road, Sabtu lalu untuk menyaksikan perlawanan pembuka tirai QPR melayan kunjungan Bolton.

Meskipun dibelasah 0-4, Fernandes berkata: "Saya fikir Neil ialah seorang yang hebat dan dia menjalankan tugasnya dengan begitu cemerlang sehingga menjulang QPR pada kedudukan sekarang.

"Dia akan mendapat sokong penuh daripada saya. Saya fikir seseorang pengurus harus mendapat apa diingininya."

Pemimpin F1, Bernie Ecclestone yang memiliki 66 peratus saham dalam QPR berhasrat menjual pegangannya, justeru urus niaga kali ini pastinya menamatkan segala ikatannya dengan Loftus Road.

Hartawan industri keluli, Lakshmi Mittal juga diramal meningkatkan pegangannya kepada 33 peratus tetapi Fernandes akan memiliki kuasa penuh di QPR.

Satu sidang media bakal diadakan di Loftus Road hari ini bagi mengumumkan pengambilalihan tersebut.

Perkembangan itu pasti menggembirakan Warnock kerana Fernandes mahukan dia membawa masuk empat pemain baru sebelum tempoh perpindahan pemain berakhir. - Agensi

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Tan Sri Tony Fernadez keeps on building his empire.:lol: I just wondering why Tan Sri TF in favour taking over QPR, a football club based in Loftus Rd, London, a traditional enemy to more prominent London-based football club Chelsea . Is it because his good relationship with its major stake owner Formula One tycoons and multi-millionaires Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore?

patchay

August 18th, 2011, 05:57 PM

^^ Met Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X again this evening.

His talks always inspired me but more importantly he shared very INTERESTING facts/stats on AirAsia X's business and the recent MAS-AirAsia-Khazanah deal.

AirAsia X has also achieved another superb milestone in safety, which will be announced later this year. And his sarcasm to the upcoming SIA low-cost long haul carrier.

Will share more over this weekend. Stay tuned to here.

Before I share more, here's a quiz. Today, which is AirAsia X's most profitable and highest yield route? Based on your answer, what do you know about this route?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

dengilo

August 19th, 2011, 02:30 AM

Australia?

Arkdriver

August 19th, 2011, 03:07 AM

Stansted?

Skyprince

August 19th, 2011, 04:50 AM

I think the shorter the route, the more profitable... jadi KL-Taipei kan ?

musang

August 19th, 2011, 05:06 AM

^ ha ha enko baca ni somewhere kat Phil Forum kan as he mentioned Taipei there ;)

Skyprince

August 19th, 2011, 05:16 AM

Alamak pecah kelentong :wallbash:

Emm... tapi kalo dia x bagi tahu pun.. aku dah tahu ..huhu

patchay

August 19th, 2011, 05:32 AM

Yes it is Taipei.

Interestingly Taipei is the route currently served by AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines and EVA Airways.

AirAsia X is saying "the route with more competition, the better the profits". Passenger traffic between the two cities also grew double digit.

Now compare to KL-Sydney: "the route that has the highest forecasted volume but with the least competitors, the worst profits and passenger traffic last year went into negative, the only one amongst Australian major cities".

KL-Sydney is expected to bring in more than RM1b into our economy if allowed to be flown by AirAsia X. KL will also emerge as a hub for the lucrative Kangaroo route.

Now consider this:

Sorry, would like to correct my statement. It's supposed to be a premium long-haul carrier by Qantas either to be based at Sg or Bangkok or KL.

Australia:
- short-haul premium: Qantas
- long-haul premium: to be established to take over Qantas long-haul
- short-haul low-cost: Jetstar Australia
- long-haul low-cost: Jetstar Asia and Jetstar International

Singapore:
- short-haul premium: SilkAir
- long-haul premium: Singapore Airlines
- short-haul low-cost: Tiger Airways
- long-haul low-cost: to be established for the first time

Malaysia:
- short-haul premium: to be established, known as Sapphire and may replace and ups Firefly offerings
- long-haul premium: Malaysia Airlines
- short-haul low-cost: AirAsia
- long-haul low-cost: AirAsia X

Japan, SKorea, Thailand, Hong Kong will all be doing the same. Repositioning is the key word.

AirAsia officially announced its intention for more planes today. >>> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110819092158/Article/index_html

Skyprince

August 19th, 2011, 06:22 AM

What about next destination ? I wish it's UAE and they should choose Sharjah... I love this country so much .

dengilo

August 19th, 2011, 06:27 AM

Lucrative Kangaroo route is what all the south east asian hubs is all about,Cant figure why our decision makers dont understand after that all these years! Also very high on the list is china and india.

patchay

August 19th, 2011, 08:45 AM

Mr Azran revealed several insider things... namely why AirAsia did not want the use of AEROBRIDGES.

Other issues:
- what makes a difference between AirAsia X and future long-haul low-cost
- places that Msian Govt wanted them to fly at the initial stage in 2007
- AirAsia and MAS and Sapphire/Firefly
- What's next?
- the proposed IPO

Stay tuned for my weekend post here.

musang

August 19th, 2011, 09:38 AM

at Pat: i blvd BKK was never in their list kan. i read smwhere that they are trying hard to get a routing out of a Chinese city, either HKG or Shanghai. if itu tak menjadi, then it will either be KUL or SIN.

nazrey

September 5th, 2011, 06:52 AM

AirAsia Philippines eyes 7 planes by 2012
Published: 2011/09/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110905091141/Article/index_html

AirAsia Bhd’s Philippine unit may start flights to Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau by the end of next month once it gets regulatory approval and will acquire its second Airbus A320 by November, its Chief Executive Officer Marianne Hontiveros said.

AirAsia Philippines targets to bolster its fleet to seven planes by the end of 2012 and up to 16 jets in five years, Hontiveros said in an interview today in Xiamen.

It may use the second Airbus to start flights to Bangkok and Incheon, the CEO said. Hontiveros is part of Philippine President Benigno Aquino’s delegation in his five-day state visit to China. -- Bloomberg

aseantraveler

September 16th, 2011, 02:55 PM

http://www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines

constipation

September 20th, 2011, 03:52 PM

By Lynne_c

On behalf of the passengers of Air Asia X flight D7 2686 from Kuala Lumpur to Incheon, Seoul on September 2, 2011, I would like to share our experience about a delay that cost us more than 10 hours and the shabby treatment that Air Asia extends to its paying customers.

The chronology of the events are as follows:

The flight, D7 2686 was initially supposed to take off at 11.00pm and reach Incheon at 6.00am the next day.

11.00pm - Captain of the flight announced a delay due to a route change which requires the plane to upload 2 tonnes of fuel. The reason given was non-approval from ATP for clearance from Ho Chi Minh to Taipei.
12.00 midnight - Captain announces another plan change, requiring the uplifting of 1 tonnes of fuel from the plane.
1.00am - The plane was waiting by the runway to take off when the Captain announced clearance from Taipei and said that he would decide in 2 or 3 minutes if he would repark the plane.
1.30am - Captain re-parked the plane at the terminal
1.50am - Passengers were told to disembark to T18 by the Captain
2.30am - After more than 3 hours stranded in the plane, the passengers were finally allowed to disembark to T18 where everyone rushed to the rest room or to purchase much needed food and drinks
3.30am - Cold croissant and cold mineral water were distributed to the passengers.
4.00am - Some of the Korean guests requested for blankets for their children. The passengers were told that the plane will take off by 5.00am
5.00am - A new announcement was made that the plane will take off by 7.30am
6.00am - Two of the passengers cancelled their tickets and left
7.00am - One of the Managers assured the passengers that the plane will take off by 7.30am. A second Manager then said that Air Asia could extend our flight to another day. But he could not qualify for food and accommodation.
7.30am - The passengers were asked to re-board the plane.
8.00am - The plane reversed out of the parking bay and was parked in another place in the middle of the airport with 2 ground crew still on board. The new crew sat in the front portion of the plane, behind the red curtain, laughing and joking
8.20am - One of the passengers, a Mr. Chew, got up from his seat to approach the crew to find out what was happening. He was told that there was no pilot and the new crew said that they had just arrived from Delhi and were only told to sit in to board us on the plane. Anoother crew member, a Mr. Narin Singh, openly said that there was no pilot and he was there to bring the plane to where it was currently parked (in the middle of the airport). When pressed for confirmation, he declined to comment. However, it was very clear that Air Asia had moved the airplane without a qualified pilot on board!
9.20am - The plane finally took off for Korea

The delaying tactics employed by Air Asia was obvious. On top of all that, the passengers were subjected to rude treatment and thuggish behaviour from the ground crew and staff of Air Asia. When a disagreement arose between two Korean ladies and the ground crew at approximately 5.30am, passenger Mr. Chew recorded the incident on his handphone, but he was subsequently threatened and browbeatened by the Air Asia security to delete the video or else his mobile phone would be confiscated.

To date, there has been no effort from Air Asia to reach out to its customers and at least make an attempt to compensate everyone for the ordeal they suffered at the hands of Air Asia. We have never received any official answer on the reason for the delay. From what we had found out verbally, someone in Air Asia forgot to ask for clearance through Taipei air space, which sparked off the whole fiasco.

I am writing this to you in the hopes that our experience on board Air Asia X flight D7 2686 will be shared with your readers. Was all these hassle and stress worth the price of a cheap ticket? My answer, and the answer of all my fellow passengers would be, a resounding No.

More than that, seeing how shabbily Air Asia treated its guests that night, how they verbally accosted the Korean passengers who were struggling to speak English, I can honestly say, I felt an emotion I had never felt in my lifetime - I was embarassed to be Malaysian because Air Asia is a Malaysian company.

p/s: Shame on you, AirAsia!:tongue: Shame on you!:bash:

asd5139

September 20th, 2011, 04:07 PM

constipation

September 20th, 2011, 04:36 PM

^^ I agree with you on the fact that some of AirAsia ground crews are RUDE... During my last flight from KUL to ICN too, one of the guy (ground staff for T16/15) called 'BODOH' (they didn't shout but still me can hear it) to some Korean teenagers for late boarding.... That was utterly disgusting and i feel shame too at the moment... I don't think they should have done that even though Koreans doesn't understand Malay.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Eventhough these Koreans dont know how to speak English well, they r far more better than us in knowledge, art, attitude, ethic n technologically advanced in everything, so please dont call them 'Bodoh!':ohno:

Winehouse

September 20th, 2011, 08:51 PM

Just because the whole country looks modern and sophisticated doesn't mean it will reflect to every single citizen.
I'm not defending or condoning what the ground staff did or say because i wasn't there but trust me my cousin live in Mont Kiara and it's actually full of them.
Some of them are truly lovely and polite with incredibly polite and well mannered attitude but some are truly annoying even her neighbour from korea themselves hates them.
Again i'm not defending Airasia but i have experienced far worse on full service carrier especially based here in London , my thought on airasia they really need to define their operations because there's too much 2 in 1 mentality from them that's what happened i think from the article above .

Zulhelmi

September 21st, 2011, 02:47 AM

Aku pun penah ada experience dengan AirAsia, indirectly. I was on my second leg of my trip, KUL-AOR from SGN-KUL. One of the staff were really rude, not to mention her dressing was somehow inappropriate sebab zipper uniform dia tak tutup abis, revealing u know what..

So this passenger with requested something from her. Entah macam mana staff ni bengang kot, at the end of conversation everyone up to 2-3 rows from them could CLEARLY hear that she called that passenger "bodoh". It was quite shocking sebabnya passenger tu mak cik late 50's dah... Serious aku tak boleh blah kalau org buat kat orang tua2 mcm tu.

Cheap doesnt mean that u do have to act cheap. Period.

CoolFellas

September 22nd, 2011, 01:52 AM

In this case, I have to salute to our MAS cabin crews despite of shabby condition of the aged MAS flights. They are far more professional and genuine compared to Air Asia cabin crews which are superficial and only want to look glamour and sexy. Sometimes I feel they are too 'mengada-ngada' and 'gedik'.:lol:

Similar complaints against some Singapore Air cabin crews where sometimes they 'tengok sebelah mata' Asian look faces and only focusing on European or caucasian passengers. I think Air Asia cabin crews need to go through more training mostly in term of etiquitte, genuine smile and service towards passengers regardless of genders, ages and nationalities. To be precise, more professional attitudes and retaining 'ciri-ciri ketimuran and keramahan rakyat Malaysia'.

dengilo

September 22nd, 2011, 05:44 AM

True but only god knows whats going on it their minds ha.Surely u can only smile until sakit muka but the reality its not enough to be a 5 star airline.Some of the MAS planes should be in the arizona desert!I especially despise the catering service on their planes sometimes i think its fit for animals at the zoo then human,even the mamak stall around the corner can do betterlah.

Arkdriver

September 22nd, 2011, 06:45 AM

tbc

September 22nd, 2011, 02:31 PM

..... even the mamak stall around the corner can do betterlah.
I believe that is generally the case - whether you're flying FSc or LCC :)
But then I only know about fare served in Y only - dunno about the premium, front end food lah :lol:

Btw, there have been scientific studies that prove we lose part of our taste sensation when flying - so, give and take lah !

dengilo

September 22nd, 2011, 05:34 PM

[QUOTE=tbc;:

Btw, there have been scientific studies that prove we lose part of our taste sensation when flying - so, give and take lah ![/QUOTE]

:Anything under 2 hrs i couldnt care ,just give me a food coupon for a meal at the airport:lol:.As for the long hauls no compromise!:bash:

aseantraveler

September 23rd, 2011, 12:51 PM

AirAsia:
http://www.facebook.com/AirAsia

Indonesia AirAsia:
http://www.facebook.com/AirAsiaIndonesia

Thai AirAsia:
http://www.facebook.com/AirAsiaThailand

AirAsia Philippines:
http://www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines

nazrey

September 29th, 2011, 08:57 AM

AirAsia X may open hubs in Japan, Australia
Published: 2011/09/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110929111849/Article/index_html

AirAsia X Sdn Bhd, the long-haul affiliate of Asia’s biggest discount carrier, may add at least 60 more aircraft to support possible hubs in Japan and Australia.

The carrier, which has a backlog of 30 Airbus SAS planes, “could triple our orders,” Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman Rani said in an interview in Tokyo yesterday. “The existing orders are conservative.” He declined to give specific details on how many planes the carrier may add or when.

Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia X may open a base in Japan to work with affiliate AirAsia Bhd’s planned venture in the country, Rani said. The long-haul carrier and Qantas Airways Ltd.’s Jetstar have won passengers from full-service carriers in Asia with low fares, prompting Singapore Airlines Ltd. to draw up plans for its own budget long-haul unit.

AirAsia X may eventually operate flights to Guam and Honolulu from Japan on behalf of AirAsia Bhd’s venture with All Nippon Airways Co, Rani said. The long-haul carrier, which currently flies to cities including London from Malaysia, may also open a base in Australia.

“A unit in Australia is definitely a possibility,” Rani said. Still, it will probably take at least two years before this happens, he said.

AirAsia X’s plans to hold an initial public offering have been delayed by talks to sell a 10 percent stake to Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Malaysia’s state-controlled investment company, Rani said.

The sale is part of a wider deal that also included the purchase of a stake in Malaysian Airline System Bhd by Tony Fernandes and other AirAsia Bhd shareholders.

AirAsia X is currently owned by AirAsia Bhd, Richard Branson’s Virgin Group Ltd, Manara Consortium, based in Bahrain, and ORIX Corp, based in Japan. - Bloomberg

patchay

October 5th, 2011, 03:43 PM

AirAsia has announced its 3rd route between Malaysia and Vietnam :banana:

Go holiday!!!

KL- Da Nang (4x weekly) from 69 ringgit all-in-fare beginning from 16 Dec 2011
http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2011/main_danang_en.jpg

nazrey

October 11th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Khazanah factor in AirAsia X listing
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2011/10/12
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rafix/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/rafix/pix_topright

GEORGE TOWN: The timing of AirAsia X Sdn Bhd's listing on the stock market hinges on various factors, including Khazanah Nasional Berhad's offer to purchase a stake in the company.

The company's independent and non-executive chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz yesterday said that work on the initial public offering is ongoing and no timeframe has been fixed as yet.

"We also want to evaluate Khazanah's offer to purchase, once all processes are completed," she said in a text message reply, when asked if Khazanah's proposal which was announced in August to acquire 10 per cent of shares in AirAsia X, was delaying the listing plan.

The long-haul arm of Malaysian budget carrier, AirAsia, which initially announced it would list its shares by 2012, had recently said that it has put the plan on hold.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azlan Osman Rani had said in a television interview last month that the listing was on hold, pending a potential stake sale to Khazanah.

On the status of AirAsia X's request to the government for the green light to add Sydney Airport as its fourth Australian destination following Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, Rafidah said:

"We are busy preparing for the other routes first and we will prepare for Sydney when we get it."

She however, did not disclose the other routes except to add "we will announce the routes in good time."

Earlier, Rafidah had delivered a keynote address during the "Quantity Surveying International Convention 2011."

Present were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng and Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Omar Osman.

In her address, Rafidah touched on how green and sustainability agendas have been politicised and turned into political capital.

"Today, sustainability has emerged as an important factor in international trade as more consumers, especially in the developed economies are demanding that products which enter their markets have undergone production processes which have in turn, met prescribed standards and regimes, all in the context of care, preservation of the environment, human welfare and the environment," said Rafidah.

maafcakap

October 13th, 2011, 02:59 AM

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is still looking for an opportunity to grow its business in Vietnam, which has a lot of potential, said group deputy chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

Kamarudin said although AirAsia’s joint-venture agreement with Vietnam’s VietJet Aviation to launch a low-cost airline had been allowed to lapse, Airasia might relook at the deal.

“In the proper time and condition, we may (relook the opportunity for a joint venture with VietJet) but it has to be the right time, environment and condition,” he told Bernama after appearing in Bernama Radio 24’s “Kerusi Panas” programme.

AirAsia said in a statement on Tuesday that it would not proceed with the proposed joint venture with Vietjet following the expiration of the prescribed period to fulfill various regulatory requirements.

Kamarudin said the move would not derail AirAsia’s plan to expand in the region as it had succesfully formed several joint ventures, including in the Philippines and with Japan’s All Nippon Airways. — Bernama

nazrey

October 16th, 2011, 08:15 PM

AirAsia X cadang laksana IPO
Syarikat runding jual saham 10 peratus kepada Khazanah
2011/10/15
http://www.bharian.com.my/articles/AirAsiaXcadanglaksanaIPO/Article/

AIRASIA X, bercadang melaksanakan tawaran awam permulaan (IPO) bagi penyenaraiannya tahun depan, dan kini sedang berunding untuk menjual 10 peratus sahamnya kepada Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Azran Osman-Rani, berkata penjualan saham kepada sayap pelaburan kerajaan itu, dijangka dibuat sebelum akhir tahun ini apabila kedua-dua pihak mencapai persetujuan ke atas harganya.

Beliau bagaimanapun tidak memberitahu saiz IPO yang dicadangkan itu atau di mana sahamnya akan disenaraikan.

Ogos lalu, Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) dan AirAsia Bhd bersetuju melaksanakan pertukaran saham dalam satu urus niaga bernilai kira-kira RM1.14 bilion, yang dianggap penganalisis dapat menghapuskan pertindihan perniagaan, selain mampu merangsang keuntungan kedua-dua syarikat.

Di bawah urus niaga itu, Khazanah akan mendapatkan 10 peratus kepentingan dalam AirAsia.

“Langkah seterusnya adalah Khazanah akan turut membeli kepentingan AirAsia X dan itulah kedudukannya kini,” kata Azran.

“Jika kami mencapai persetujuan ke atas harga dan pemegang saham menerimanya, maka mereka (Khazanah) akan menjadi pemegang saham dalam AirAsia X,” katanya.

Setakat ini, kumpulan itu itu masih belum melantik mana-mana bank bagi menguruskan cadangan IPO berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun, Azran berkata, AirAsia X sudah melantik Morgan Stanley sebagai penasihat bagi urus niaga dengan Khazanah.

AirAsia, yang membuat rekod dengan menempah 200 pesawat Airbus A320neo, menguasai 16 peratus kepentingan dalam AirAsia X, manakala Virgin Group yang dimiliki ahli perniagaan Richard Branson pula memegang 10 peratus.

Sementara itu, Azran berkata, AirAsia X yang kini menawarkan penerbangan ke New Delhi dan Mumbai belum merancang meningkatkan rangkaiannya di India kerana laluan ke negara itu kini mencatatkan kerugian.

Beliau berkata, permintaan kini lebih terarah kepada penerbangan keluar India, tetapi permintaan penerbangan masuk adalah kurang.

“Kita pernah berdepan situasi yang mana syarikat menawarkan 5,000 tiket percuma ke India dari Kuala Lumpur, tetapi hanya 3,800 yang diambil. Maka, kita perlu bekerja lebih gigih bersama industri pelancongan India bagi menjadikan Delhi dan Mumbai destinasi lebih menarik,” katanya.

Azran berkata, kurangnya alternatif hotel premium tinggi di kedua-dua bandar raya utama India itu menjadi punca utama kurangnya minat pelancong asing.

AirAsia X mencatatkan purata faktor muatan sekitar 70 peratus di India disebabkan tiada keseimbangan dalam aliran keluar dan masuk, berbanding kira-kira 80 peratus dalam kebanyakan pasaran lain. – Reuters

Vrooms

October 26th, 2011, 04:14 PM

Source:http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/air-asia-x-completes-switch-from-stansted-to-ga
Air Asia X completes switch from Stansted to Gatwick
Published: 25/10/2011 - Filed under: News »

Malaysian low-cost carrier Air Asia X has completed its switch from London Stansted to Gatwick airport ahead of its scheduled increase to six times weekly services between London and Kuala Lumpur from December 14 (see online news July 12).

Flights have commenced from Gatwick South Terminal to Kuala Lumpur and will operate three times weekly during November, before increasing to five times weekly from December 2 and eventually six flights from December 14, before returning to five from January 27 until March 24 2012. For the full flight schedule see below.

The route is being served by the carrier’s Airbus A340-300, which has 327 seats including 18 Premium Fly Flat bed seats. Air Asia X’s Premium Fly Flat beds have a 20” width, 60” pitch and extend to 77” in full recline position. Premium seat guests also benefit from complimentary seat selection, priority check-in, priority boarding, baggage allowance and a meal.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/files/News-images/Air-Asia-X/Gatwick-KL-body-pic.JPG

Long-haul routes to South-East Asia have not been served out of Gatwick for some time but customers will now be able to fly direct to Kuala Lumpur and connect onto Air Asia’s South East Asian network. Vietnam Airlines is also about to serve the region with the launch of its twice weekly flights from Gatwick to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, commencing December 9.

Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport’s commercial director said: “South-East Asia is an important destination for UK business and leisure travellers and so we are excited that Air Asia X has chosen to operate the popular London-KL route from Gatwick and enable us to meet growing passenger demand for travel to this region.”

The route is now available for purchase at airasia.com and at the time of writing return fares for the end of November were £566 in economy and £2101 in Premium. Flights throughout February are currently as low as £358 return on a promotional fare, £584 in economy and £1683 in premium.

For more information visit airasia.com and gatwickairport.com

CoolFellas

October 28th, 2011, 09:14 AM

Source:http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/air-asia-x-completes-switch-from-stansted-to-ga

To be honest I prefer Stansted rather than Gatwick as Gatwick Airport is a bit chaotic compared to Stansted which is smaller size. Hopefully in the future Air Asia X can fly to other airports in the UK such as Manchester Airport or Birmingham Airport.

Vrooms

October 28th, 2011, 10:42 AM

^^i also prefer standsted airport. I wonder what's the reason for the change?? Lower landing cost??

patchay

October 28th, 2011, 02:05 PM

Purely a business decision.

- Gatwick is a very busy airport, busier than Stansted
- I guess it's closer to Central London
- News reports mentioned Stansted taxes are high
- An opportunity to tap higher yield passengers at Gatwick

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/37629/traffic-decline-at-stansted-spurred-airasia-x-shift-to.html

londonbased

October 29th, 2011, 01:44 AM

I believed Gatwick is closer to cental London.I live in Richmond, Surrey...and Have flown from Gatwick alots!.Heathrow is closer to me, but always like Gatwick.Unless when fly with Emirates A380..has to be heathrow.

maafcakap

October 29th, 2011, 01:09 PM

air asia indonesia bought 5 planes from airasia parent

aseantraveler

October 30th, 2011, 04:29 AM

http://www.centreforaviation.com/members/direct-news/airasia-japan-files-aoc-application-61487

27-Oct-2011 AirAsia Japan Co., Ltd., announced today that it has submitted its application, required by the Civil Aeronautics Act, for an Air Operators Certificate to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

This is the first of a number of major milestones for the airline as it accelerates its start-up activities in preparation for the launch of commercial flights. It is planning to fly Airbus A320s from its home base of Narita International Airport to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa in August 2012 and Seoul/Incheon and Busan in October 2012.

Kazuyuki Iwakata, CEO of the airline said, “We are expanding the AirAsia philosophy of 'Now Everyone Can Fly' and introducing it to Japan. The three domestic and two international routes we have announced our intention to fly are just the start. We look forward to expanding our network to serve more guests in due course.”

AirAsia Japan serves both domestic and international destinations, and will soon start recruiting and staff training activities in advance of the expected commencement of commercial flights in August 2012.

patchay

October 30th, 2011, 01:39 PM

Looks like MAHB-AirAsia Group battle is not over.

AirAsia X boss slams MAHB for budget terminal delay, airport fees hike
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
The Malaysian Insider | October 30, 2011

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/images/uploads/mugshots/azranraniosman400px.jpg
Azran claimed AirAsia and Sime Darby would have completed the terminal by now and for less money. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani has attacked Malaysia’s airport operator on Twitter, highlighting the delay in building its budget terminal and rise in airport fees as part of its many inefficiencies.

Azran contends the delay in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s construction of the budget terminal at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has affected AirAsia’s business operations.

“If the Government allowed AirAsia/Sime Darby to build new low-cost carrier terminal at Labu, it would have been ready by now, no public funds used, and lower charges,” he said in a tweet yesterday.

AirAsia and MAHB had previously locked horns over the the design and location of the new permanent Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (PLCCT) and the existing LCCT.

AirAsia had wanted to work with Sime Darby Bhd on another LCCT in Labu, Negri Sembilan, for RM1.6 billion, but the plan was shot down in favour of the PLCCT. The government eventually ordered MAHB to build the terminal at KLIA instead.

“MAHB promised the prime minister they could deliver the same. Now, delayed construction, public funds cost overruns, and they’re hiking fees! Way to go, GLC,” said Azran.

Azran also criticised MAHB’s announcement of the international passenger service charge (PSC) and aircraft landing and parking charges, saying in his tweets that there had been no consultation.

“The critical failure of this knee-jerk policy decision to reinstate airport fee monopolistic increase, is that there is no consultation or analysis,” he said.

“We keep taking two steps forward, and get dragged two steps backward. Macam mana nak maju? (How do we progress?)” he said.

The PSC has been raised by 28 per cent from RM25 to RM32 for international passengers departing from LCCT-KLIA and Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu.

MAHB has not responded to calls and queries by The Malaysian Insider.

newmalayan

November 1st, 2011, 08:00 AM

airport fee is not the criteria of people coming to any places. if a place touristic enough like siem reap, no matter how expensive it is, people would come. boring place, cheaper airport tax macam mana pun, people won't come.

dengilo

November 1st, 2011, 10:02 AM

How very true!Our very last chance to have KLIA as hub is Air Asia.On final approach to KLIA i can see the the LCC is at full swing but as the plane taxis to terminals row upon row of empty gates and planes sitting on the tarmac emm thats scarry compared to the airport that i just arrived from(south).

nazrey

November 2nd, 2011, 07:43 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3792898651_308b1b1b0a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33465428@N02/3792898651/)
Air Asia X Airbus A340 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33465428@N02/3792898651/) by Deanster1983 (http://www.flickr.com/people/33465428@N02/), on Flickr

nazrey

November 2nd, 2011, 07:43 AM

AirAsia Japan to add long-haul flights in 2013
Published: 2011/11/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111102093347/Article/index_html#ixzz1cWXrAuja

AirAsia Japan Co, the start-up airline backed by the region’s biggest low-cost carrier, will add long-distance flights in 2013 as it seeks to lure holidaymakers and budget travelers with cheap flights.

The airline may offer services to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore after introducing widebody Airbus SAS A330 planes, Chief Executive Officer Kazuyuki Iwakata said in interview yesterday. The company will begin short-haul routes from Tokyo’s Narita airport in August with single-aisle A320s.

AirAsia Japan may order the A330s with part-owner AirAsia Bhd. to help win lower prices, Iwakata said without elaboration. The Japanese carrier is also counting on AirAsia’s regionwide operations and marketing to help it carry 10 million passengers annually within five years.

“We don’t view our competitors as ANA and JAL as much as resorts such as Tokyo Disney Resort,” Iwakata said, referring to full-service carriers All Nippon Airways Co and Japan Airlines Co. “We’re aiming at families who want to enjoy the weekend or people who play Pachinko -- we want them to be able to think about taking a flight as easily as they would hop on a bus.”

The new airline, part-owned by ANA, intends to lure passengers with fares as much as two-thirds cheaper than traditional carriers. It will compete with Skymark Airlines Inc, Japan’s biggest budget carrier, and Jetstar Japan, a low- cost venture being set up by JAL and Qantas Airways Ltd.’s budget unit. ANA is also backing Peach Aviation Ltd, another planned no-frills carrier that will serve western Japan.

Separately, Singapore Airlines Ltd also yesterday detailed plans for a new long-haul discount carrier, Scoot, which will begin flights next year. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

November 2nd, 2011, 07:45 AM

AirAsia X in competitive mode, upgrading offering
By B.K. SIDHU Wednesday November 2, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/2/business/9818030&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2011/11/2/business/p1-newscoot.JPG

Campbell Wilson, CEO and new team members pose for the press after
announcing a new low cost airline to be called Scoot in Singapore, yesterday.
Starting in mid 2012, Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, a new budget
airline will offer no-frills service on medium to long haul routes to and from
Singapore. - EPA

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X (AAX) will ramp up its products and services and review its network to defend the airline's leadership position in the long haul, low cost carrier business in Asia after Singapore Airlines (SIA) launched its own similar frills-free service named Scoot.

Scoot will take to the skies in the middle of next year but AAX wants to improve its customer service to be at par with that of full service carriers like Cathay Pacific and SIA, and is contemplating investing more money to defend its lead position.

“We are using this opportunity to upgrade our offering. We have a headstart, the fleet and diverse route network. We are definitely expanding and will keep flying popular routes that would be strategically beneficial for Malaysia,'' said AAX chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

He said “we are trying to improve every aspect of the model and to have the same customer services standards like Cathay Pacific and SIA in how we deal with the customers. We will invest more and upgrade and that is how we will compete. Our value proposition is cheaper fares and the same reliability as full service carriers.''

“Scoot is entering a segment that we have a lead in and we want to make sure we remain in the lead. Operationally, we have the lowest cost unit and we want to remain low cost to compete. The completion of KLIA2 is also critical to us and if it gets delayed, we will be at a disadvantage,'' he said.

Azran added that the airline's model allowed it to offer 30%-50% lower fares (compared with full service airline fares).

“We have the same level of on-time performance and reliability of full service carriers like Cathay and SIA.

“This year it is 90% on-time performance, which is better than Cathay's published numbers. We are definitely the best in class for engineering reliability,'' he said.

Azran said the airline was reviewing its network but would not make drastic changes.

The airline has 11 aircraft currently, flying to 14 destinations and will take delivery of two new aircraft in 2012.

The entry of Scoot, although only to begin in the middle of next year, will certainly change the dynamics of the long haul, low cost game. The fight for customers is not just between AAX and Scoot but also AirAsia and Jetstar, which is also operating from Singapore.

Even the full service carriers will feel the heat with one new player in the playground since there are signs of an economic slowdow and going by the 2008 slowdown, many companies have opted to fly low cost to keep their cost down.

During a press conference in Singapore yesterday, Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said the airline would use four B777-400 aircraft initially to fly to four or more cities in Australia and China. The focus is on destinations that are five to 10 hours from Singapore. The airline intends to charge 40% less for tickets than full service carriers.

Azran said he was not too worried about Scoot, “for the same reasons, we do not worry like the way Tiger Airways entered the marketplace years ago. But competition does push us to become better and leaner. We do not run away from competition,'' Azran said.

It did not take long after Wilson's media briefing for the tweeting community to poke fun at the choice of the name Scoot. Some say it was short for Scooter, others said another airline should be formed to be called Ves, short for Vespa.

And the boss of AirAsia Tan Sri Tony Fernandes also took to poking fun at Scoot by tweeting, “they (are) copying Azran and have to play catch-up. SIA has no creativity. A confused puppy as an airline. Confused. Trying to do too much. Great for AirAsia.''

Wilson had this explanation for Scoot - “we chose the name Scoot' for many reasons, not least because its different.

“Rather than the tried and tired airlines' this, airways' that or air' yawn, it's short, sharp and snappy. It stands out. It's geographically independent, and can be a verb or a noun.

“Besides difference, it conveys spontaneity, movement, informality and a touch of quirkiness - all attributes we intend this company to be known for.''

SHAH FIRDAUS

November 2nd, 2011, 06:39 PM

Indonesia Air Asia worst for flight cancellations
Jakarta Post

JAKARTA, Nov 2: Indonesia AirAsia was dubbed the worst airline in the country for flight cancellation in the first semester of 2011, with 471 flights canceled during the period, the government said Tuesday.

Tribunnews.com reported that Merpati Nusantara was second with 293 flight cancellations and Garuda ranked third with 293 flight cancellations.

Batavia Air was last with just 41 flights canceled between January and June, the website said.

:ohno:

maafcakap

November 3rd, 2011, 12:42 PM

maafcakap

November 3rd, 2011, 12:42 PM

scoot vs airasia ?? who will win

Vrooms

November 3rd, 2011, 01:19 PM

scoot vs airasia ?? who will win

Well we know who has won in terms of name:lol: I mean scoot?? what were they thinking:bash:

nazrey

November 3rd, 2011, 01:33 PM

SC, Bursa probe MAS-AirAsia share swap
Published: 2011/11/03
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111103154952/Article/index_html#ixzz1cdo3QSvV

The Securities Commission (SC) (www.sc.com.my/) and Bursa Malaysia (http://www.bursamalaysia.com/website/bm/index.jsp) have launched an investigation into the swap deal between state investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Tune Air Sdn Bhd of shares in Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) and AirAsia Bhd.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin told the Dewan Rakyat today that the probe would also look into the possibility of insider trading.

"It will take time because it involves many accounts and a huge value.

"In this matter we need to look into it thoroughly," he said when winding-up the debate on the Supply Bill 2012 on the ministry's behalf today.

He said if the probe by the SC and Bursa Malaysia found evidence of insider trading, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) could also be invited to investigate.

Under the deal announced in August, Tune Air and Khazanah -- the major shareholders of AirAsia and MAS respectively -- agreed to swap their shares which resulted in Tune Air holding 20.5 per cent equity interest in full service carrier MAS and Khazanah holding 10 per cent equity interest in budget airline AirAsia. - Bernama

Vrooms

November 3rd, 2011, 01:53 PM

Source:http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/1/business/9811622&sec=business
Tuesday November 1, 2011

Limited gains seen for MAS, AirAsia from Qantas debacle
By B.K. SIDHU
bksidhu@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Asian and Middle Eastern carriers are likely to increase market share on the lucrative Kangaroo Route at the expense of Qantas, whose brand will suffer serious damage after it grounded flights over the weekend due to a running dispute with its unions.

But the window of opportunity for the two Malaysian carriers is seen to be limited because of a lack of capacity, frequency and connectivity on the Kangaroo Route.

In comparison, carriers like Singapore Airlines (SIA), Emirates and Etihad will get “a bigger bite of the market share'' given their frequency, capacity and connectivity capabilities,'' said an analyst.

“There are drawbacks for the Malaysian carriers compared with SIA, Emirates and Etihad ... it is also the geographic nature of the game,'' Standard & Poor's Equities Research aviation analyst Shukor Yusof said in Singapore.

Location wise, KLIA may be at the centre of Asia, but Changi has the transit passengers that carriers want and SIA and Emirates the frequency, connectivity and capacity.

The Kangaroo route is essentially the route from Australia to London via an Asian destination and most analysts say Singapore is the link in Asia as it offers a larger number of transit passengers both into London/Europe and Oceania.

A report notes that Qantas also competes with SIA on routes linking Australia's major cities and Singapore, and from the republic to various European cities such as London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

The report said that three of the top four routes out of Australia in terms of passenger numbers are actually the Australia to Singapore routes and SIA also has the second largest market share currently out of Australia, behind Qantas.

“It is not just about picking up passengers but the ability to provide the connectivity and for that SIA stands out,'' adds Shukor.

Both Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia X (AAX) provides connectivity to various cities in Australia from KLIA but not from Singapore.

AAX has offered to help ferry stranded passengers in and out of Australia during the standoff over the weekend.

The airline did ferry some passengers but it could not say if it had new bookings as a result of the Qantas standoff.

Sydney is also still close to competition from KLIA. This is despite Pemandu listing Sydney as one of the 10 cities with the least connectivity from KLIA, yet the route has not opened up.

Some believe the Qantas standoff is akin to a “missed opportunity for the Malaysian carries to capitalise on the Qantas' despair,'' and AAX chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said “it is missed because we are not yet allowed to fly to Sydney.''

Other carriers seems to be working faster, Australia's Virgin is already working with SIA to possibly use the latter's 777 aircraft to fly the backlog of passengers out of Australia.

“Had we the connectivity and capacity, we could have offered to fly the passengers out since MAS has close ties with Qantas, but was that explored,'' said a source.

Over the weekend, Australia's dominant carrier Qantas had to ground all its aircraft, affecting nearly 70,000 passengers. It resumed flights yesterday.

dengilo

November 3rd, 2011, 05:08 PM

scoot vs airasia ?? who will win

Given the choice!I would rather fly in the B777-200 anytime over the A330.Taking into consideration of connecting flights thats another plus.40% cheaper than premium fare thats a bonus BUT Scoot alamak potong stimlah.U never know its taking MAHB forever with the new LCC Scoot might just be able to take advantage of this.:)

maafcakap

November 4th, 2011, 12:16 PM

Given the choice!I would rather fly in the B777-200 anytime over the A330.Taking into consideration of connecting flights thats another plus.40% cheaper than premium fare thats a bonus BUT Scoot alamak potong stimlah.U never know its taking MAHB forever with the new LCC Scoot might just be able to take advantage of this.:)

wau...everyone is optimistic with scoot even tak take off pun lagi...but i dont think tony just sit down n do nothing...remember what he did to tiger ?? head to head

maafcakap

November 4th, 2011, 12:17 PM

go airasia go...turn down scoot..yeah

PlanetNova

November 4th, 2011, 01:53 PM

wau...everyone is optimistic with scoot even tak take off pun lagi...but i dont think tony just sit down n do nothing...remember what he did to tiger ?? head to head

Given SIA's excellent records and business sense, they will be giving Air Asia a run for their money. Competitions will create better offers and products to consumers. It's good news.

dengilo

November 4th, 2011, 05:48 PM

Given SIA's excellent records and business sense, they will be giving Air Asia a run for their money. Competitions will create better offers and products to consumers. It's good news.

I agree it will keep air asia in check!Because uncle tony sudah besar kepala!Now everybody can fly doesn't mean its cheaper at the rate his going!Just a brilliant marketing gimmick from day 1.:)

constipation

November 4th, 2011, 05:57 PM

Given SIA's excellent records and business sense, they will be giving Air Asia a run for their money. Competitions will create better offers and products to consumers. It's good news.

thats doesnt mean they will be good in low cost segment, i really optimistic with AA. In Changi itself is too many competitors than AA in KLIA. :cheers:

Zulhelmi

November 5th, 2011, 02:24 AM

Skyprince

November 5th, 2011, 12:48 PM

^^ Mungkin sbb harga minyak naik baru2 ni. Emirates yg super hebat tu pun untung da jatuh 76% H1 2011....
Bukan je AirAsia, banyak syarikat2 lain pun harga tiket melambung tinggi kebelakangan ni :(

PlanetNova

November 5th, 2011, 01:20 PM

thats doesnt mean they will be good in low cost segment, i really optimistic with AA. In Changi itself is too many competitors than AA in KLIA. :cheers:

newer and bigger planes, better facilities, better price, better connections, why not?

maafcakap

November 5th, 2011, 03:13 PM

I know! I mean I used to get quite a number of times RM50-ticket for AOR-KUL route one way. Nowdays, it really rare.

airasia fly 2x only to aor rite?? That's why it could be not 1 riggit ticket..hehe..just a joke..jgn mare

maafcakap

November 5th, 2011, 03:16 PM

I agree it will keep air asia in check!Because uncle tony sudah besar kepala!Now everybody can fly doesn't mean its cheaper at the rate his going!Just a brilliant marketing gimmick from day 1.:)

with his besar kepala he could come out with creative n briliant ideas..remember when airasia just be bought by him long timenago?? Not many believe with lcc concept..even khazanah put down an offer by him to has majority share in just established airline at lower price..but see now, who aproach who

newmalayan

November 5th, 2011, 05:04 PM

Well we know who has won in terms of name:lol: I mean scoot?? what were they thinking:bash:

Ang mo again? :D

newmalayan

November 5th, 2011, 05:07 PM

nazrey

November 9th, 2011, 09:51 AM

AirAsia’s boss may start new premium airline
Published: 2011/11/09
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111109102801/Article/index_html#ixzz1c44rfmAY

Malaysia’s AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes will set up a new premium regional airline that will compete head-on with Qantas’ upcoming RedQ full-service carrier, the Malaysian newspaper reported today quoting unnamed sources.

The report said Fernandes’ new full-service-carrier will likely be called Caterham Jet and has yet to be granted an operating licence by the Malaysian government although it has secured Bombardier CRJ aircraft.

The report quoted a source as saying that the airline will propose to the government that it operates from the Subang airport near Kuala Lumpur and is targeted to start operations in May 2012.

“Some of the proposed routes include Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore,” said the unnamed source.

Fernandes, who is team principal of Formula One racing outfit Team Lotus, in April purchased British sportscar manufacturer Caterham Cars.

AirAsia and Fernandes were not immediately available for comment. - Reuters

dengilo

November 9th, 2011, 02:35 PM

Apa inilah?:ohno:

Zulhelmi

November 9th, 2011, 03:14 PM

Apa inilah?:ohno:
Itu la... Sedih la tgok AK dan MH bila dah swap shares ni.

Only TF benefits from this whole thing.

patchay

November 9th, 2011, 03:30 PM

This one is super premium airline... but again we don't really know his plans...

Arkdriver

November 10th, 2011, 03:42 AM

haaa haaa told ya. Only TF will benefit from this.

dengilo

November 10th, 2011, 09:22 AM

Now he wants to run a fleet of business jets!Hmm easy to fly here and therelah thamby!:ohno:

Vrooms

November 10th, 2011, 04:30 PM

This really sound interesting!!

maafcakap

November 11th, 2011, 12:43 AM

This really sound interesting!!

yeah...i agree...i wondering what will tony do next...hotel, music, telecomunication and now super full premium carrier..

dengilo

November 11th, 2011, 02:07 AM

Nolah let him take over KTM!:banana:

Arkdriver

November 11th, 2011, 02:32 AM

Agree, then after few months will hand it back to the government minus servicable trains then he'll come out with plans to build low cost no frills bullet train from Penang to Singapore.

Zulhelmi

November 11th, 2011, 02:45 AM

Hmmm.. Oh well, at least KLIA has other alternatives to MH/AK.

Last time I heard there were a lot of umrah packages on Biman Bangladesh Airlines (via Dhaka). It shows that MH/AK also have to compete in their own home country.

I took KUL-BKK-AMN-JED and MED-AMN-BKK-KUL on Royal Jordanian + AOR-KUL return on MH to take advantage of cheaper umrah package.

Vrooms

November 11th, 2011, 03:31 AM

Nolah let him take over KTM!:banana:

Agree the trains are revolting!!:puke:

dengilo

November 11th, 2011, 05:39 AM

Agree, then after few months will hand it back to the government minus servicable trains then he'll come out with plans to build low cost no frills bullet train from Penang to Singapore.

:lol:U never know with tony anything is possible as long as its not his money!

aseantraveler

November 12th, 2011, 12:25 AM

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/10832-airasia-ph-to-fly-next-month

THE Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’slargest low-cost carrier plans to fly in the domestic market next month, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board.

Porvenir Porciuncula, CAB deputy executive director said AirAsia Philippines is looking to fly in Palawan and Kalibo, Aklan from Clark.
Porciuncula said AirAsia is targeting foreign arrivals in Clark, especially Korean and Chinese passengers.

The official said the low-cost carrier plans to start flying domestically by December.

“The hearing is still ongoing. We will probably approve it by middle of November,” he said.

AirAsia is planning to fly in several international airports such as Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and the

United States, the official said.

AirAsia Philippines earlier secured 1,260 weekly seat entitlements for flights from Clark to Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia Philippines earlier said it expects to add one A320 in November and one in January, raising its fleet to 15 in the next three to five years.

AirAsia’s first Airbus A320 aircraft arrived last August at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport for use in flights to Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong.

Air Asia holds a 40 percent equity in AirAsia Philippines, through AA International, while the remaining 60-percent will be held in equal partnership by Marianne Hontiveros., Michael Romero, and Antonio Cojuangco.

Under the joint venture agreement, Air Asia will provide technical, operational and commercial support to AirAsia Philippines.

Besides the Philippines, Air Asia successfully launched LCC subsidiaries in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Air Asia operates a domestic and regional network, which include services within Malaysia and to China, Southeast Asia and the Asian subcontinent.

Data from Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation showed that Air Asia’s fleet stood at 152 Airbus A320 as of March this year.

maafcakap

November 13th, 2011, 04:43 AM

:lol:U never know with tony anything is possible as long as its not his money!

emm...half agree...half not...:lol::lol:

Vrooms

November 13th, 2011, 07:44 AM

^^ AirAsia to united states not AirAsia X? I think the united states might be Honolulu.....

Khaw

November 14th, 2011, 09:05 AM

newmalayan

November 14th, 2011, 07:20 PM

This really sound interesting!!

yup. but that sounds too 'european'. like a brand from europe.

Vrooms

November 15th, 2011, 03:44 AM

^^ agree!! Any suggestions??

Skyprince

November 15th, 2011, 06:17 AM

No new destinations after Da Nang ? I seriously hope they will launch UAE , oh why not Sharjah ? Abu Dhabi seems to be a big mistake because it is lowly populated and its far from the main centre of UAE ( Dubai -Sharjah -Ajman metro area )

Sharjah looks like a great choice because not only it's close to Dubai and its landing fees lower than DXB & AUH, but also it is where many if not most of foreign expats working in Dubai live ...

ntly1

November 17th, 2011, 07:51 AM

Tony Fernandes hits back at Umno MPs

The Malaysian Insider – Tue, Nov 15, 2011Share2EmailPrintRelated ContentEnlarge By Clara Chooi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 ― Tan Sri Tony Fernandes lashed out today at Umno lawmakers for criticising him in the MAS-AirAsia share swap deal, asking them to scrutinise instead how much the new Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) had cost the government.

He lamented the criticisms, made during debates in Parliament yesterday, were personal in nature, pointing to how one MP had accused him of raping “poor villagers”.

“Villagers could never fly before. We have worked so hard to make flying affordable and 130 million people have flown due to us,” the AirAsia CEO (picture) wrote on his Twitter account today.

“Why are these members of parliament not questioning the cost of airports and fighting for the people for lower taxes for the rakyat.”

“Why has the PAC not looked into the airport cost of the new LCCT and why a third runway is needed,” he added, using his Twitter handle @tonyfernandes.

When another Twitter user @gbeejipp asked if the construction of the new LCCT and the third runway had been his idea, Fernandes retorted: “We wanted the terminal to be built behind main terminal. And no third runway.”

When called “arrogant” by Twitter user @firdyfire, Fernandes lashed out in his own defence, telling the user to “ask my 9000 staff if I’m arrogant.”

“You haven’t met me either,” he added.

One user, in explaining criticisms against the share swap deal, expressed fear that with Fernandes’ presence on the MAS board, AirAsia’s services would suffer and model compromised.

“Why on earth would we do that? People have a choice. If too expensive they won’t fly. Why do we want lower airport tax for you? To make it cheaper,” Fernandes replied.

In Parliament yesterday, Umno lawmakers Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin and Mohamad Aziz accused Fernandes and Khazanah chief executive Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar of cheating the public in the share swap deal.

Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar said Azman should be investigated by graftbusters after the state investment agency exchanged 20.5 per cent of the national carrier for a 10 per cent stake in Asia’s top-performing budget airline.

“Whatever he wants, we give. He wants to overcharge for excess baggage and suck the blood of poor villagers,” he said, in reference to Fernandes.

The MAS-AirAsia swap has come under fire from both sides of the political divide as well as employees of MAS who believe the deal will affect their careers.

The Finance Ministry said earlier this month that the deal is being investigated by Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission for insider trading despite the swap being agreed on three months ago.

MAS’s poor financial performance of late had resulted in the share swap with AirAsia on August 9. This allowed AirAsia boss Fernandes to sit on the MAS board, ostensibly to help turn the ailing airline around.

MAS had announced in August a net loss of RM527 million for the second quarter of 2011 due to higher fuel costs despite recording a better yield and a nine per cent growth in passenger revenue from the same period last year.

This brings total losses in the first half of the year to RM769 million even as the airline said that profit outlook for the second half of the year appears bleak.

Putrajaya insisted last month it had “no choice” but to implement the controversial share swap as “if (MAS) continues to make losses and the government has to inject funds, then there will be even more anger.”

Critics have accused the budget carrier’s boss of taking advantage of the loss-making national airline to fuel his personal ambitions, the latest being the acquisition of English Premier League club, Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

^^http://my.news.yahoo.com/tony-fernandes-hits-back-at-umno-mps-031247889.html

klbloke

November 20th, 2011, 05:19 AM

http://www.facebook.com/AirAsia

aseantraveler

November 23rd, 2011, 07:59 AM

AirAsia Japan take-off gets closer
by Flightcentric.com

AirAsia Japan plans to fly twin-aisle Airbus A330 aircraft, like its long-haul sister AirAsia X, the company has revealed.

While initial flights will sue Airbus A320 aircraft, the backbone of the regional AirAsia fleets based in Kuala Lumpur, bangkok, Indonesia and soon Manila, the new Japanese arm will use a mixture of large and small.

Tokyo-based AirAsia Japan, a joint venture between AirAsia Bhd and All Nippon Airways, will launch short-haul flights in August 2012 to be followed with international flights to Busan and Seoul in October next year from Narita Airport in Tokyo.

AirAsia Japan also plans long-haul services to Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore in 2013 once it introduces Airbus A330 aircraft to the fleet.

AirAsia Japan will join other low-cost carriers such as Jetstar Japan of Qantas Airways and JAL, Skymark Airlines and Peach Airlines of All Nippon Airways and First Eastern Investment Group.

To attract more passengers, AirAsia Japan plans to offer fares that are two-thirds lower than other long established carriers.

"The key to the success of this airline is actually the airfares, we can make the airfares low enough to stimulate people to travel more often," said AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes.

AirAsia Japan will be the first budget carrier to operate at Narita International Airport.

GB

http://www.aviationrecord.com/FC/FCnews/AirAsia-Japan-take-off-gets-closer-3293.aspx

Vrooms

November 23rd, 2011, 08:23 AM

^^So will the long haul service be called AirAsia X Japan or just AirAsia Japan?

Vrooms

December 1st, 2011, 09:55 AM

Singapore's scoot announced today that it will fly daily to Sydney:)

patchay

December 1st, 2011, 09:58 AM

Singapore's scoot announced today that it will fly daily to Sydney:)

I hope Scoot give AirAsia X some real competition.

The problem is AirAsia X has some limitations on expanding routes, such as insufficient planes and do not operate from a major hub like Changi.

coolman89

December 1st, 2011, 10:13 AM

On AirAsia’s upcoming routes, Fernandes said the group had applied to the government for rights toSemarang(Indonesia), Suratani (Thailand), as well as starting the Kuching-Bangkok.
“We are also looking at restarting the Kuching-Jakarta route,” he added.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/11/28/realising-the-one-asean-dream/#ixzz1fGwsVHEf

XNeo

December 1st, 2011, 12:47 PM

I hope Scoot give AirAsia X some real competition.

The problem is AirAsia X has some limitations on expanding routes, such as insufficient planes and do not operate from a major hub like Changi.

and hopefully scoot used aerobridges at KLIA2.

passengers will fly with Scoot for low fares and comfortable travel.

and we can say Bye2 to AA.

Vrooms

December 1st, 2011, 01:32 PM

^^ I doubt Scoot will fly to Kuala Lumpur........

patchay

December 1st, 2011, 06:17 PM

and hopefully scoot used aerobridges at KLIA2.

passengers will fly with Scoot for low fares and comfortable travel.

and we can say Bye2 to AA.

Scoot is long-haul and not short-haul. Sister companies SIA, SilkAir and Tiger will handle short-haul.

It's getting late so just want to requote this from KLIA2/LCCT thread:

Patchay is a friend of Azran, boss of AirAsia X and a supporter of Tony Fernandes' entrepreneurship.

With the recent blickering, today, Patchay finds out the story from the other side - from MAHB.

Patchay & Social Media Youth's Dinner with MAHB Senior Mgmt Team

Highlights:

- This is the first time MAHB has engaged youth social media and bloggers. Tan Sri Bashir and Dato Azmi came with his team of senior management to have dinner presentation.

- The term "Low Cost Terminal" is very blur today. Today the airlines have wide-bodied aircraft thus space utilization is different, fly long-haul thus have international and transit passengers, fly with optional premium facilities, etc etc.

- KLIA2 was planned to be passenger comfort, for the interest of passengers, NOT for the comfort of airlines as opposed to current LCCT.

- KLIA2 heavily incorporates COMMERCIAL RETAIL TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT element. Before this KLIA only had barely 5% for commercial retail.

- KLIA2 is targeting passengers of the age bracket between 20-35 who travels "very" frequently. Currently those who passes thru LCCT: 67% within 22-44 yr old. 43% white collar. Travel avg every 2 months. Avg 2 hrs spent in airport.

- KLIA2 undergo a major revamp in New Expansion Plan > Explaining the cost increment, especially passengers will now be seggregated between departing and arriving, and domestic and arrivals, and to meet new requirements of Civil Aviation such as backup control tower and baggage system. Third runway was brought forward as per KLIA Masterplan. The airport will aim for LEED certification (green). More details later.

- An internal AEROTRAIN will be built 5-6 years down the road once Satellite Terminal B starts. Provision for KTMB from Seremban.

- KLIA2 will retain viability rating of "AAA" (by RAM) and with the cost increment it still has the lowest construction cost per passenger (by international dollars) in the world.

- KLIA2 will have the cheapest parking rates (calculated over one day) in the world... but only for aircraft, not for cars.

- MAHB has compromised AA many times, including giving subsidies and charged a lower price for AA as compared to other airlines, letting space inside the airport for AA's office, maintaining low-cost airport charges over a decade, spent alot of money upgrading current LCCT twice, etc.

- The increase in Passengers Taxes are justified and has no prove that it will increase its client's cost structure. All passengers will be affected regardless of airlines and these taxes/charges go to improving KLIA, LCCT and KLIA2. Its client will still pay one of the lowest landing and parking charges in this region, and the lower the charges, the less contribution to Malaysia's GDP.

- Putting posters on landlord's buildings without prior permission is illegal. :lol: :lol:

Skyprince

December 2nd, 2011, 02:43 AM

erwinkarim

December 2nd, 2011, 04:36 AM

WHy TF isn't happy about 45 million capasity ? This year Air Asia is estimated to fly nearly 15 million passengers out of LCCT, and his target for new KLIA2 is only 30 million capasity ?? It seems that they are not targetting "Big" enough for its Malaysian operation.

Only 30 million.... seriously ?

if build 30 mil pax, TF can complain MAHB didn't plan ahead for AA expansion. he'll be a hero then...

if build 45 mil pax, TF can complain MAHB hike airport tax to get the fastest ROI. he'll be a hero then...

from what i learn and read about TF, that guy is inspired by Richard Brandson which in turn inspired by Howard Hughes. it's the veil of showmanship behind the mind of genius.

patchay

December 2nd, 2011, 04:44 AM

U see Tony is shrewd businessman. Everyone knows that and I admire him for that.

MAHB is saying why they can't build bigger airport when in fact AirAsia was asking for bigger space for its aircrafts. Sounds contradicting.

MAHB is also saying why can't they expand the Commercial element which is precisely making more revenue for MAHB.

The company thinks Tony cannot stop the landlord from making more money, and Tony thinks the landlord must not take its client for granted. So war starts. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

(There was also a sharing about Singapore's Changi vs Malaysia's KLIA in terms of global airlines. MAHB claims that Singapore Government is giving a headstart incentive to prevent the airlines from flying to other cities frequently.)

rizalhakim

December 2nd, 2011, 08:44 AM

AirAsia vs MAHB
its a war lol.....

AirAsia: Stop harassing our staff
By WONG PEK MEI
pekmei@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia has issued an official warning letter to Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) for allegedly harassing its staff.

The company’s commercial director Jasmine Lee claimed MAHB had told airline staff to remove the “Say No to Airport Tax Increase” stickers on their uniform. She claimed that the airport operator also removed posters at their sales counters at LCCT.

“They even went to the check-in counters and told our staff not to wear the stickers and to stop sticking them on passengers’ boarding passes.

“We have sent an official warning letter to request that MAHB’s officers stop unlawfully obstructing our staff from doing their jobs,” she said, adding that the incident occurred from around 10am until lunchtime yesterday.

AirAsia is protesting against the decision by MAHB to increase the airport tax by RM7 and RM14 at five airports nationwide which took effect yesterday.

The airports are Langkawi International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu International Air*port and the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at KLIA.

Lee also alleged that MAHB confiscated security tags from some staff working in restricted areas.

“This incident will not deter us. We will continue to wear the stickers tomorrow and will put back the posters,” she said.

AirAsia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes later tweeted: “Malay*sian airport staff tearing down our posters and taking away airport passes of our staff. And using intimidation. Can someone tell them this is Malaysia and not a police state.”

MAHB senior general manager for operations Datuk Azmi Murad, who was present during the incident, denied any harassment or intimidation took place but admitted they removed the posters.

“They were putting the posters in public areas and we took them down. Imagine if anyone could just walk in and start putting posters everywhere,” he said.

AirAsia has taken a full-page advertisement in The Star, urging the public to call MAHB and give their opinion on the increase in airport tax.

“AirAsia views this increase as not justified as the current airport facilities are not up to par,” said the advertisement.

hafidz jon

December 2nd, 2011, 08:54 AM

so now i know.AK staff job is to create mess in MAHB ground n talk bad about MAHB at their own home.congratulation TF and AK!they even send warning letter,wow this big bully has reveal it's real face.

asd5139

December 2nd, 2011, 11:31 AM

daeng_jal

December 2nd, 2011, 05:26 PM

CoolFellas

December 3rd, 2011, 12:42 AM

dengilo

December 3rd, 2011, 09:13 AM

Thats for sure!Thats why that" guy" besar kepala these days.

rizalhakim

December 3rd, 2011, 06:58 PM

Mr.Tony telah memalukan diri sendiri....too bad.....most of us respect him as a businesman...

CoolFellas

December 3rd, 2011, 08:51 PM

Mr.Tony telah memalukan diri sendiri....too bad.....most of us respect him as a businesman...

I also admire him as Richard Branson, and other big names..of course we cannot deny his contribution to profiling Malaysia as low cost carriers hub and many people can fly now..even for long trip which some of them never ever dream before. But at the same time need to respect the authorities and be professional as every country has different working and management style, even amongst Asian countries. Yes, many people will saying..MAHB that..MAHB this..and also the government..but at least they've already tried their best to facilitate AA to grow as it now. Sure they cannot say 'yes' to all AA demands included the new routes etc. Hopefully new LCCT2 which also using our tax money will be for a good use and benefiting the rakyat.

XNeo

December 4th, 2011, 03:19 AM

It is the time for Malaysia to have new competitors to AA and AAX. Therefore the customers have more options and create a healthy competition. Its a free market..monopoly is always bad for consumer and also economy at certain extent.

ya la like that ASsTEROK (astro). :bash:

i wish hyypTV unifi will offer more channel just like ASTRO and surely i will terminate astro account.

dengilo

December 4th, 2011, 05:31 AM

Just give him KLIA2!Let Air Asia run it and see how far they will take it compared to MAHB!MAHB can busy themself sily with melaka,penang and JB!

Skyprince

December 4th, 2011, 06:03 AM

It is the time for Malaysia to have new competitors to AA and AAX. Therefore the customers have more options and create a healthy competition. Its a free market..monopoly is always bad for consumer and also economy at certain extent.

I used to think that way, but too much competition might destroy everyone. Look at what happened to Indian aviation sector- all Indian airlines are running in red ( except for IndiGo, but thats mostly due to sales of aircrafts ). Due to very strong competition, Indian airliners have to sell most tickets lower than cost.

CoolFellas

December 4th, 2011, 04:11 PM

It is time for the public to realize how AA and AAX 'tembelang'..AA and AAX should more practice CSR (corporate social responsibility) in their corporate governance and management. The profit gained by AA and AAX per passenger could be channelled to better service offering by the airlines included lower ticker prices and also aerobridges at new LLCT.:)

Why AirAsia is fighting airport tax hike

By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2011/12/03

AIRASIA Bhd could be bent on challenging airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) airport tax hike as a means to combat its own fast-rising charges.

Checks done by Business Times showed that the gap between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia's long haul arm AirAsia X fares is fast closing in on a few routes.

A check on fares for London in January showed the fare difference between the two airlines was less than RM1,000.

For example, on both MAS and AirAsia X fares (excluding fees and taxes) for a return trip to Paris in January showed that MAS' fare was RM1,841 while AirAsia X's fare was RM2,108 (excluding baggage and meal charges) for return.

The differentiating factor, however, was its fees and taxes. MAS' charges stood at RM1,359 while AirAsia X's charges were RM606.

The increase in fees in AirAsia X are from a RM80 (return) carbon offset surcharge to be implemented in 2012.

It is believed that this charge is connected to the European Union Emissions Trading scheme, which comes into force January 1 2012.

The ruling requires airlines to pay up for carbon emissions, which have not been accounted for, in its air space.

"It could be because of all these charges that are coming up now. I guess they don't want to add on any other charges that don't actually help ease their own costs," an analyst who declined to be named said.

On claims that MAHB was profiteering from passengers, another analyst pointed out that a quick calculation of profit against number of passengers handled would show which company profits more from passengers.

A check showed that according to 2010 profit before tax (PBT) figures, AirAsia makes twice more money from passengers than MAHB.

MAHB made RM445 million in PBT for 2010, while AirAsia earned some RM1.1 billion in PBT.

According to this, AirAsia made RM42 per passenger, while MAHB earned RM15 per passenger. Only half of the 57.8 million passengers handled by MAHB are taken into account as it only collects airport tax one way.

"AirAsia is not being inconsistent to itself. Before it complies it's always visibly shown how unhappy it is. I think at the end of the day however, it will follow the letter of law and pay up if they have to," Maybank Investment Bank Bhd analyst Mohshin Aziz told Business Times.

Read more: Why AirAsia is fighting airport tax hike http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pam3/Article/#ixzz1fZwLrGvS

maafcakap

December 5th, 2011, 12:07 PM

Will AirAsia X fly into Sydney before Singapore's Scoot?
By B.K. SIDHU
bksidhu@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Singapore's new long-haul no-frills carrier Scoot has chosen Sydney as its first city to fly into in mid-2012, a city that rival AirAsia X (AAX) has failed to gain entry into despite fighting for the rights for more than two years.

Scoot has also laid a direct challenge to Qantas and its unit Jetstar on its home ground by adding 400 seats a day to the route and it would appear that Scoot is capitalising on Qantas' weakness to get market share on the route.

Qantas is still facing union issues and has yet to pick between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as its Asian hub.

But Brendan Sobie, an analyst with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, expects AirAsia X to launch the Kuala Lumpur-Sydney route before Scoot launches the Singapore-Sydney route.

“Scoot rival AAX is already preparing to launch the Sydney route in the first half of 2012,'' Sobie said in his research note.

His argument is based on the fact that AirAsia group boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is now on the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) board and that could have changed things for AAX.

The low-cost long-haul airline AAX now flies to three cities in Australia Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne.

He said AAX had long wanted to serve Sydney but for years did not receive approval from the government as MAS lobbied against AAX that was forcing MAS to lower its fares.

AAX in June this year had all the restrictions which also limited its footprint in China lifted, but was told it still could not yet serve Sydney.

However, the August equity swap between AirAsia and MAS, which led to Fernandes gaining a seat on the MAS board, has alleviated the tension.

MAS and AAX have been having meetings on route planning and when asked on the outcome over route allocation and whether Sydney was on the cards, AAX chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said “It depends on the Government/Transport Ministry.''

He added: “We have done a lot to pioneer a new innovative business model that gives Malaysia a rare global industry leadership position. Are we going to let the Singaporeans overtake us because we are slow and unresponsive?''

Scoot is seen by many as a serious rival to AAX and it should shake up the low-cost travel market in this region.

It is also using bigger planes that can carry more passengers and has a parent, Singapore Airlines, that has deep pockets.

Sobie said the Singapore-Sydney route presently had no seats from low-cost carriers and this effectively gave Scoot for now a monopoly on the lower end of the market.

“In comparison, the competition is much more diverse in the Singapore-Melbourne market with SIA, Qantas, Jetstar and Emirates all operating,'' he said.

Scoot is Singapore Airlines long-haul low-cost carrier and to begin operations, it would use four B777-200 which it purchased from its parent. Scoot plans to have 14 planes by 2016, with long term plans to fly to India, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Qantas has yet to decide where to locate its Asian operations, either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Although recent reports suggest they are leaning towards KL, it is really hard to say what the final decision would be.

PlanetNova

December 5th, 2011, 03:48 PM

Definitely need to plan for the future. Singapore is already planning its much bigger Terminal 4.

daeng_jal

December 5th, 2011, 06:36 PM

unfortunatenetly they don't have any plan after T4 n 3rd runway...

dengilo

December 5th, 2011, 11:31 PM

Dont be too sure about that ,read the history of changi airport.

Arkdriver

December 6th, 2011, 05:27 AM

third runway is there already, being used by the air force. When the new terminal come out, they will lengthened the runway and make it full fledge whilst terminal will be build somewhere near. Changi is good for 100 years. The efficiency is magnificent.

PlanetNova

December 6th, 2011, 03:07 PM

Changi is getting so congested in the morning and evening. Flights are delayed to take off by 40 mins easily. A 3rd runway is much necessary.

nazrey

December 7th, 2011, 03:30 PM

AirAsia offers 10 sen fare for 10th anniversary :runaway:
Published: 2011/12/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111207174812/Article/index_html#ixzz1frKg1bUC

AirAsia, a low cost airline, is offering travel fares as low as 10 sen in conjunction with its 10th Anniversary, as of midnight today.

The travel fares are for about 80 domestic and international destinations
including Penang, Langkawi, Kota Baharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Singapore,
Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Bangkok, Haadyai, Phuket and Hanoi.

"This year is certainly an amazing year for us. We are proud to have remained the most popular choice among travellers for 10 years now and we will continue to do our best for many years to come to provide everyone with the exceptional "AirAsia Experience" via awesome low fares," said AirAsia Regional Commercial Head Kathleen Tan in a statement today.

The booking period is for four days until Dec 11, 2011, for the travel
period beginning July 1 to Oct 27, 2012.

Tan said, apart from this ultra low fares, it would also reduce
its processing fee which is applicable for all online transactions made via
credit or charge cards on website from RM8 per guest per sector, to only RM5 per guest per sector.

She said the direct debit transaction remained free of charge with seven of
its bank partners in Malaysia. The fares are for one-way travel only and exclude airport tax, fuel surcharge and other optional fees and charges. -- Bernama

patchay

December 7th, 2011, 06:59 PM

AirAsia is talking now.

Tony is Malaysia's Minister of Aviation. :lol: :lol: (wtf is the MCA-member Transport Minister??)

AirAsia wants SLA for KLIA2
Written by Isabelle Francis
Wednesday, 07 December 2011 10:37
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/highlights/197430-airasia-wants-sla-for-klia2.html

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/images/stories/FinancialDaily/2011/December/07122011/p4_agi.jpg
AirAsia wanted the VERITAS design. Great!!! MAHB's sucks. :ohno:

SEPANG: AirAsia Bhd wants Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to implement its requests. If these requests are not implemented, its operations at the new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT), KLIA2, will be negatively impacted, the company says.

AirAsia commercial director Jasmine Lee wants MAHB to provide a service level agreement (SLA), which should incorporate aeronautical charges at KLIA2.

“At the current LCCT, what MAHB gave us is only conditions of use [as an agreement] and it is a useless piece of paper with no contract executable.

“As a public listed company, how can you not have a service agreement? AirAsia can be a victim here, as they can charge any rate at any time,” Lee told a press briefing yesterday.

Ashok Kumar, AirAsia regulatory issues and infrastructure development regional head, said despite a request for a SLA from MAHB from over a year ago, there has been no response from the airport operator.

MAHB currently has conditions of use (CoU) agreements with its airline partners and ground handlers at KLIA. The CoU provides guidance on the use of airport facilities, particularly with regards to the safe and secure use of the airport, as well as a schedule of airport charges.

MAHB has responded positively to AirAsia’s request for a SLA and welcomed AirAsia’s input on the matter (see table).

AirAsia has asked for a full and parallel taxiway to Runway 2 that can save the airline some RM40 million in additional fuel costs yearly.

“The current design of the KLIA2 now requires us to cross runways. We burn RM40 million [annually] in extra fuel just for this and we would have to absorb this cost,” AirAsia management pilot Captain Fareh Ishraf Mazputra said.

He said although there is provision for a full and parallel taxiway to Runway 2 under the KLIA2 project, it will not be ready when AirAsia moves into the new terminal come 2013 as it will only be developed at a later stage. Airlines operating out of KLIA2 will have access to both Runway 2 and Runway 3 come April 2013, while those at the main KLIA terminal will utilise Runway 1.

Lee said had MAHB agreed to set up a joint committee with AirAsia, the airport operator could have avoided the ballooning of costs of KLIA2 as all the requirements made by the airline would be met from “day one”.

AirAsia chief operating officer Bo Lingam said, for instance, one of the requests was to build the KLIA2 at a different site, which would have resulted in a cheaper but more efficient airport.

“We have outlined the detailed requirements and done costing at a site we had chosen, and it would only cost RM700 million,” he said, adding that there are now concerns over higher aeronautical charges because of the costlier KLIA2.

“Our operational requirements do not need aerobridges. We don’t need all that [the additional specifications of the new KLIA2]. The airport we suggested back then was ideal,” said Bo. He also claimed that the airline had written to the Transport Ministry about its requests.

MAHB had said earlier that the increase in the cost of KLIA2 cost will not translate into higher aeronautical charges, which are heavily regulated.

The briefing held by AirAsia yesterday came in the midst of a war of words between AirAsia and MAHB since the unveiling of the new and costlier RM3.9 billion KLIA2.

The three other AirAsia officials who attended the press briefing were management pilot Captain Chin Nyok San, customer experience regional head Zaman Ahmad, and head of commercial Kathleen Tan. AirAsia group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes was not present.

The disagreements between MAHB and AirAsia escalated after the latter launched a campaign to encourage its customers to say nay to MAHB’s move to increase airport charges. What is interesting about this spat is that fresh information about the development of KLIA2 is being unveiled in the process.

On Monday, AirAsia issued a press statement to refute claims made by MAHB that it had asked for a bigger airport and said it should not be blamed for the cost of constructing KLIA2, which had nearly doubled from RM2 billion to RM3.9 billion.

The cost increase at KLIA2 by some RM1.6 billion to RM1.9 billion stems largely from earthworks (RM670 million), a bigger terminal building (RM420 million), a longer runway at 3.96km (RM180 million) and better public infrastructure (RM260 million).

One of the key arguments involves the implementation of a fully-automated baggage handling system (BHS) at KLIA2, as AirAsia wanted a semi-automated system.

An airline official said yesterday the decision on the BHS, just like the provisions for A380 aircraft at KLIA2, was made unilaterally by MAHB.

To add insult to injury, Fernandes said in a twitter feed yesterday that the argument unveiled by MAHB on the BHS was “fake”.

It is important to note that material changes to the BHS was one of the main reasons behind the further delay of the completion of KLIA2. The project will now be operational only by 2013.

Despite the later projected completion of KLIA2, AirAsia officials said no decisions have been made yet on more aircraft deferments due to the delay.

This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, December 7, 2011.

hafidz jon

December 7th, 2011, 11:06 PM

customer also wants sla from AK...what we have now only stupid printed boarding pass.then only it's win-win situation.

i believe AK will think twice to give sla to customer as their service is sucks,delay is worst.

XNeo

December 8th, 2011, 02:10 AM

^^ hahahaha correct3. :lol:

dlm gamba tuh ade hati nak design LCCT yg hebat tapi tamau pula guna aeorbridges.
bagi je warehouse style punya LCCT kat AA.baru sesuai.
cit podah.

XNeo

December 8th, 2011, 03:17 AM

rizalhakim

December 8th, 2011, 06:59 AM

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/385506_258313780895621_100001510037897_707286_815700014_n.jpg

silverian86

December 8th, 2011, 07:23 AM

there's a rumour air asia will move their HQ to Indonesia....I hope it will not happen......

rgen

December 8th, 2011, 10:26 AM

I have no intention to disrespect Dato' Tony Fernandez in whatsoever way and I believe he is a great businessman with great vision.

However, I received this forwarded email today and i think it is really funny.....

"Spare a thought for Uncle Tony F, Chief Executive of 'Air Asia"......

Arriving in a hotel in KL Sentral he went to the bar and asked for a pint of
draught Guinness. The barman nodded and said, "That will be one Ringgit
please, Uncle Tony."

Somewhat taken aback, Uncle Tony replied, "That's very cheap," and handed over
his money.

"Well, we try to stay ahead of the competition", said the
barman. "And we are serving free pints every Wednesday evening
from 6 until 8. We have the cheapest draught in Asia"

"That is remarkable value" Uncle Tony comments

"I see you don't seem to have a glass, so you'll probably need one of ours.
That will be 3 Ringgit please."

Uncle Tony scowled, but paid up. He took his drink and walked towards a seat.
"Ah, you want to sit down?" said the barman. "That'll be an extra 2 Ringgit
You could have pre-book the seat, and it would have only cost you a Ringgit"

"I think you may to be too big for the seat sir, can I ask you to sit in this
frame please"
Uncle Tony attempts to sit down but the frame is too small and when he can't squeeze in
he complains "Nobody would fit in that little frame".

"I'm afraid if you can't fit in the frame you'll have to pay an extra surcharge of RM 4
for your seat sir"

Tony swore to himself, but paid up. "I see that you have brought your
laptop with you" added the barman. "And since that wasn't pre-booked
either, that will be another 3 Ringgit"

Uncle Tony was so annoyed that he walked back to the bar, slammed his drink on
the counter, and yelled, "This is ridiculous, I want to speak to the
manager".

"Ah, I see you want to use the counter," says the barman, "that will
be 2 Ringgit please." Uncle's face was red with rage.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Of course I do Mr Fernandes

"I've had enough, What sort of Hotel is this? I come in for a quiet drink
and you treat me like this. I insist on speaking to a manager!"

"Here is his E mail address, or if you wish, you can contact him between 9 and 9.10
every morning, Monday to Tuesday at this free phone number. Calls are free,
until they are answered, then there is a talking charge of only 10 sen per second provided you use Tune Talk using other mobile carriers would incur our normal charges of 30 Sen per second

"I will never use this bar again"

"OK Uncle , but remember, we are the only bar in Asia selling pints for one Ringgit...so that Now everyone can drink "

World 2 World

December 8th, 2011, 10:38 AM

^^:lol::lol:

alifdalya

December 8th, 2011, 11:19 AM

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111208173151/Article/index_html

Fernandes hints he may leave AirAsia

AirAsia chief executive officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, today hinted that he may leave as the supremo of the budget airline.

Without giving the exact timeline, he said, the company can expect a
new leadership soon.

Fernandes, the brain behind the frills-free airlines meteoric rise, dropped the
hint at the airline's 10th anniversary celebrations today.

When asked on where will be AirAsia in the next 10 years, he said: "Next 10
years will be a new ceo, my time is coming to an end soon.

"Yes, all three of us (chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar and deputy chief executive
Officer Datuk Kamaruddin Meranun) will have to go together.

Fernandes said leadership was all about change and about bringing new people on board. -- Bernama

maafcakap

December 8th, 2011, 12:40 PM

happy 10th anniversary to airasia...now everyone can fly,

who expect the 1 ringgit company becoming so big nowaday

CxIxMaN

December 9th, 2011, 10:54 AM

Tony Fernandes refutes quit report
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tony-fernandes-refutes-quit-report/
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 — Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has denied he will resign as AirAsia boss soon, pointing out that he had only told reporters the airline must prepare for new leadership.

“Not resigning from AirAsia. All I said is next 10 years we must prepare for new leadership and my time is coming up soon,” he said on micro-blogging site Twitter at around 7.40pm.

“First a CEO for Malaysia and I focus on group functions as group CEO. Good leadership is to prepare for succession. Not going anytime soon though.”

Bernama reported earlier today Fernandes (picture) had hinted he would soon step down as the head of Asia’s biggest budget carrier at AirAsia’s 10th anniversary bash in Sepang.

“Next 10 years (there) will be a new CEO. My time is coming to an end soon,” the state news agency had quoted him as saying when asked where the airline will be in 10 years.

“Yes, all three of us (chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar and deputy chief executive officer Datuk Kamaruddin Meranun) will have to go together.”

Bernama later issued an urgent notice to editors that it was retracting the story at AirAsia’s request, adding that there would be no replacement story.

Malaysian state investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd owns 10 per cent of AirAsia after a share swap with Fernandes’ company, Tune Air Sdn Bhd, which now holds 20.5 per cent of Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

Both Fernandes and Kamaruddin are also non-executive directors in the ailing flag carrier.

Loss-making MAS is now going through another turnaround plan with new management despite two earlier turnaround plans.

The new plan includes setting up a super premium regional airline which will not compete with AirAsia. The low-cost carrier also has operations in Thailand, Indonesia and soon in the Philippines and Japan.

Fernandes has used his fortune made from AirAsia’s success to venture into owning a Formula One racing team Caterham F1 Team and the Queens Park Rangers football club playing in the English Premier League.

He is also said to be looking to launch Caterham Jet, a premium business jet service, next year.

rizalhakim

December 9th, 2011, 10:56 AM

maafcakap

December 9th, 2011, 01:59 PM

hehe......:nuts::lol::nuts::lol:

what so funny things..it's tru or just science fiction ??

dengilo

December 9th, 2011, 03:08 PM

I love it !thats what air asia is all about!

patchay

December 14th, 2011, 05:57 AM

AirAsia: Thai, Indonesian IPOs on schedule for Q1 2012
TheStar Biz | Business Times Malaysia | Dec 14, 2011

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2011/12/14/business/p5-airasiaqtchtp1.JPG

AIRASIA Group, Asia's biggest budget carrier, has clarified that the proposed initial public offerings (IPOs) of its Indonesian and Thailand affiliates are on schedule, and have not been delayed.

AirAsia said in a statement yesterday that its public relations team had been been misquoted in a recent interview.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said both IPOs were on schedule with regard to the due diligence process and obtaining regulatory approval.

Read More
>>> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/aa2-2/Article/
>>> http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/14/business/10089027&sec=business

dengilo

December 14th, 2011, 08:52 AM

There u go tony! Thats where the real gold mines are!What can go wrong with indonesia and thailand thats where the pool of the potential paxs are!To complete it just add or fine tune china and india routes.

Arkdriver

December 15th, 2011, 03:15 AM

I think China and India's aviation player are too resistant to welcome new competition from outside the country. Just like TF himself lobbying to the useless minister of transport to deny berjaya and lion JV airline from taking off.

dengilo

December 15th, 2011, 09:58 AM

What goes around comes around ha!The future of AA is still China and India even if not serving the major cities or hubs there.

ntly1

December 16th, 2011, 02:39 AM

Heard the latest news AAX already got the green light to fly to Sydney Australia...ahead of Scoot!!

patchay

December 16th, 2011, 04:02 AM

Heard the latest news AAX already got the green light to fly to Sydney Australia...ahead of Scoot!!

Serious???

Skyprince

December 16th, 2011, 04:20 AM

Where is it ( Sydney's green light ) ,I cannot find it in Yahoo News or Google News. If so then it must be a BIG day for AirAsia and Malaysian aviation

patchay

December 19th, 2011, 06:19 PM

AirAsia X may cease flights to London, Paris, Mumbai and Delhi
Business Times | Dec 20, 2011
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111219231932/Article/index_html

Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X has written in to the Ministry of Transport on its plans to withdraw its services to Paris, London, Mumbai and Delhi, according to a source.

It is understood that the routes are losing money and that AirAsia X could stop flying there as early as February. (yes yes since the beginning)

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani neither confirmed nor denied this.

“I hereby confirm that AirAsia X has not made any decisions on our routes, whether to add new routes or cancel existing routes. Not least of which there has not been any approvals from Ministry of Transport,” he said via e-mail in response to questions sent to him.

Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha did not respond to a text message on the matter.

It is not known if alternative arrangements are being made for AirAsia X passengers who have booked flights post-February.
A quick check of its booking engine yesterday shows that flights for London and Paris are available up to October 2012.

According to the source, various reasons were cited for the withdrawal. These include the implementation of Emissions Trading privateScheme (ETS) over Europe come January 1 2012, visa restrictions and additional airport fees in India.

The European Union’s ETS scheme calls for airlines to pay up for carbon emissions it has not already accounted for.

Come January 1, AirAsia X is imposing a carbon offset surcharge of RM80 (return) for its flights to Europe.

The Indian market has been especially tough for AirAsia X given the visa restrictions for the market, which is believed to have driven passengers to use travel agents for their bookings.

India bars tourist visa holders from returning to the country within two months of leaving.

AirAsia X, which started operating to Stansted Airport in March 2009, relocated to Gatwick in October this year.

Flights to Paris Orly started this year.

Azran had reportedly said in early November that the airline was reviewing its network “but would not make drastic changes”.

The long-haul carrier has a fleet of 11 aircraft servicing 14 destinations.

These include destinations to Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Iran, New Zealand, India and Japan.

Under a share swap deal with AirAsia Bhd founders Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Khazanah Nasional Bhd has the option of purchasing a 10 per cent stake in AirAsia X.

patchay

December 19th, 2011, 06:31 PM

Uncle Tony: Give me Sydney route, or I'll withdraw from London and Paris...

Blur Kong: Errrr... ahem... can wait after Elections?

Uncle Azran: We can't wait. Sydney or nothing.

Blur Kong: I need to ask Rosmah first.

Khaw

December 19th, 2011, 06:37 PM

Oh just great...can't even make it with London??? With this possibility and MAS cutting routes, why need an even larger yet-to-built KLIA2? So what next? Tokyo? Seoul? AAX will soon be facing an aggressive competitor from SIA.

Arkdriver

December 20th, 2011, 02:39 AM

har har, no wonder Oasis Hong Kong gulung tikar. I suggest AirAsia ditch the buses and go for 772 ER instead. That aircraft can fly non stop to london compared to A332 and A333.

Anyway guys, my friend in Asian Express confirmed that A340s will be withdrawn from the fleet next year. So the rumour might be true after all. The A340s have 4 engines running i think the green tree hugging taxes gonna hurt them bad.

But it's a shame for London route. No airline is complete without flying to London. It's like the prestige for the airliners.

dengilo

December 20th, 2011, 06:32 AM

[QUOTE=Arkdrivergonna hurt them bad.

But it's a shame for London route. No airline is complete without flying to London. It's like the prestige for the airliners.[/QUOTE]

Truelah Especially among malaysian even singaporeans macam balik kampunglah :lol:

tbc

December 20th, 2011, 08:23 AM

The A340s have 4 engines running i think the green tree hugging taxes gonna hurt them bad.

That and fact there will be less disposable income made available for leisure travel once the much anticipated european recession grinds in next year
Maybe the 340 leases are ending anyway ?
Will we see a reversal once the more fuel efficient 332's arrive (presumably they will not be penalized as severely then) ?

Skyprince

December 20th, 2011, 08:25 AM

From this analyst link today I found this quote ... if it's true then it must be a big day for malaysian aviation
"Sydney route granted? Another rumour circulating is that AirAsia X is supposed to have its Sydney route application approved by the Ministry of Transport today, which we think is in preparation to stave off competition from SIA’s Scoot that is also flying there."

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/analyst-calls-for-dec-20

Khaw

December 20th, 2011, 10:22 AM

patchay

December 20th, 2011, 10:36 AM

Not sure why people are going gaga over Sydney? Only for students to rejoice, mostly... Glad to see there's gonna be competition from Scoot (silly name nonetheless). Comparison will be inevitable even though the routes are different. Bring it on...

The Sydney route alone could bring in more than RM1 bil to Malaysia's economy. I won't be surprised if successful it could be the single largest factor in making KL an aviation hub.

Jambol

December 20th, 2011, 02:31 PM

The Sydney route alone could bring in more than RM1 bil to Malaysia's economy. I won't be surprised if successful it could be the single largest factor in making KL an aviation hub.

What? Succeeded in one route, KL-Sydney, and KL becomes an aviation hub? Isnt that overly simplistic?

dengilo

December 20th, 2011, 03:33 PM

What? Succeeded in one route, KL-Sydney, and KL becomes an aviation hub? Isnt that overly simplistic?

Thats what i thought too!:lol:But then given the choice i rather fly on a B777-200 over A330-200 anytime ,if i am in no hurry i still rather fly south for the connecting flight to oz land:)

Arkdriver

December 21st, 2011, 02:51 AM

Thats what i thought too!:lol:But then given the choice i rather fly on a B777-200 over A330-200 anytime ,if i am in no hurry i still rather fly south for the connecting flight to oz land:)

If it ain't Boeing, i ain't flying.

Oh yeah man, Changi has this homey feeling and very cozy airport. I've grown fond of it over the years. Damn i loath LCCT but since i've been travelling on ID 90 most of the time, KLIA MTB is not bad at all. It's good actually, so spacious. I wish it could have more shop for me to window shopping. Haha.

772 is better and more spacious than A332. It can fly longer. But for medium haul routes there's no doubt the European buses can make more money than the Boeings. That's why bean counters love them. I think the only advantage 772 has is their ability to fly long haul non stop. That's it.

patchay

December 21st, 2011, 08:10 AM

What? Succeeded in one route, KL-Sydney, and KL becomes an aviation hub? Isnt that overly simplistic?

The lucrative Kangaroo route. There was once a saying whoever wins the Kangaroo hub, whoever becomes a hub.

KL-Sydney here implies Sydney-London using KL as a transit point. The spillover effect is that Aussies and Europeans will begin to look at KL as a transit point which would mean bringing heavy traffic and at the same time, that KL could be an ideal stopover for the rest of Asia especially China.

AirAsia X has been lobbying that for a long time, obviously before their plans to consider stopping London.

Opening up KL-Sydney would also give more advantage to Qantas starting their airline from KL, and if that happens, I will not be surprised to see the big carriers like British Airways, ANA, etc resume their flights to KL.

Khaw

December 21st, 2011, 08:18 AM

dengilo

December 21st, 2011, 09:26 AM

If it ain't Boeing, i ain't flying.
I think the only advantage 772 has is their ability to fly long haul non stop. That's it.

Not only that the layout is still the best!I still pick it over the ugly dugong (A380)anytime:lol:Airbus or Air Bus in other word thats what they all about!I am curious of the B787ss size wise it doesnt look any different then the tripple 7sss

patchay

December 21st, 2011, 12:46 PM

MAS has been flying to Sydney for ages (and London as well)...so that must be only a wallaby route, I guess. No automatic "hub" status...so what makes one think AAX has the magic touch with far fewer planes?

Simply because AAX willing to drop price to take market share from other competitors namely SIA, Qantas and Gulf-based carriers. MAS was in a poor position to take market share, it merely acted as a feeder and a carrier for Malaysia-bound traffic. Also bear in mind, Sydney-London via low-cost model is a first in the market (if AAX is flying earlier than Scoot which has not announced their London plans).

I merely quoted what was briefed to me by AAX which undertook their own study.

razpatrol99

December 21st, 2011, 04:53 PM

agreed that Sydney-London with LCC(hopefully via KL) will be a major booster to AAX/KLIA. Those backpackers/kids from UK dont really give a shit about service. All they care is cheapo flight tix for them to spend more money on alcohol and get laid. :lol::lol:

patchay

January 12th, 2012, 05:16 AM

AirAsia X to confirm Sydney flights today, ahead of Singapore's Scoot :banana:
The Malaysian Insider | By Yow Hong Chieh | January 12, 2012
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/airasia-x-to-confirm-sydney-flights-today/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/images/uploads/2012/january2012/12/airasiax-jan12.png

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 — AirAsia X (AAX) will confirm today whether it has won the right to ply the KL-Sydney route in April, after nearly three years of lobbying for the lucrative route.

According to a Star Online report today which quoted an unnamed airline official, ticket sales for the route will start next week.

The long-haul, low-cost carrier currently flies to Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast in Australia.

The move will give AAX a head start on rival Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget long-haul carrier, which named Sydney as the first city of call out of Singapore and plans to begin flying the route by mid-year.

AAX declined to comment on the Star Online report when contacted but said it would issue a statement later today.

AAX’s bid for the KL-Sydney route had previously been blocked by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), the only airline serving the route after Australian budget carrier JetStar withdrew from the sector in 2009.

The route-sharing was made possible after a share-swap agreement between AAX’s sister company AirAsia and the national carrier on August 8 last year, wherein both agreed to work together rather than compete.

MAS flies twice daily from KL to Sydney but it is unclear if it will reduce flights to once daily and make way for AAX to take on the other slot.

AirAsia X to start KL-Sydney route
TheStar Biz | By B.K. SIDHU
Thursday January 12, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/12/business/10238500&sec=business#13263406091391&if_height=667

It’s finalising whether to exit from Indian, European and Christchurch services

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2012/1/12/business/b_pg04airasiax.jpg

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X (AAX) seems all set to start ticket sales for the much-awaited KL-Sydney route next week and will begin mounting flights to the Australian city by April this year, way ahead of rival Scoot.

The airline is also said to be in the final stages of rationalising its route network where it would cut some routes which it deemed to be unprofitable and add Sydney and some routes to China (provided it can get slots there) to its network.

“We want to do that (Sydney) well ahead of the competition,'' said a senior official of the airline group.

Scoot is Singapore Airlines' long-haul low-cost carrier that has named Sydney as the first city of call out of Singapore and plans to begin flying the route by mid-year.

The official declined to elaborate, but market has it that AAX will begin selling tickets for the sector next Tuesday and a team is planning to launch the sales from Sydney.

The first flight is slated to take off on April 1. However, all is subject to its internal planning, though the airline may be looking at daily flights for the KL-Sydney sector.

This puts an end to the near three-year wait and a bitter fight with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) over the route. MAS had previously lobbied against competition and the national carrier is still the only airline serving the KL-Sydney route after Jetstar withdrew from the sector in 2009.

This sharing of routes has been made possible after a share-swap agreement between AAX's sister company AirAsia and MAS on Aug 8 last year and both will collaborate rather than compete.

Currently, MAS flies twice daily from KL to Sydney and whether MAS will reduce the frequency to once daily and make way for AAX to take on the other slot is unclear.

“Choices and reasonable fares are what a traveller wants. But the biggest fear for travellers over the collaboration is the lack of competition and that is seen by the fare pricing for the Dehli/Mumbai sectors where the fares offered by AAX are somewhat close to that offered by MAS,'' said an industry source.

To be fair, AAX does offer reasonable rates for its Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast flights and if the booking is made in advance, the savings can be up to 40% of the full-service fares. The airline is currently offering a 20% discount on its base fares for all its routes for a limited period.

Asked on the strategy for the KL-Sydney route, the official said:“We would offer lots of low fares and as we are already well known in Australia it should be (fairly easy to fill up our aircraft).''

Interestingly, those in the know claim that AAX is close to finalising details on whether to exit from the Indian (New Dehli, Mumbai), European (London and Paris) and Christchurch routes.

Sources said both MAS and AAX had had several meetings over the matter so that MAS could take over all the slots from AAX for the routes and carry AAX passengers that have booked seats with the airline.

The date for axing the route is said to be as early as February. AAX has, however, repeatedly said that “no decision on routes, whether to add new ones or cancel new ones'' had been made.

But those in the know claim that “all this adding and axing of routes is part of the understanding under the collaboration.'' Looking from the collaboration perspective, moving out of the European/India/Christchurch routes is seen as a compromise to get Sydney and some China routes.

MAS CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya in his executive summary of his business plan said that “we are close to finalising a connecting-service that will enable passengers on either airline to seamlessly connect between carriers and non-overlapping routes.”

Separately on Tuesday, AirAsia boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes tweeted: “With all that's going on, we will need to get more planes. I will be speaking to the board. The growth in the low-cost arena is very exciting.''

Last Friday he was quoted in Paris as saying: “AirAsia will consider buying up to 25 Airbus A320 aircraft. Our growth will probably exceed the aircraft that we have right now, and the initial public offerings of AirAsia's units in Thailand and Indonesia will give us the ability to probably take more aircraft.''

Skyprince

January 12th, 2012, 05:33 AM

Wah Wah.. eagerly waiting for the frequency and fares announcement :cheer:

Possible to start with 2 flights a day KUL-SYD by AirAsia X?

Skyprince

January 12th, 2012, 05:48 AM

And do u think they will cut London & Paris lines ?

I thought travellers from Sydney will help to feed London & Paris flights tremendously ?

patchay

January 12th, 2012, 06:13 AM

Maybe Delhi/Mumbai or Christchurch or one of China cities will be cut. Not sure if Paris is making good returns too.

triple-j

January 12th, 2012, 07:34 AM

The lucrative Kangaroo route. There was once a saying whoever wins the Kangaroo hub, whoever becomes a hub.

KL-Sydney here implies Sydney-London using KL as a transit point. The spillover effect is that Aussies and Europeans will begin to look at KL as a transit point which would mean bringing heavy traffic and at the same time, that KL could be an ideal stopover for the rest of Asia especially China.

AirAsia X has been lobbying that for a long time, obviously before their plans to consider stopping London.

Opening up KL-Sydney would also give more advantage to Qantas starting their airline from KL, and if that happens, I will not be surprised to see the big carriers like British Airways, ANA, etc resume their flights to KL.

MAS has been flying to Sydney for ages (and London as well)...so that must be only a wallaby route, I guess. No automatic "hub" status...so what makes one think AAX has the magic touch with far fewer planes?

Simply because AAX willing to drop price to take market share from other competitors namely SIA, Qantas and Gulf-based carriers. MAS was in a poor position to take market share, it merely acted as a feeder and a carrier for Malaysia-bound traffic. Also bear in mind, Sydney-London via low-cost model is a first in the market (if AAX is flying earlier than Scoot which has not announced their London plans).

I merely quoted what was briefed to me by AAX which undertook their own study.

And do u think they will cut London & Paris lines ?

I thought travellers from Sydney will help to feed London & Paris flights tremendously ?

If this new route a success, volume of passengers may increase (Before: MAS twice daily. Now: MAS once daily, AAX once daily) But how significant of an increase is not known yet (at least I don't, guilty of lazy to search :P) so we have to look at previous data showing MAS twice daily statistic for 6 months or a year. Then, we can compare for the next 6 months to see the improvement of passengers' volume.

The effects in my shallow humble un-googled opinion (thus I it call opinion) also agreeing to Patchay's views above:
1- A good move ahead before KLIA2 in operation (I know it is only once-daily but it is a positive outlook on increased volume of passengers. This is however a sought after route right?)
2- Good for Malaysian-bound passengers and transit.
3- Touching on transit passengers. Don't you guys think this will be good to KLIA/KLIA2 also? Maybe, just maybe some passengers will use KLIA/KLIA2 to go somewhere elses in the world. This indirectly give MAS a chance to capture those passengers/travelers.

To answer on Skyprince point, if AAX cut London/Paris lines, will MAS take this opportunity to capture them? They better!!!

Somehow one of the bigger business plan may look like this (yup agreeing with Patchay's thought again ;) ) :
AAX get more passengers via Kangaroo route to KLIA/KLIA2>>Good for KLIA/KLIA2>>Good for MAS too? (they still have that direct flight to Paris, London etc aight? Cause using other airlines means they will have to endure one more transit at respective airlines' home-based airports)

So shall we see what happen next? I'm excited with this new development and I don't think MAS will lose a lot, they need to up their game with whatever that they planning with their new business plan etc...

patchay

January 12th, 2012, 08:32 AM

Regardless of the plans, Malaysia as a nation must stand a chance to "WIN".

It is to our national interest that we provide more options to passengers to come to KL and more options to our own Malaysians to travel there or coming back home.

RosmahM

January 12th, 2012, 09:02 AM

I don't think they will drop ORL , LHR , MUM or DEL simply because it's a huge route to australia.I've been on that flight many times it's always full of indian going back and forth or aussie to visit europe so the last thing they would want after fighting this long to actually drop those flight . I think it has to do with they don't have any plane right now to do this route without dropping the others , if i'm not mistaken the A332 will be arriving starting from july this year right ? anybody from airasia can confirm this ?
Cheers
Rosmah

Zulhelmi

January 12th, 2012, 11:52 AM

Important Announcement: AirAsia X Re-Aligns Network

Dear fans, please be informed that due to soaring taxes and higher jet fuel prices, AirAsia X is re-aligning its network to focus on core markets and will be withdrawing services to India (Mumbai and New Delhi) and Europe (Paris and London) from our Kuala Lumpur hub as follows:

• Mumbai- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 January, 2012
• New Delhi- Daily services will be suspended with the last flight on 22 March, 2012. Flights in March will be reduced to four weekly services.
• London- Six weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 March, 2012
• Paris- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 30 March, 2012

All Guests who hold bookings after these dates will be offered an alternative travel option at no additional cost to mitigate the inconvenience caused as a result of these route withdrawals. An e-mail stating options that are available will be send, including a full refund, a reroute to another AirAsia X destination (e.g, in Australia and North Asia), or a move to an alternative carrier where available.

AirAsia X will concentrate capacity in our core markets of Australasia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Announcements of our future expansions plans will be made soon.

For full details: www.airasia.com/my/en/corporate/pressrelease.page

Got it on my Facebook Newsfeed... Quite a surprise..

patchay

January 12th, 2012, 12:23 PM

The EU crisis is bound to hit us hard, very hard soon. Not just that, the recently imposed "carbon-emission taxes" particularly on long-haul Asian airlines will be "KILLING".

An important announcement in the Aviation World coming out from Kuala Lumpur this evening. Looks like there'll be alot of public backlash soon.

Malaysia's AirAsia X to cease all flights to London, Paris, Delhi and Mumbai :bash:
Breaking News: TheStar | Business Times | January 12, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/12/nation/20120112184402&sec=nation#13263662710131&if_height=591

KUALA LUMPUR- AirAsia X will be discontinuing several of its flights to India and Europe from its Kuala Lumpur hub.

Four weekly services to Mumbai will be stopped, with the last flight on Jan 31. For New Delhi, daily services will be suspended, with the last flight on March 22 and flights there in March will be reduced to four weekly services.

For Europe, six weekly services to London will be suspended, with the last flight on March 31, as well as four weekly services to Paris, with the last flight there on March 30.

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani, in a press release Thursday, said these changes were to improve operating cost efficiencies and consolidate its network to focus on markets where it could build a leadership position.

He reassured guests that AirAsia X would offer those with bookings after the last flight dates an alternative travel option at no additional cost.

According to Azran, continued high jet fuel prices and weakening demand for air travel from Europe, due to the current economic situation and exorbitant government taxes, had placed cost pressures on operating long-haul low cost flights between Asia and Europe.

"As for Delhi and Mumbai, the continued visa restrictions for travel between India and Malaysia, and the increase in airport and handling charges have resulted in a structure not conducive to the low-cost model," Azran said.

"The airline is hopeful in reinstating services to India once these structural issues can be resolved."

razpatrol99

January 12th, 2012, 12:29 PM

i see this as a win-win situation for both MAS and AAX...
AAX granted sydney flight provided they stop flying to London. This will help MAS to fill up their economy class for A380 bound for London start this coming July. Im not sure for Paris.., AAX shldnot fly there in the first place me think.

TWK90

January 12th, 2012, 12:31 PM

^^

It is not related to MAS-AAX deal. It is more like this.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/12/uk-carbon-aviation-idUKTRE80B0MF20120112

European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS)

razpatrol99

January 12th, 2012, 12:38 PM

^^

It is not related to MAS-AAX deal. It is more like this.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/12/uk-carbon-aviation-idUKTRE80B0MF20120112

European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS)

i guess that can be one of the factor... but u never know since MAS-AAX the share swap agreement everything is possible.
Same thing for india.., once they pull out this will give advantage for the upcoming new "MAS" to help fill up their seats and we are the one who lost the most. Im just hoping any other LCC will start flying from malaysia. This will at least give us a better choice and cheaper tix for sure!!! Well..., this is just my thought. :cheers:

Vrooms

January 12th, 2012, 01:31 PM

Its great that AirAsia X will be flying to Sydney!! Hope this will make Scoot lower their prices:) I'm just really shocked that AAX would suspend the London route on the same day they announce Sydney..............

dengilo

January 12th, 2012, 03:45 PM

MAS get show off their A380 with a half full load factor to London But give up Sydney ha?

razpatrol99

January 12th, 2012, 05:17 PM

^^well its my own theory of conspiracy between MAS and AAX..:lol::lol:

patchay

January 13th, 2012, 02:02 AM

Well actually it is quite TRUE.

For AirAsia X, European costs have increased alot. Second thought... I think moving to Gatwick was a bad decision. Paris load isn't that great.

For MAS, well they need to survive on these long-haul routes. If not, they'll be slowly and surely losing everything they built up all these years.

So as "partners", it is best that AirAsia X compromised and at the same time give them a break from these sudden increase in operational costs. Khazanah may have been doing alot of drama behind the scene.

AirAsia X has not made any Sydney announcement as of now.

newmalayan

January 13th, 2012, 02:45 AM

even my fren flying from Christchurch complaining how boring the flight with its crampy seating. people prefers arabian airliners as they are cheap, comfort with full service. price wise, worth it.

that's the reason why low cost long haul won't be successful. remember HK's Oasis?

so it is not about conspiracy theories whateveritis

TWK90

January 14th, 2012, 04:24 AM

THE likelihood of the Malaysian public boarding another AirAsia X plane to London or Paris again is probably higher than seeing Sir Richard Branson in a skirt.

Considering that flights to London end in late March, Branson’s skirt challenge is unlikely to happen.

“At the direction oil is heading, long haul is very tough but
we could probably see them revisiting the routes in the future,” OSK Research analyst Ahmad Maghfur Usman told Business Times yesterday.

Another analyst who declined to be named concurred, saying that the routes could be revisited when AirAsia X takes delivery of its 10 Airbus A350 XWBs between 2016 and 2018.

At the signing ceremony of the aircraft order, AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani had said the aircraft would allow it to operate with unprecedented unit costs for long-haul flights to Europe and North America.

The A340, which is what AirAsia X is currently using for the London and Paris routes, is known to be a fuel guzzler, contributing to the losses it experienced on these routes.

Read more: Adieu may not be forever http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120114015715/Article/index_html#ixzz1jOoplrqE

It seems there will be a chance for AirAsia X to reenter Europe once they get A350.

patchay

January 14th, 2012, 08:44 AM

AirAsia X will announce new destination on Monday 16.01.2012 :banana:

Skyprince

January 14th, 2012, 10:15 AM

almost sure its Sydney... then Jeddah.... and since they plan to add Japan & China I think they will announce Fukuoka , Xian (?), Wuhan (?), Chongqing (?) later on

Shenyang is quite far while Nagoya is quite close to both Tokyo & Osaka... so I think Nagoya & Shenyang are not their priority now

razpatrol99

January 14th, 2012, 04:32 PM

my bet will be Sydney, jeddah, beijing, busan and fukuoka...:okay:

Skyprince

January 14th, 2012, 04:48 PM

^^ Busan ! Indeed... from what I noticed Australians and Koreans in general are really adventurous in their travel . That's where AirAsia X should go.

dengilo

January 15th, 2012, 12:41 AM

How about Taiwan?Burma?

patchay

January 16th, 2012, 03:01 PM

To the joy of many ASEAN travllers... AirAsia Facebook has officially announced Sydney flights this evening.

AirAsia X finally set to start Sydney flights
The Sydney Morning Herald | Jan 14, 2012

AFTER four years of lobbying, Malaysia's long-haul budget airline AirAsia X is on the verge of launching flights between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

Clearance from Malaysian regulators for AirAsia X, a long-haul offshoot of Asia's largest budget airline, AirAsia, to fly to Sydney came as the airline announced that it would ditch long-haul flights to Europe and India, blaming high jet fuel prices and weakening demand for air travel.

Goldman Sachs analysts downgraded their recommendation on Qantas from ''buy'' to ''hold'' yesterday, reflecting a weaker economic outlook, the high fuel prices and lower expectations for premium travel demand.

AirAsia X's chief executive, Azran Osman-Rani, said yesterday he was hopeful of launching flights to Sydney but wanted to ensure all the ground work was done before confirming services.

Read More >>> http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/airasia-x-finally-set-to-start-sydney-flights-20120116-1q22v.html

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/404725_10150591696132387_18801397386_11509627_591254944_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/387954_10150591696307387_18801397386_11509628_522046955_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401477_10150591696452387_18801397386_11509629_592094424_n.jpg

Skyprince

January 17th, 2012, 08:49 AM

^^ the cheapest fare is 571 Ringgit including tax, 2 ways, KUL-SYD -KUL :eek:

XNeo

January 18th, 2012, 01:51 AM

^^ sooner or later AA needs A380.

dengilo

January 18th, 2012, 01:55 AM

Nolah they can buy US Airforce second hand C5 Galaxys or C141ss:)

nazrey

January 24th, 2012, 07:49 AM

Aussie regulator files lawsuit against AirAsia
24 January 2012 | Last updated at 01:09PM
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/aussie-regulator-files-lawsuit-against-airasia-1.36346

http://www.nst.com.my/polopoly_fs/1.36348.1327381699!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_454/image.jpg

SYDNEY: AirAsia was today slapped with a lawsuit by Australian regulators accusing the Asian budget carrier of failing to disclose the full price of fares on its website.

The Malaysia-based airline, which flies international services out of Australia from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth, with Sydney to be added from April, was named in documents lodged at the Federal Court in Melbourne.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the country’s consumer watchdog, claims some fares sold on AirAsia’s website do not display prices inclusive of all taxes, duties, fees and other charges.

“Businesses that choose to advertise a part of the price of a particular product or service must also prominently specify a single total price,” it said in a media release.

The regulator alleged the fares relate to flights from Melbourne to cities including London, New Delhi, and Hangzhou in China, from the Gold Coast to Ho Chi Minh City and from Perth to places such as Taipei and Phuket in Thailand.

The matter is listed to be heard on March 2 with the watchdog seeking an injunction “to restrain AirAsia from engaging in misleading conduct in the future”. It also wants a court order “that AirAsia publish corrective notices on its websites regarding the conduct”. AirAsia could not immediately be reached for comment. -- AFP

nazrey

January 27th, 2012, 02:02 PM

AirAsia plans aircraft transfer to associates
By SHARIDAN M. ALI Friday January 27, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/27/business/10545543&sec=business#13276642928061&if_height=690

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd plans to transfer some of its planes to its associates in Thailand and Indonesia after their planned initial public offering (IPO) in the respective countries.

Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes tweeted this information yesterday, adding that this move may even put AirAsia in net cash position.

He said the budget had been finalised and gearing was down to 1.6 times.

Commenting on this, analysts expect that the process to transfer some of AirAsia planes to two of its foreign associates in Thailand and Indonesia would be a gradual process as the relatively new companies would first need to strengthen their balance sheet.

An industry analyst said rationally, when the IPOs of Thai AirAsia and AirAsia Indonesia were done, the newly listed companies would want to take possession their own assets.

“This plane transfer idea is not new but it would take some time as these two associate companies would first have to strengthen their balance sheet in order to take in the planes as well as their borrowings.

“Of course the banks would have to agree to this transfer of borrowings as well,” she said.

Another transport analyst said the low gearing was expected due to strong cashflow of AirAsia.

“It may even further go down this year (without considering the transfer of the planes and borrowings).

“Thus, I agree that AirAsia could be in net cash after it take of some of its borrowings (from the transfer of planes) off its balance sheet to its Thailand and Indonesia companies,” he said.

AirAsia, Asia’s largest budget carrier, owns 49% respectively in Thai AirAsia and AirAsia Indonesia. The Thai unit was submitting its application to the regulators for a listing in the first quarter of this year. Its Indonesian counterpart is expected to follow suit.

Each IPO is expected to raise some US$150mil to US$200mil.

Nevertheless, in October 2011, it was reported that AirAsia would sell five Airbus A320 units to its affiliate, AirAsia Indonesia, via a series of finance lease transactions, in order to comply with Indonesian airlines’ regulations.

AirAsia said the total consideration for the transfer of the five aircraft was RM550.85mil. The deal is expected to result in a gain of RM49.7mil for AirAsia, and increase its net earnings per share by 2 sen for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2011.

sparrow1

January 29th, 2012, 05:46 AM

http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=27102:air-asia-and-tony-fernandes-from-public-champion-to-money-grabbing-witch?&Itemid=2

rizalhakim

January 30th, 2012, 09:24 AM

AirAsia X making arrangements for 30,000 cancelled online bookings
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/30/business/20120130143114&sec=business

erwinkarim

January 30th, 2012, 10:48 AM

^^ too bad you can't get your money back...

ajithv

January 30th, 2012, 12:13 PM

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9230/img3810u.jpg

ajithv

January 30th, 2012, 12:14 PM

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1700/img3811h.jpg

ajithv

January 30th, 2012, 12:14 PM

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1781/img3812g.jpg

Vrooms

January 30th, 2012, 04:56 PM

http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=27102:air-asia-and-tony-fernandes-from-public-champion-to-money-grabbing-witch?&Itemid=2

I kind of agree with most of the things the article said about AirAsia. It just has too many hidden charges. The same also goes for tiger. I think jetstar is the best in terms of price transparency.....

dengilo

January 31st, 2012, 01:00 AM

Its about time they face the music!They got away with it for far too long!

newmalayan

January 31st, 2012, 01:58 AM

http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=27102:air-asia-and-tony-fernandes-from-public-champion-to-money-grabbing-witch?&Itemid=2

the writer says, "He has done it without any help from the government"

hey, bullshit lah you, Kenny Gan!

newmalayan

January 31st, 2012, 02:11 AM

anyway, people are already aware about how AirAsia is doing their business. about that pricing, ticketing, aerobridge-free, luggage charge. people know about it! why make a fuss writing this article?

people choose airasia because of the price tag although it's only a year later you will fly with them. like my friend went to Jakarta for RM0 (excluding tax which is still far cheaper). who can give that price? we all need options. and airasia gives us options. it is up to us to decide. why must people stop them?

then, when we no longer have choice...we demand choice?

nazrey

January 31st, 2012, 04:31 AM

AirAsia X making arrangements for 30,000 cancelled online bookings
Posted on January 31, 2012, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/31/airasia-x-making-arrangements-for-30000-cancelled-online-bookings/#ixzz1l0FgN3J1

http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A013117112.jpg

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz

LONDON: AirAsia X Sdn Bhd (AirAsia X) is making arrangements for at least 30,000 cancelled online bookings following the low-cost carrier’s withdrawal from London, Paris and India, its chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, said.

Though the costs for this exercise had not been disclosed, Rafidah said the withdrawals had curtailed the dimensions of losses already felt by AirAsia X long-haul routes following escalating oil prices and government taxes.

As promised, the budget airline announced that all passengers, who hold bookings to the destinations, would be offered an alternative travel option at no additional cost to mitigate the inconvenience caused from the route withdrawals.

An e-mail stating available options would be sent to the affected passengers, including a full refund, a re-route to another AirAsia X destination (in Australia and North Asia) or move to an alternative carrier where available.

Rafidah also said any possibility for AirAsia X’s return in the future had not been written off as the budget airline’s strategy for Europe in the future remained open as she said nobody had expected for the frills-free airline to fly long-haul in the first place.

“Having said that, what happens in the distant time to come, we cannot tell, but what we can say is in the foreseeable future is as what it has been announced,” she told a media conference after delivering a keynote address at the 2012 United Kingdom and Eire Council of Malaysian Students’ Annual Summit at Marble Arch.

Despite the cancellations, the former international trade and industry minister said AirAsia still remained as the away jersey kit sponsor for the London football club, Queens Park Rangers, owned by the airline’s founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. The sponsorship deal was until the end of the 2012/2013 football season.

“When our sponsorship ends, the board will have to make a decision,” the former International Trade and Industry Minister said.

Commenting on reports highlighting the disappointment of Malaysian students and frequent AirAsia travellers to Europe, Rafidah said what happened was unfortunate and what was done was in the business best interest.

“When a business strategy is not working, we’ve to resolve it, which we did with many early warnings,” she added. — Bernama

rizalhakim

January 31st, 2012, 04:46 PM

AirAsia passenger traffic up 12.3pc in Q4
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/airazea/Article/

davidwsk

February 2nd, 2012, 10:34 AM

5WOoBOq3NNQ

aseantraveler

February 2nd, 2012, 04:41 PM

Thursday, 02 February 2012 15:48

AirAsia Japan Co., Ltd., announced today that it has received Air Operators Certificate, required by the Civil Aeronautics Act, from the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

AirAsia Japan carries on preparations including training on flight crew, flight attendants, engineers and guest service staff for its commencement of domestic flight service in August 1,2012 followed by international flight service in October 1,2012.

Kazuyuki Iwakata, CEO of the airline said, “We have achieved a big step to make our ideal “Now, everyone can fly” where everyone can enjoy flights easily at any time come true. We are accelerating our preparation for inauguration in August and hope to welcome our guests as early as possible in the Sky of Japan.”

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia said, “We announced the establishment of AirAsia Japan in July last year, and it is great to see the progress of preparations that are in place for our operations in just a few months. I strongly believe in the Japanese market, where low cost travel is still a new concept to many and the potential of this new market excites me. We are doing good progress and hopefully come this August, the Japanese will have a brand new experience to talk about in both the aviation and travel industry.”

Shinichiro Ito, Group CEO, ANA said, “This is a start of a new age in Japanese aviation history with a fully-fledged low cost carrier beginning operations in the largest aviation market in this country this year for the first time. We aim to generate new demand in this industry together as a whole. ANA believes that AirAsia Japan will make air transport more accessible and provide a convenient and efficient travel option for a wide range of people.“

http://ftnnews.com/aviation/15506-airasia-japan-received-air-operators-certificate.html

nazrey

February 2nd, 2012, 04:47 PM

AirAsia Japan to start domestic flights Aug
Published: 2012/02/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120202100626/Article/index_html#ixzz1lEvgV7CA

AirAsia Japan Co, a low-cost airline venture of All Nippon Airways Co and AirAsia Bhd, will start flights from Tokyo’s Narita airport to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa in August and begin services to Seoul and Busan in October, Japan’s transport ministry said in a statement today. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

February 2nd, 2012, 04:47 PM

AirAsia to take delivery of 275 Airbus A320
Published: 2012/02/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120202172955/Article/index_html#ixzz1lEwEsBYR

AirAsia Bhd will take delivery of 275 Airbus A320 aircraft over the next 14 years as part of its fleet expansion exercise, says chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

He said 200 aircraft would comprise the A320neo model while the A320 would account for the remaining 75 aircraft and they would complement AirAsia's existing fleet of 100 aircraft, which together would be worth US$25 billion.

"The 200 A320neo has a market price of up to US$18 billion while the 75 A320 will have a market price of US$7 billion," Fernandes told reporters after taking delivery of AirAsia's 100th Airbus A320 aircraft at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal here today.

The latest delivery will make the budget carrier the largest Airbus A320 aircraft operator in Southeast Asia.

AirAsia currently has 58 Airbus A320 based in Malaysia, 22 aircraft based in Thailand, 18 aircraft based in Indonesia and two aircraft based in the Philippines.

Fernandes said with the increase in the number of aircraft, AirAsia and AirAsia X would increase their flight frequencies to key destinations and introduce new routes.

"We will fly to Lombok, Indonesia, and focus on adding new routes in China. We have so far identified three destinations, namely Xiamen and two other routes.

"It is also my aspiration to fly AirAsia to Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have received numerous requests to fly there from Brazilians but I guess we would have to wait as it will take some time (to materialise).

"AirAsia X will have to wait for the right time and for the right type of aircraft. That's the main reason why we have suspended our routes to London and Paris," he said.

On passenger traffic, Fernandes said he was cautiously positive of AirAsia moving forward, hoping that the budget airline would continue to register growth in numbers in tandem with many other budget airline operators worldwide.

"It's very difficult to say. First quarter has been always a slow quarter for us. But I am positive," he said.

In 2011, 29.860 million passengers travelled by AirAsia, up from 25.681 million passengers recorded by the airline, in 2010.
Capacity jumped 13.5 per cent to 37.506 million and load factor increased two per cent to 80 per cent. -- BERNAMA

Vrooms

February 7th, 2012, 04:21 PM

Singapore's Scoot announced today that its second destination is Gold Coast:) Flight will start on June 12......

aseantraveler

February 8th, 2012, 01:37 AM

http://www.malaya.com.ph/02082012/busi5.html

AIR Asia Philippines yesterday said that it will start its domestic operations next month with its new Airbus A-320 planes.

Air Asia also targets to beef up its fleet to between 14 and 16 aircraft in five years.

Marianne Hontiveros, chief executive officer of AirAsia Inc., said the local airline will be flying out of Clark to Davao on March 15 in time for Davao’s 75th founding anniversary, and from Clark to Kalibo.

Hontiveros said the airline company hopes to start its regional flights within the year, adding that it has already secured air rights for regional flights to Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan.

However, she said that the airline still has to get seats from the respective countries after submitting the air operator certificate (AOC) which it just secured from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday.

"We are excited to announce that in the coming weeks, AirAsia Inc. will begin its domestic and international operations utilizing two brand-new Airbus A-320s flown in from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France," she said after the signing ceremony for its AOC.

The contract allows Air Asia to fly passengers from its hub in Clark to domestic and international destinations.

She said two more aircraft will be delivered within the year.

Hontiveros did not disclose the amount of investment the company put in for the new fleet, saying the aircraft that will be coming are all leased.

"After we have started our operations, we will evaluate if we need to acquire our own aircraft," she said.

She added that Air Asia is ready for a price war, and assured that the carrier has the lowest airfares while offering the best service.

The airline company originally targets to carry around 850,000 passengers in its first year of operation.

This may be revised given the delays it has faced to secure the license to operate.

Ramon S. Gutierrez, Air Asia director general, said the company has successfully completed the five phases of certification.

Gutierrez expressed confidence that the rigid process and requirements that AirAsia Inc. has fully complied with will enhance a system of checks and balances to ensure safety conscientiousness in Philippine aviation.

"We reaffirm our commitment to make air travel more fun, affordable and accessible to all Filipinos. With the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga, as our hub, we look forward to helping revitalize tourism and significantly increasing passenger traffic at DMIA," Hontiveros said.

AirAsia Inc. registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March last year to engage primarily in providing passenger and cargo air transportation in the Philippines and abroad.

AirAsia Inc. is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero and Hontiveros, and Malaysia’s AirAsia International Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of AirAsia Berhad.

aseantraveler

February 8th, 2012, 02:04 AM

http://airasia-tunehotels.blogspot.com/2012/02/airasia-philippines-just-added-new.html

nazrey

February 12th, 2012, 11:44 AM

OSK reaffirms bullish view on AirAsia Japan
Posted on February 10, 2012, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02/10/osk-reaffirms-bullish-view-on-airasia-japan/

http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A0131174865.jpg

HEAD ON: OSK Research (www.osk.com.my/) says AirAsia will be competing head-on (in terms of
routes operating from Narita airport) with Jetstar Japan, which is expected
to commence operation a month earlier.

KUALA LUMPUR: OSK Research Sdn Bhd (OSK Research) has reaffirmed its bullish view that AirAsia Japan will be profitable from the first year of operation from the high-yield market.

In a research note yesterday, OSK Research said Japan’s low-cost passenger segment was under-served, with its penetration rate at only 9.1 per cent.

“AirAsia Japan’s planned destinations are among the top four domestic destinations in Japan, while on the international side, Seoul is in the top spot with Busan (also in South Korea) ranked somewhere between 10 and 15,” it said.

OSK Research said AirAsia would be competing head-on (in terms of routes operating from Narita airport) with Jetstar Japan, which was expected to commence operation a month earlier.

It said Jetstar’s presence would certainly add heat to the competition but the fact that penetration of low-cost travel in Japan was relatively low compared to other regions meant that the market was big enough for all.

AirAsia Japan last week received the air operator certificate (AOC) to start operations by Aug 1, 2012 from Narita airport to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa and to Seoul and Busan in October.

Meanwhile, OSK said it was optimistically cautious on AirAsia Inc, AirAsia’s Philippines associate.

It said the Philippines, an attractive market for low-cost carriers given the archipelagic nature of its geography, was conducive for air travel. OSK Research said coupled with the high number of Filipinos working abroad as a boost to international travel, the Philippines offered significant growth potential given the propensity for air travel on the back of rising per capita income.

AirAsia Inc has received its AOC from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. It is expected to commence flights as early as March or April 2012 to Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.

The research house has maintained earnings and ‘buy’ call on AirAsia with the fair value unchanged at RM4.57. — Bernama

nazrey

February 12th, 2012, 11:47 AM

patchay

February 13th, 2012, 05:15 PM

The setting up of AirAsia Singapore, just days after the approval of AirAsia Japan and AirAsia Philippines.

Malaysia-based AirAsia hopes to make Singapore its latest regional hub
TODAYOnline | Updated 11:00 PM Feb 13, 2012

SINGAPORE - Malaysia-based AirAsia hopes to get clearance this year from Singapore aviation authorities to fly to more destinations from Singapore.

Chief executive Tony Fernandes told Channel NewsAsia he proposes to make Singapore a regional hub for his low-cost airline, alongside Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Japan.

He named India and China as key countries to which AirAsia is seeking approval to fly.

AirAsia will concentrate on serving the mass market, and has no plans to diversify into full-service flights, Mr Fernandes said.

AirAsia will focus on creating an ASEAN brand with an operational hub in all ASEAN countries within the next five years, he said. - CHANNEL NEWSASIA

In related news:

Thai AirAsia expands service with China, India routes
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/279313/thai-airasia-expands-service-with-china-india-routes

Scheduled to launch on March 23, Bangkok-Chennai and Bangkok-Chongqing brings to five the number of new routes for the no-frills carrier this year.

nazrey

February 13th, 2012, 05:34 PM

AirAsia X Australia probe: Inexperience found
Published: 2012/02/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120213141002/Article/index_html#ixzz1mHRcFirz

Two AirAsia X crews who flew dangerously low into Australia’s Gold Coast were “probably not adequately equipped” to make the descent, Australian air safety investigators have found.

Australia’s Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said the flights from Kuala Lumpur on May 4 and May 29 2010 descended into the northeastern Australian airport below “minimum safe altitude”. “As a result, the aircraft descended to an altitude where there was no longer separation assurance from terrain and aircraft operating outside controlled airspace,” the ATSB said in a report.

The ATSB found that the incidents were “indicators of a minor safety issue regarding the operator’s training of its flight crews”. “The aircraft operator’s flight crews were probably not adequately equipped to manage the vertical profile of non-precision approaches in other than autopilot managed mode,” it said.

Both approaches were in cloudy, overcast conditions and involved the Airbus A330 being put into “selected” mode, where the autopilot operated on target values entered by the crew.

Simulator training at AirAsia X, the long-haul offshoot of Asia’s biggest budget carrier, was largely based on descents into Kuala Lumpur which were “relatively simple” and none reflected the approach to the Gold Coast.

“It is likely that crews were not regularly exposed to intermediate vertical profile restrictions during the conduct of non-precision instrument approaches,” the ATSB said in its report published late Friday.

Since the incidents the ATSB said AirAsia X had developed specific Gold Coast descent training and all crew had been required to complete it before flying the route.

Tiger Airways Australia, an offshoot of Singapore’s Tiger, was grounded for six weeks last year after two similar incidents over Melbourne, and the ATSB is investigating a third serious occurrence involving Thai Airways last July.

Malaysia-based AirAsia X boosted flights into Australia last month by adding Sydney onto its routes. It is also facing a lawsuit from Australia’s consumer regulator for failing to disclose some fares in full on its website. -- AFP

Khaw

February 13th, 2012, 06:03 PM

The setting up of AirAsia Singapore, just days after the approval of AirAsia Japan and AirAsia Philippines.

Hope that will not overshadow or dampen the efforts of KLIA to become more of a hub.

rizalhakim

February 14th, 2012, 05:48 AM

ATW's 2012 Value Airline of the Year - AirAsia
http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/article/atws-2012-value-airline-year-airasia-0127

newmalayan

February 14th, 2012, 10:33 AM

well, we all know that TF is a snake. better bit him before he bites you.

maafcakap

February 14th, 2012, 03:33 PM

Hope that will not overshadow or dampen the efforts of KLIA to become more of a hub.

i also thinking a same thing. what happen to klia if changi becomes regional hub for airasia

nazrey

February 14th, 2012, 03:50 PM

So naughty lah encik Tony...

Vrooms

February 14th, 2012, 04:13 PM

^^I hope it happens more competition for 3K, TR ,JQ and to a certain extent Scoot.

patchay

February 14th, 2012, 07:07 PM

by statistics... it shows the more busy Changi is.. the more busy KLIA.

newmalayan

February 16th, 2012, 10:41 AM

in the same time, AirAsia is doing what CIMB Bank is doing. Connecting ASEAN and become a truly ASEAN entity which is none of ASEAN countries doing it except Malaysia.

:applause:

XNeo

February 20th, 2012, 02:35 AM

i also thinking a same thing. what happen to klia if changi becomes regional hub for airasia

did AirAsia said that?.
KLIA2 will be their regional hub...its so big.
Changi will be SIA Scoot lcc regional hub IMO.

maafcakap

February 22nd, 2012, 12:16 PM

did AirAsia said that?.
KLIA2 will be their regional hub...its so big.
Changi will be SIA Scoot lcc regional hub IMO.

tony say each philipine, singapore, indonesia ,malaysia become regional hub...

XNeo

February 26th, 2012, 09:50 AM

^^ oh ok i miss reading the article above :colgate:

tbc

February 27th, 2012, 11:41 PM

tony say each philipine, singapore, indonesia ,malaysia become regional hub...

I think that has been said of most airports that Tan Sri flies into, at one point in time or another (including a few secondary airports back home I believe) :lol:

musang

February 28th, 2012, 07:37 AM

^ his hse IS the regional hub for air asia la.. enuf said ha ha

patchay

February 28th, 2012, 02:57 PM

^ his hse IS the regional hub for air asia la.. enuf said ha ha

Jalan Setiakasih (or setiawangsa? or setiabakti? or other roads cant remember?)
Damansara Heights

Azran is also staying nearby....

:lol: :lol:

musang

February 29th, 2012, 07:13 AM

Jalan Setiakasih (or setiawangsa? or setiabakti? or other roads cant remember?)
Damansara Heights

Azran is also staying nearby....

:lol: :lol:

azran kan mr yes sir to tf kui kui

soon air asia x will be renamed to air asiaxe ;)

rizalhakim

February 29th, 2012, 10:11 AM

AAX to axe Christchurch route next
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/29/business/10824456&sec=business

newmalayan

March 1st, 2012, 10:21 AM

why not auckland? expensive to fly there from AAX' point of view?

XNeo

March 3rd, 2012, 05:57 AM

banyak laluan kena axe, tapi AA kan dah order banyak pesawat?.

maafcakap

March 3rd, 2012, 09:30 AM

banyak laluan kena axe, tapi AA kan dah order banyak pesawat?.

not just for malaysia segment but also for other airasia like aa thai aa indonesia..that's why they other bnyk

maafcakap

March 3rd, 2012, 09:34 AM

in the same time, AirAsia is doing what CIMB Bank is doing. Connecting ASEAN and become a truly ASEAN entity which is none of ASEAN countries doing it except Malaysia.

:applause:

i like this one :banana: owned by malaysian, run by malaysian

patchay

March 12th, 2012, 09:53 AM

Confirmation:

AirAsia X stops Christchurch flights, cites fuel costs
The Malaysian Insider | March 12, 2012
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/airasia-x-to-stop-nz-flights-cites-fuel-costs/

SINGAPORE, March 12 — AirAsia X will suspend flights to and from New Zealand at the end of May as high jet fuel prices have made the service unprofitable, the long-haul affiliate of Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia Bhd said today.

AirAsia Bhd is Asia’s largest budget carrier.

“The Christchurch route has been impacted by the spiralling cost of jet fuel,” AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said in a statement. “Since the launch of the route, jet fuel prices have increased in excess of 30 per cent, and are currently still at very high levels.”

Airlines have been struggling to pass on the higher cost of fuel to customers as demand for business and leisure travel dwindles amid a slowing global economy.

In December, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) cut its forecast for airline industry profits by a quarter to US$3.5 billion (RM10.52 billon) for 2012 and warned the industry could plunge to an $8.3 billion loss if Europe’s debt problems trigger another banking crisis.

AirAsia X has stopped flying between Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai and plans to discontinue services to London, Paris and New Delhi as part of a plan to focus on nearer destinations in Australia and East Asia. — Reuters