^^ But when ya add up the total inclusive of tax will be AU$ 1044 -- MYR 3,059 !! Is this " Low-cost " or "full service " price ????

I hope Air Asia won't adopt the same pricing

I think air asia will be different because of the concept of "no frills" marketing strategy. And jetstar just going to start KUL-SYD route and we just have to see how its goes.

If you think the "low cost" or "luxury" is a matter to you, why dont you just pick MH, EK or SQ:?

^^ But Jetstar = LCC right ??

Is Air Asia still LCC if KUL-PEN $150 one way = MH KUL-PEN?

^^ really ???!! The last time i traveled to KUL-PEN to visit TYW and Pablo i only paid MYR 99.98 total ( incl tax, surcharge , admin fees ) return. My Japanese friend Satoshi was like :nuts: as the cheapest fare for the shortest domestic route in Japan is MYR 250 one-way :(

Is Air Asia still LCC if KUL-PEN $150 one way = MH KUL-PEN?

maybe you bought last minute kot. i always use AK from KUL-PEN, bought a month in advance. one way only rm 60 including all those charges and taxes.

and if you bought for december travel..cuti skolah maa..also december is the month when tourist arrival is at its highest due to winter...

What i am tried to say here is the airfare for LCC is set by the market price. The higher the demand, the higher the price

What i am tried to say here is the airfare for LCC is set by the market price. The higher the demand, the higher the price

But the higher the demand, the more supply, price goes down.........anyone care to start new airline?:lol:

But the higher the demand, the more supply, price goes down.........anyone care to start new airline?:lol:

this is against the law and supply demand bro..the higher the demand does not necessarily mean the higher of supply because of lacking in resources, when supply side can't keep up with the demand, they will set the price higher.

For air asia, their price is reflected by how many seats have been sold.

say, today you book a ticket to PEN, there's 180 seat on the plane, and the first 20 pax will get cheap price about rm 50 oneway. as the plane fills in, the last 20-30 seats will command the highest price on that flight. that's how air asia price their service, and that's how MAS do theirs too..they follow air asia but in premium travel price bracket.

But the higher the demand, the more supply, price goes down.........anyone care to start new airline?:lol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_discrimination#Travel_industry :)

Thanx for the heads up guyz(ss and tomago), I do read about the price discrimination before, I think it's no fair............

It seems like AK is permanently suspending the JHB-KUL sector w.e.f. Sunday 30th Jun!

Thanx for the heads up guyz(ss and tomago), I do read about the price discrimination before, I think it's no fair............
It's okay. But let's not forget that it has helped made air travel more affordable to the lower-income group than before. :)

13 June 2007

AirAsia Spreads its Wings to Shenzhen, China
Fares from RMB88* (from Bangkok) & RMB138 (from Kuala Lumpur) onwards

SHENZHEN, 13 June 2007 – Today marks a historical milestone for AirAsia, the leading and largest low fare airline in Asia as it makes a joint announcement on flying to Shenzhen from two of its hubs; Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand). The airline is set to commence both of its inaugural daily flights on 15 July 2007.

AirAsia is the first low cost carrier (LCC) established in Malaysia and has successfully become the leading and largest LCC in Asia. The airline offers a simple ‘no frills’ service at fares that are on average significantly lower than those offered by traditional full-service airlines. The award-winning AirAsia has successfully revolutionized air travel in Asia by providing incredibly low fares so more people can fly. To date, AirAsia has carried over than 33 million guests within a short span of five years in operation.

With an extensive route network covering most of the ASEAN cities, AirAsia is now expanding its network into China, and Shenzen is an ideal choice as the airline’s gateway to the mainland. Currently, the airline is serving seven (7) daily flights to Macau (from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Bangkok) and one (1) daily flight to Xiamen (from Bangkok).

Shenzhen which is located in the southern part of Guangdong province, is the fastest growing city in China for the past thirty years. It is infamous for its coastal views, theme parks, historical attractions, and world-class golf courses as well as a well-known shopper’s paradise destination. Boasting an endless list of attractions, Thais and Malaysians ranked 5th and 6th in terms of the top visitor arrivals in year 2006.

Kathleen Tan, Executive Vice President – Commercial, AirAsia, said, “As the biggest low cost airline in Asia, the penetration to Shenzhen means a lot us. It is also noteworthy that Shenzhen is the 4th busiest airport in China and this will allow us to tap into the passenger traffic and facilitate travelers to other ASEAN destinations that we fly to. We are very confident that this route will open more opportunities to enhance both of our hubs with greater international links in the region, especially with Shenzhen being the gateway to Southern China and Hong Kong. With Shenzhen being such a hot pick amongst the tourists from both countries (Malaysia and Thailand), we believe guests can leverage on our extensive Southeast Asia network to visit other cities in the region which will further boost local economies and drive more traffic between countries.”

“We strongly believe that our amazing low fares will help to stimulate travel in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas including Guangzhou and Pearl River Delta region to Malaysia and Thailand.” added Kathleen.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, Chief Executive Officer, Thai AirAsia said, “The demand from guests for us to start the Bangkok-ShenZhen route has been overwhelming. The Shenzhen route will become Thai AirAsia’s 10th international destination, and third (3rd) in China after Macau and Xiamen. We trust that it will further establish our position as the main market player in Thailand as well as establishing new growth opportunities. And with our everyday low fares, we hope that it will enable more people in Shenzhen to fly.”

Guests can enjoy promotional launch fares starting from RMB138*/RM68.88 from Kuala Lumpur and RMB88/BHT388 from Bangkok. All fares quoted are excluding airport taxes, surcharges and fees, and are applicable for travel one way only.

^^ Good news.. but you sure that KUL-JHB to be scrapped ?? What's next ?? I hope KL- Krabi to be launched soon :cheers2:

^^ Good news.. but you sure that KUL-JHB to be scrapped ?? What's next ?? I hope KL- Krabi to be launched soon :cheers2:
Before they announced the SZX flights, it was available but I did a check again and the last flight available for this route is the 29th of June. :ohno:

^^ Sad.. I hope Firefly will utilize Airbus A320 from Subang to Ipoh, JB, Kuantan, ( and Melaka too :hilarious: )

^^ Sad.. I hope Firefly will utilize Airbus A320 from Subang to Ipoh, JB, Kuantan, ( and Melaka too :hilarious: )

ipoh dont have runway long enough to accomodate a320
i'm not sure about kuantan
since air asia suspend its flight to JB for whatever reason it may take a corporate suicide trying to launch the route (and from subang).

but using smaller turboprop planes will offset all the losses. i dont see firefly will utilise a320 for local routes that can be served with fokker. if they decide to use a320 the question is can they fill up the plane at least 70% to make it profitable or at least break even?

heard that they're going to lease some plane (b737) from PMB for international routes.

there's also highly unlikely they use a320 unless MAS said ok, because the priority for MAS now is to get new plane to replace ageing b737.

Okie, JHB-KUL is back, apparently it went missing for a while, while they set up a new promotion. :lol:

New route:

JHB-Banda Aceh
JHB-Macau
JHB-Palembang

added frequency:

JHB-PEN (2 daily flights)
JHB-Sibu (daily flights)

AIRSHOW-
Malaysia firm orders Airbus
Tue Jun 19, 2007 4:52 PM BST

LE BOURGET, France, June 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian budget airline Fly Asian Express dangled the prospect of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manchester for as little as $10 as it ordered 15 Airbus jets worth $2.9 billion on Tuesday.

The airline plans to start operations in the third quarter using the brand name AirAsiaX following a franchise deal with low-cost regional carier AirAsia, whose chief executive Tony Fernandes has also decided to back the venture.

It is gambling on being able to extend the booming regional market for no-frills airlines to long-distance travel using the 295-seat Airbus A330-300.

It upgraded an existing firm order for 10 of the wide-body planes to 15 in a deal finalised at the Paris air show.

The deal, which was reported by Reuters earlier on Tuesday, also includes options for an additional 10 aircraft.

Fernandes said the airline was considering starting up a service between the Malaysian capital and Manchester in northern England with an introductory price of $10 each way or $20 return. The average ticket price would be $300 return, he said.

"I just have to hope passengers buy a lot of food to eat on the plane," he joked at a joint news conference with Airbus.

The deal also means an order for Rolls-Royce, which said it would be providing engines worth over $1 billion at list prices to power the new planes.

Airbus, owned by parent company, said earlier it was heading for a record year in sales of the A330, an older wide-body model that some critics have described as obsolete as airlines snap up the lightweight Boeing 787 due to enter service next year, and as Airbus seeks to close the gap by building its new A350 series from 2013.

Fernandes said there was still a market niche for the A330, which suited the economics on most routes the airline planned to use, serving places like India, the Middle East and Korea. "From four to eight hours flying range, this is a super plane. It fits what we want to do," Fernandes told Reuters.
=================================================
AirAsiaX To Announce Orders For Airbus A330 Aircraft

June 19, 2007: 10:11 AM EST


PARIS -(Dow Jones)- Malaysian airline AirAsiaX, a long-haul,low-cost startup, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 15 medium-sized wide-bodied A330-300 jets.

Ten of the jets are a conversion of a memorandum of understanding into firm orders. AirAsiaX has also decided to take an additional five aircraft, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer John Leahy told a press conference at the Paris Air Show.

AirAsiaX Chairman Tony Fernandes said the airline has also decided to take 10 new options for A330-300s. The firm order for 15 planes is worth $2.8 billion at catalog prices. Airlines routinely negotiate discounts to these list prices.

Fernandes said his airline will be interested in the planned Airbus A350 XWB when it becomes available after 2013. Boeing Co.'s (BA) competing 787 Dreamliner "is a bit too small for us," he said. The order was placed by Fly Asian Express, or FAX, which is the controlling company of airline AirAsiaX.

AirAsiaX will use its A330-300s in a one-class configuration with 396 seats.

Fernandes added that the separate short-haul specialist AirAsia will probably be announcing additional aircraft orders at the Paris Air Show later this week. A person familiar with the matter said the short-haul company plans to announce this week that it will convert 25 existing options for A320 airplanes into firm orders.

21-06-2007: AirAsia signs MoU with OnAir for inflight GSM/GPRS services
By Gan Yen Kuan

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swiss firm OnAir Switzerland Sarl to provide inflight GSM/GPRS services on AirAsia’s fleet of Airbus A320.

AirAsia said yesterday the services would enable passengers onboard AirAsia aircraft to use mobile phones and smartphones to make and receive voice calls, send and receive text messages and access email during a flight.

“The voice, SMS and GPRS-based services will be supported via an international roaming arrangement with OnAir’s mobile telecommunications service provider.

“The introduction of the passenger services is part of AirAsia’s continuing efforts to increase and enhance its service offerings to passengers,” it added.

OnAir was incorporated in February 2005, and is a joint venture between SITA, the world’s leading provider of IT business solutions and communication services to the air transport industry, and aircraft manufacturer Airbus, according to its website.

New route:

JHB-Banda Aceh
JHB-Macau
JHB-Palembang

added frequency:

JHB-PEN (2 daily flights)
JHB-Sibu (daily flights)

I can't find any info about JHB-Macau.

webby wrote coming soon for jhb-macau.

Okay thanks. Will keep tracking then. :)

Virgin's Branson to buy 20 pct stake in Malaysia's AirAsia

KUALA LUMPUR (XFN-ASIA) - British billionaire Richard Branson of Virgin Group is touted to be taking a stake in Malaysia's new AirAsia long-haul budget airline, the Star newspaper reported.

Branson will take a 20 pct stake in Fly Asian Express (FAX), teaming up with Asia's aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes to run flights from Malaysia to China, Europe and Australia, the newspaper reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

It said AirAsia chief executive Fernandes and his deputy Kamarudin Meranum will sell 20 pct of their stake to Branson, the founder of Virgin Group.

Fernandes has a 50 pct stake in FAX, while Kamarudin owns 30 pct.

Although Fernandes had previously denied Branson's involvement, he admitted that the two parties are in discussions, the newspaper reported.

"I won't hide the fact that we're talking, we're always exchanging ideas, but it is not settled," Fernandes was quoted as saying by the newspaper in a separate interview.

FAX recently signed a contract for 15 wide-body A330-300 airliners from Airbus, with the first new A330 to be delivered in the third-quarter of 2008.

Each aircraft costs 175 mln usd and the purchase will be funded with a combination of' borrowings and equity.

FAX is scheduled to begin its long-haul flights to China and Australia from Sept 8, using three leased planes from the low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

... (http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=6159479&subject=companies&action=article)

Cheers,
adamcwy

Good..I like Richard Branson :)

langkah awal laluan ke eropah ke ?

i think this is an outdated news. Months ago. But i dont know if it's todays newsflash.

Conflict? Richard Branson owns Virgin Atlantic. Singapore Airlines hold i think 40% of Virgin Atlantic. And Singapore Airlines too hold a substantial stake in Air Asia's closest rival, Tiger Airways.

according to wikipedia.org…

Virgin Atlantic Airways (usually referred to as Virgin Atlantic) is a British airline which is owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%).
... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Atlantic_Airways)

Cheers,
adamcwy

ahh that's right. 49% of the company. Virgin also codeshare with MAS on flights from London to cities in Australia.

But things are still workable. Meaning that, the JV stake in Air Asia X is to be hold by an investment vehicle that has separate structure from Virgin Atlantic. Air Asia X will benefit from Branson's widely known Virgin brand.

K.Lumpur - Krabi service begins 21 July 2007 :eat: :eat:

Low-cost carriers to launch cheap flights out of KLIA
Wednesday July 25, 2007
By B.K. SIDHU
TheStar


http://thestar.com.my/archives/homepage/2007/7/25/focus2507_b.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: For less than RM10, passengers can fly from here to Australia come early September when low-cost carriers AirAsia X and Jetstar begin their separate operations.

AirAsia X, the country’s first long-haul budget airline, is expected to start its first flight between here and an Australian east-coast city on Sept 8.

Insiders said the Malaysian airline is expected to start its promotional one-way fare at RM9.90.

A day later on Sept 9, Jetstar - the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas - will start its operations from here to Sydney.

For starters, Jetstar is offering fares from RM88 for one-way travel in September and February. This does not include taxes and surcharges, which come to a total of RM409.50.

The offer is valid till 10pm today and travellers can book online at www.jetstar.comor call 1800-813-090.




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/25/nation/jetstar2.jpg

Australian airline Jetstar plane, right, is seen on
tarmac at International Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar.




Jetstar’s one-way fare for October and November is RM488 excluding taxes and surcharges.

Jetstar will also offer 36 business-class seats, and the one-way fare for the route is RM1,488, excluding taxes.

“Our fares will be about 20% cheaper than those offered by full-service carriers,” Jetstar general manager for marketing David May told a press conference yesterday.

For comparison, the cheapest return economy fare on Malaysia Airlines is RM2,734.80.

FAX chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said, “On the average, our fare will be about 30% to 50% cheaper than the full service carrier.”

AirAisa X is likely to announce its first destination tomorrow, he said when asked about the announcement of Jetstar’s flight between here and Sydney.

The thrice-weekly Jetstar flights will operate out of KLIA on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Sydney at 12.15pm and KLIA at 8.15pm.

Though Jetstar is a low-cost carrier, May said they had opted for KLIA because the “price difference in landing and parking charges offered by the Malaysian authorities was too insignificant to the LCCT.”

Jetstar’s Australian operation is wholly owned by Qantas but is managed separately, and operates independently with its Australian headquarters in Melbourne.

Its intra-Asian operation is a Singapore-based partnership involving Qantas (49%), local businessmen Tony Chew (22%) and F.F. Wong (10%) and Temasek Holdings (19%), with the hub in Singapore. Besides operating a domestic service in Australia, Jetstar also flies to six international destinations – Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Denpasar, Nagoya and Osaka.

Flights from Sydney to KLIA are just the start of Jetstar’s journey into Malaysia.

For less than RM10, passengers can fly from here to Australia

False advertising:bash:

everybody knows we have to add taxes and surcharges. Only non regular traveler doesn't understand this. I'm not angry nor disappointed because i know how it works.

03-08-2007: AirAsia to refund money for long delays
by Lee Yu Tang

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd will soon introduce a policy of refunds to passengers in the event of long flight delays, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said.

“With our newer fleet we’re now beginning to be more confident. In the past AirAsia was seen as a delay airline, but with a younger fleet and our efficient crew we think we can start to put our money where our mouth is,” he told reporters after a signing ceremony between Tune Money and Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd to launch a prepaid Visa card.

Fernandes said the refund policy was a month to two from being implemented. It will likely cover flights that are delayed for two hours or more.

“We’re looking at maybe giving back 50% of the ticket price for a two-hour delay and a full refund for a three-hour delay.”

AirAsia reported an on-time performance of 86% in June, slightly above its six-month average of 84%.

Fernandes said the refund policy was part of a series of product and service enhancements.

“We think it’s very important because we’ve won a lot of awards but not a service award. We’re looking to improve all the time.”

AirAsia will also begin offering warm meals to passengers through a web-booking system, Fernandes said. Passengers who pre-order their meals can pick them up from a retail outlet operated by AirAsia in KLIA before boarding their flights.

The added services allow AirAsia to earn more revenue from its passengers. Last month, the low-cost carrier (LCC) introduced priority boarding where it charges passengers RM20 each for the privilege of being first in line to board a flight.

Fernandes is also pushing for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to construct LCC terminals in Penang and Kuching.

“I think there is an urgent need for AirAsia to get one, particularly in Penang as Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has asked me many times, and we are very keen to start the LCCT operations both in Penang and Kuching.”

03-08-2007: AirAsia to refund money for long delays
by Lee Yu Tang

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd will soon introduce a policy of refunds to passengers in the event of long flight delays, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said.

“With our newer fleet we’re now beginning to be more confident. In the past AirAsia was seen as a delay airline, but with a younger fleet and our efficient crew we think we can start to put our money where our mouth is,” he told reporters after a signing ceremony between Tune Money and Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd to launch a prepaid Visa card.

Fernandes said the refund policy was a month to two from being implemented. It will likely cover flights that are delayed for two hours or more.

“We’re looking at maybe giving back 50% of the ticket price for a two-hour delay and a full refund for a three-hour delay.”

AirAsia reported an on-time performance of 86% in June, slightly above its six-month average of 84%.

Fernandes said the refund policy was part of a series of product and service enhancements.

“We think it’s very important because we’ve won a lot of awards but not a service award. We’re looking to improve all the time.”

AirAsia will also begin offering warm meals to passengers through a web-booking system, Fernandes said. Passengers who pre-order their meals can pick them up from a retail outlet operated by AirAsia in KLIA before boarding their flights.

The added services allow AirAsia to earn more revenue from its passengers. Last month, the low-cost carrier (LCC) introduced priority boarding where it charges passengers RM20 each for the privilege of being first in line to board a flight.

Fernandes is also pushing for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to construct LCC terminals in Penang and Kuching.

“I think there is an urgent need for AirAsia to get one, particularly in Penang as Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has asked me many times, and we are very keen to start the LCCT operations both in Penang and Kuching.”

1. u guys notice that there's no more priority boarding for pregnant mum..senior citizens and family with kids sinced AK implemented this priority boarding? i noticed that during my flight last month...

2. no LCCT for KCH please..i totally against it..:bash: beat the purpose of the new terminal...

1. u guys notice that there's no more priority boarding for pregnant mum..senior citizens and family with kids sinced AK implemented this priority boarding? .....

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6100/xpresspic2xk9.gif
:)

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6100/xpresspic2xk9.gif
:)

huh..thats what they claimed....been on 4 AK's flight last 2 months...no announcement for senior citizen/pregnant/parents with kids....

ok, a quick edit :)
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3408/xpresspic2xk92vq3.gif

ok, a quick edit :)
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3408/xpresspic2xk92vq3.gif

hehe...good one..

that day..my sis went to bali..at bali airport...there's this lady who bought this so called express boarding..the flight was delayed for about 30minutes..and the lady went on a rampage..banging the door and insist to be infront of the q although the plane not hasnt arrived yet...:ohno: so kiasu la that makcik...

AirAsia launches three new Hong Kong routes

HONG KONG (AFP) - Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia will launch three new daily services to Hong Kong, press reports said Thursday, the latest sign that the airport's luring of cheaper airlines was paying divideds.

AirAsia's chief executive Tony Fernandes said the carrier would launch new daily routes from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu between December and January, according to a report in the South China Morning Post.

Fernandes added that the move was a long-held ambition for the airline, which entered the greater Chinese market with flights to Macau and Shenzhen, but had previously resisted because of Hong Kong's high landing prices.

He said improved incentives from the airport had tipped the balance in favour of offering the new service, and hinted their may be more routes in the future.

"It is a good start in response to the good gesture from the Hong Kong government," Fernandes said.

A Hong Kong airport authority spokesman told AFP the move followed a new package announced last year to target small carriers, which sees a 75 percent rebate in landing charges during the first six months to new destinations and lower parking rates.

Fernandes praised the discount and said one-way tickets to Bangkok would start at 300 Hong Kong dollars (38 US dollars), and 400 dollars to Kuala Lumpur.

Fernandes also told the Wall Street Journal that AirAsia was in talks with Airbus to buy a further 25 A320 jetliners, in a deal which could be worth 1.63 billion US dollars, to meet its expanding network's demands.

AirAsia earlier this month unveiled a new deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Airlines to develop AirAsia X, the long-haul budget carrier which hopes to build a network of long-haul flights across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

GOOD NEWS. I hope they will be more on-time after they get the new planes. Right now, i still see it as a point to point carrier.

indeed they are..abang tony told the media before that he's in awe with Emirates point to point system. And wants air asia to emulate emirates success. It's good for you to see air asia as point to point airline, but remember they have no plans to be another MAS or SIA...with hub and spoke system..services will be launch to connect destination to destination.

Yeah, but they are famous for not being on-time. So, i'll only take it from Point A to B, but not for transit.

The Star Online > Business

Thursday August 30, 2007

AirAsia planning low cost carrier in Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia is scheduled to sign a letter of intent with a Vietnamese party on Friday to set up a low cost carrier in Vietnam.:uh:

^ AirAsia'V' hee hee

AirAsia to set up new budget carrier in Vietnam, posts higher 2007 profit

The Associated Press
Thursday, August 30, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia unveiled plans to set up a new airline in Vietnam as part of its expansion, after earlier reporting a sharp rise in net profit for its 2007 fiscal year.

AirAsia will team up with Vietnam state-owned corporation Shipbuilding Industry Group, or Vinashin, to establish its third affiliate carrier in the region, said its chief executive Tony Fernandes. It already has affiliate carriers in Thailand and Indonesia.

AirAsia, which is Southeast Asia's largest budget carrier by fleet size, will own 30 percent and Vinashin 70 percent in the venture, Fernandes said.

The new airline, which will be named Vina AirAsia, is expected to build a fleet of 9 aircraft over the next two years, Fernandes said. AirAsia plans to set up two more affiliate carriers in the region "in due course," he said, without giving further details.

Vinashin is the largest shipbuilding company in Vietnam and is expanding its operations into other areas, such as financial investment and transportation service, officials said.

AirAsia earlier reported a 41.5-percent rise in net profit from last year for the quarter through June to 185.1 million Malaysian ringgit (US$52.9 million; €38.8 million), as revenue surged 79 percent to 432.2 million ringgit (US$123 million; €90 million).

Its net profit for the full year ended June 30 rose to 498.1 million ringgit (US$142 million; €104 million), more than double profit of 201.7 million ringgit (US$57.6 million; €42 million) a year earlier.

AirAsia attributed the increase in fourth-quarter revenue and earnings to a 45 percent rise in passenger volume from the previous year as average fares fell by 7.6 percent. It said it also made gains from the disposal of interest rate swaps.

AirAsia said it took delivery of 21 new A320-200 aircraft during the 2007 fiscal year. It said it expects to carry 11 million passengers in the year ending June 2008, up from 8.7 million in 2007 fiscal year, due to more flight frequency and new routes. This will boost growth in pretax profit in 2008, it said.

"We will grow from strength to strength. We feel confident about our outlook," Fernandes said.

Hahas. I had hoped AirAsia would hub Vietnam and they are finally doing it. Yays.

However, I am rather interested in AirAsia planning 2 more affliate carriers in the region part.

I am guessing that it could be any one of these 4 countries; Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philippines and Singapore, yes, I think they won't give up on Singapore just yet. It would be in their favour if they could kick Tiger out of Asia or at least, keep them small and their pan-Asian plans forever in their dreams.

Philippines??? Noooooo....at least for time being.

my pick would be Sri Lanka or Bangladesh...

but if they ever decided to come to Singapore or Philippines i wish it would come true. Cebu Pacific and Tiger will have a run for their money. FYI cebu is not that cheap. And Cebu is one of the evil gang openly oppose open skies policy at Clark.

Yeah, but they are famous for not being on-time.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd224/artw85/Image014.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd224/artw85/Image015.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd224/artw85/Image009.jpg

Passengers affected by delays and cancellations at LCCT KL including ME!

Refer to the photos of the time table. Notice the many cancellations they make?

Also notice the many 'retimed' flights they have? When they say 'retimed', they legally bend the rules... It's no longer called 'delayed'. Therefore, they can boast about having something like 80% on-time performance, when really it actually is about 50% only in my honest opinion.

What do you guys think about that?:ohno:



As for my case on that day, my flight was retimed, then that 'retime' was delayed, and finally cancelled 4 hours after the initial ETD. It was late night and many were fuming. I argued with staff for about 2 hours regarding compensation but they only wanted to relocate me to another flight the next afternoon. What about my accommodation? Where to sleep? And my checked bags cannot be returned because it has been flown to the destination using another flight. I had to get my own hotel stay and sleep without changing clothes till the next day. Speak about being gross.

I can't claim the Air Asia insurance thing 'cause their definition of delay is 6HOURS before any compensation can be made. Cancellation is compensated by reallocation to the next flight. What crap is this?!!

retimed = delayed

...disgustingly irritatingly frustatingly cheekily cunningly and double-stabbingly SMART!!

Well what I can say is... since it is low-cost... these incidents should be expected...

Write in to the letters section in the newspapers. Why isin't this issue being debated like the MAS delays, is it because no VIPs were affected. Again Mr Tony making loads of money at the expense of passengers who are treated like dirt.

Well what I can say is... since it is low-cost... these incidents should be expected...


It's expected BUT cannot be tolerated and accepted. I think passengers are furious and frustrated but have to put up with this nonsense because they have no other choice.

I don't think other low cost carriers have so many delays and cancellations. The public must demand that Air Asia come clean with this hanky panky play around the rules.

The public must ask the transport minister to take serious action against Air Asia. If only there is an agency which can impose hefty fines on them for the delays.

Oh Sheik, I have never said this incident can be tolerated. In fact, actions should be taken on this issue.

I had some bad experience with Airasia previously regarding cancellation of flight but I was only told a week before and that was during Chinese New Year. The funny thing is... when the staff called me to tell me about the cancellation, she said that because they cannot get the approval to fly on the particular timeslot, so the flight has to be cancelled. Then, I asked her back why Airasia is selling the ticket when they do not have the permission to operate flight at that time. Her answer was outrageous!!! She said.. because we thought we will not have problem getting the approval granted... Hahaha... then I asked her back but now the flight was not approved... and she just said SORRY SIR... luckily I got my waiting list seat from SIA in the very last minute... if not I would have to spend my Chinese New Year in foreign land!!! Sad Case...

Frankly speaking, the founding of Airasia has opened up the sky of Malaysia, making certain states more accessible and affordable to travel to. But, that does not mean that they can do whatever they want, simply change the time or cancel the flight. I don't want to compare Airasia to other foreign budget airlines (this makes me sound so un-patriotic)... but I have good experience when I was traveling with Australia's Virgin Blue and Singapore's JetstarAsia. I think Airasia should perhaps look into upgrading their service... Instead of opening up new routes... they should also focus on the service provided!!! I mean look at the photo attached above... so many re-timed, delayed and cancelled... seriously... this is really unacceptable... and I think none of the airlines in the world would have so many re-schedule flights in one day...

Oh Sheik, I have never said this incident can be tolerated. In fact, actions should be taken on this issue.

I had some bad experience with Airasia previously regarding cancellation of flight but I was only told a week before and that was during Chinese New Year. The funny thing is... when the staff called me to tell me about the cancellation, she said that because they cannot get the approval to fly on the particular timeslot, so the flight has to be cancelled. Then, I asked her back why Airasia is selling the ticket when they do not have the permission to operate flight at that time. Her answer was outrageous!!! She said.. because we thought we will not have problem getting the approval granted... Hahaha... then I asked her back but now the flight was not approved... and she just said SORRY SIR... luckily I got my waiting list seat from SIA in the very last minute... if not I would have to spend my Chinese New Year in foreign land!!! Sad Case...

Frankly speaking, the founding of Airasia has opened up the sky of Malaysia, making certain states more accessible and affordable to travel to. But, that does not mean that they can do whatever they want, simply change the time or cancel the flight. I don't want to compare Airasia to other foreign budget airlines (this makes me sound so un-patriotic)... but I have good experience when I was traveling with Australia's Virgin Blue and Singapore's JetstarAsia. I think Airasia should perhaps look into upgrading their service... Instead of opening up new routes... they should also focus on the service provided!!! I mean look at the photo attached above... so many re-timed, delayed and cancelled... seriously... this is really unacceptable... and I think none of the airlines in the world would have so many re-schedule flights in one day...

I can only say one thing. Air Asia and Mr Fernandes has exploited the ignorance of many Malaysians to the fullest. Many malaysians are still very ignorant of their legal rights. This can partly be attributed to the demographic of many Air Asia passengers. Many of them wouldnt otherwise be able to afford to fly if they have only access to full fare carriers. People from the lower income group have less education as well and they are less likely to be aware of their legal rights . Most of them wouldnt know what to do beyond venting their fraustrations at the Air Asia staff.

It cannot be denied that Air Asia is damn lucky that it is operating in Malaysia and not western countries. It will be inaundated with lawsuits if it is operating in the latter as westerners will make full use of the legal chanels that they have recourse to. It will definently go bankrupt in no time.Air Asia has certainly made many passengers livid but very few are prepared to be proactive enough to take the appropriate actions.

Very well said. Cannot agree more. They run the whole thing like a bus company with passengers rushing to grab their seats. The scene at KL sentral down the escalator with the employees shouting for customers to the $8 or $9 bus is already a nightmare. So annoying. The seats are so cramp. Now if you want priority booking you cannot check in online, anyone knows why? They call this world class from Malaysia? Exploitation at its best!


I can only say one thing. Air Asia and Mr Fernandes has exploited the ignorance of many Malaysians to the fullest. Many malaysians are still very ignorant of their legal rights. This can partly be attributed to the demographic of many Air Asia passengers. Many of them wouldnt otherwise be able to afford to fly if they have only access to full fare carriers. People from the lower income group have less education as well and they are less likely to be aware of their legal rights . Most of them wouldnt know what to do beyond venting their fraustrations at the Air Asia staff.

It cannot be denied that Air Asia is damn lucky that it is operating in Malaysia and not western countries. It will be inaundated with lawsuits if it is operating in the latter as westerners will make full use of the legal chanels that they have recourse to. It will definently go bankrupt in no time.Air Asia has certainly made many passengers livid but very few are prepared to be proactive enough to take the appropriate actions.

my flight to AOR on last saturday was on-time and reach ahead of schedule. my return flight from lgk to kul was ahead of schedule.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8639/03092007786sl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

air asia is expanding fast and their current fleet couldnt cope stms.. give them another 2-3yrs or prhaps shorter than that, then they will be a-ok.

in the meantime, kalau tak nak taking the risk of being delayed, take others. we r as a matter of fact ada banyak lagi options available.

air asia is expanding fast and their current fleet couldnt cope stms.. give them another 2-3yrs or prhaps shorter than that, then they will be a-ok.

in the meantime, kalau tak nak taking the risk of being delayed, take others. we r as a matter of fact ada banyak lagi options available.


Cannot cope, then don't expand so fast. They will never have enough planes punyalah. Mana ada banyak options for domestic travel besides MAS, firefly, maswings? Tapi mereka bukan low cost.

Cannot cope, then don't expand so fast. They will never have enough planes punyalah. Mana ada banyak options for domestic travel besides MAS, firefly, maswings? Tapi mereka bukan low cost.

cannot stand delays then dont take air asia. Cannot sit on cramped seats why complain? go buy mas ticket. Nobody asking you to take air asia flight. Think you're so intelligent? Why dont you hire a lawyer and help stranded passengers realised their passenger rights? Or better next time pay a lawyer air asia ticket each time to travel with you, so that when there's delay he can work things up legal way.

cannot stand delays then dont take air asia. Cannot sit on cramped seats why complain? go buy mas ticket. Nobody asking you to take air asia flight. Think you're so intelligent? Why dont you hire a lawyer and help stranded passengers realised their passenger rights? Or better next time pay a lawyer air asia ticket each time to travel with you, so that when there's delay he can work things up legal way.

You think you so smart huh. wanna talk big. What kind of person you are to say delays are ok? Who you think you are? Me and every other frustated passenger have a right to speak up ok? Why cannot complain? Air passengers should have rights.

I guess you love Airasia for their delays and cramp seats. What you preferred customer ah, Toni's friend? Wow. Amazing.

Nobody ask you to read my post. Get lost!

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070831/afp/070831131946business.html
Malaysia's AirAsia to order 25 new Airbus planes

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Southeast Asia's largest low-cost carrier AirAsia will order 25 Airbus A320s to meet rising passenger demand, officials said Friday after announcing plans to launch a new budget airline in Vietnam.

"We will need another 25 A320s, we will make an announcement in the next two weeks to increase our A320 fleet," Chief Executive Tony Fernandes told AFP.

Officials estimate the purchase cost to be around 1.6 billion dollars based on the list price of the model.

The Malaysian budget carrier currently has a fleet of 50 aircraft, but has 150 Airbus A320-200s on order, which it said was needed to handle rising passenger demand.

Tom Ballantyne, chief correspondent with Orient Aviation magazine, said the purchase was part of AirAsia's plans to have a network covering the whole Asia-Pacific region.

"The growth in the region is incredible so they are basically trying to keep up with it," he told AFP by telephone from Australia.

AirAsia also said Friday that it would team up with the state-owned Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Vinashin) to form Vina AirAsia -- Vietnam's first budget carrier -- in a 30-million-dollar deal.

"We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vinashin," Fernandes said.

"Vietnam, with a pro-business leadership and a 84-million population, is a fertile place for AirAsia to expand its business. We are seeing a tourism boom and we want to be part of it," he added.

A contract will be formally signed on September 20, Fernandes told AFP, and Vina AirAsia planned to begin flying in July 2008, with possible routes to southern China from its hub in Hanoi.

Pham Thanh Binh, chairman and chief executive officer of Vinashin, said that the company was excited to be forming a partnership with AirAsia.

Vinashin's business activities include ship building, finance, property development and banking.

It will be entering the aviation industry for the first time, holding a majority stake in the venture, which will have an initial share capital of 30 million dollars.

"Aside from Vietnam, we are also planning two more joint ventures in the region," Fernandes said earlier in the New Straits Times newspaper, but gave no further details.

AirAsia's has similar partnership agreements with Thailand and Indonesia -- alliances which Fernandes said have yet to bring in profits.

"But we are very positive. We are in for the long haul," he told AFP.

AirAsia, the single largest buyer of the A320-200 in the Asia-Pacific region, will formally announce the purchase of the 25 new Airbus A320s soon.

The six-year-old firm currently has 15 A320s and 35 Boeing 737-300s, but wants to reduce costs by having its fleet made up of just a single type of jet and plans to replace the single-aisle, 148-seat Boeings with the A320s.

Some of the 150 jets currently on order are due to start flying in 2009.

Ballantyne said that any new orders would be linked to the unveiling in January of AirAsia X, a long-haul arm of the budget airline which Richard Branson's Virgin Group will take a 20 percent stake in.

"They are building up a network ... that covers the whole Asia-Pacific region which would then interlink with the network of AirAsia X which will be flying to Europe, Australia, Africa and other places," he said.

For Airbus, Ballantyne said the order confirmed their place as a provider of A320s for the budget airline market.

AirAsia, which announced new routes from Thailand and Malaysia to Hong Kong last week, on Thursday reported a 41.5 percent rise in net profit in the fourth quarter to 185.05 million ringgit (53 million dollars).

They said the profit followed a 45 percent increase in passengers.

You think you so smart huh. wanna talk big. What kind of person you are to say delays are ok? Who you think you are? Me and every other frustated passenger have a right to speak up ok? Why cannot complain? Air passengers should have rights.

I guess you love Airasia for their delays and cramp seats. What you preferred customer ah, Toni's friend? Wow. Amazing.

Nobody ask you to read my post. Get lost!


With reference to highlighted statements:

1) I can go miles explaining to you about the reason why AK flights got delayed nowadays. they wont delay flights for no reason. The flight delays is beyond the control of the company. Weather and ATC. If u want me to explain the mechanics of spacing distance during approach into KUL that cause so much delay (apart from single runway operation) i can do that.

2) i never said delays are okay and acceptable

3) i'm a pilot (worked in Borneo for MAS before domestic rationalization plan flying twin otters and gonna start job at SIA Cargo flying boeing 747 mega ark after hari raya subject to my perfomance test this month)

4) I know frustrated passengers have rights to speak. And i never stopped u from speaking your frustration.

5) Everyone knows airline passengers has right. That's why i suggested you to bring a lawyer on each your flight so that he can educate them on their rights to get compensation in the event of delays and cancellations.

6) I love Air Asia for cramped seats. Yes. That's their business model. That's why i asked you if you dont like cramped seat, you can use MAS instead. In air asia, you pay what you get. you pay cheap on promotions and you get a cramped seats. It never stated in laws that Air Asia did wrong in providing lesser space for their passengers.

7) Toni's friend? So-so. i have his business card with me. During our graduation in MFA he did came for because my batch there's 2 air asia female pilots. I asked him about possible employment opportunity (i'm a private student, not air asia cadet) and he gave me his card and capt subramaniam number (person in charge with pilots recruitment). He's a nice guy. trust me. I got a better deal from SIA that's why i'm joining them.

Yeah nobody asked me to read your post but since this forum is public, everyone can read and comments on things that are misinterpreted.

Cannot cope, then don't expand so fast. They will never have enough planes punyalah. Mana ada banyak options for domestic travel besides MAS, firefly, maswings? Tapi mereka bukan low cost.

Yes completely agree. The problem has nothing to do with the number of aircraft they have. Unrealistic scheduling designed to maximize the use of aircraft is the biggest culprit. Most AK aircraft are scheduled to arrive 15 or 10 minutes before departure. This timeframe is completely unrealistic because of the following reasons:
(1) Like Ssyangyoung said, hold patterns always occur when aircraft make the final approach to busy airports like BKK or SIN, therefore making a 15 minutes delay or even more almost inevitable.
(2) 10 Minutes is not a realistic timeframe for disembarking arriving passengers and boarding incoming passengers as the boarding process can be slowed down by a million factors.

Cannot cope, then don't expand so fast. They will never have enough planes punyalah. Mana ada banyak options for domestic travel besides MAS, firefly, maswings? Tapi mereka bukan low cost.

Yes completely agree. The problem has nothing to do with the number of aircraft they have. Unrealistic scheduling designed to maximize the use of aircraft is the biggest culprit. Most AK aircraft are scheduled to arrive 15 or 10 minutes before departure. This timeframe is completely unrealistic because of the following reasons:
(1) Like Ssyangyoung said, hold patterns always occur when aircraft make the final approach to busy airports like BKK or SIN, therefore making a 15 minutes delay or even more almost inevitable.
(2) 10 Minutes is not a realistic timeframe for disembarking arriving passengers and boarding incoming passengers as the boarding process can be slowed down by a million factors.
(3) Flights of 2 hours of more can take at least 15 minutes more if they plane encounters strong head wind

Therefore, buying more planes will not change anything. The dont give shit about passengers culture has to change. It is just so deeply entrenched in their culture. They treat passengers as if the passengers are willing to put up with any shit they are capable of dishing out as long as they can fly cheap. However, Mr Tony must not forget that this appalling mentality cannot be sustained forever.

Yes completely agree. The problem has nothing to do with the number of aircraft they have. Unrealistic scheduling designed to maximize the use of aircraft is the biggest culprit. Most AK aircraft are scheduled to arrive 15 or 10 minutes before departure. This timeframe is completely unrealistic because of the following reasons:
(1) Like Ssyangyoung said, hold patterns always occur when aircraft make the final approach to busy airports like BKK or SIN, therefore making a 15 minutes delay or even more almost inevitable.
(2) 10 Minutes is not a realistic timeframe for disembarking arriving passengers and boarding incoming passengers as the boarding process can be slowed down by a million factors.
(3) Flights of 2 hours of more can take at least 15 minutes more if they plane encounters strong head wind

Therefore, buying more planes will not change anything. The dont give shit about passengers culture has to change. It is just so deeply entrenched in their culture. They treat passengers as if the passengers are willing to put up with any shit they are capable of dishing out as long as they can fly cheap. However, Mr Tony must not forget that this appalling mentality cannot be sustained forever.

For highlighted statements :

a)Among them are late in getting take-off clearance especially when you are in no 2 and above in sequence. I wonder why it takes more than 2 mins to let an aircraft taking off. Just imagine if you are no. 5 in sequence, easily 10 mins wasted at holding point. Various airports in Asia, Europe and North America, things like this seldom happen. LHR e.g only need 45 secs in between departures. HKG practices 60 secs in between departures.

As for the arrival sequence, why ATC require 7 - 10 nm between traffic for arrival in KUL? Why not closer? Again I'm quoting HKG & LHR as examples, both airports practice RRSM, HKG practices 4-6 nm between aircrafts, speed control 180 kts till 8 nm for rwy 25 L/R, 150-160 kts till 6 nm for rwy 07 L/R and LHR 2.5-4 nm between aircrafts, speed 160 kts till 6 nm. I feel that this is quite efficient and able to optimise runway utilisation especially during peak hours.

AIP Supp 30/2007 refers, Speed Restriction.

"Cross KIKAL,DAKOR,SASRI,LAPIR,NIPAR,KIDOT--220kts"
"Cross BAXEL,GOMAS,KIMAR,PIMAS--180kts"(~ 17nm to touch down)
"160kts from 10nm until 4nm to touchdown"

This requirement would slow down the arriving a/c from too far out,it would make a queue to form if there is a string of arrival where everyone had to slow down from far as the guy in front is slow.Don't forget the localizer interception point in KUL is about 12nm to touch down.Ideally this is the point a/c starts to slow down from 210/220kts,or slowest be 180kts.But now AK pilots have to do 180kts before turning to intercept the localizer.
Now 160kts from 10nm to 4nm is really really bad!!! B737 had to have the gears down to fly that speed,B747,B777 can probably have gears up but hell lots of flap to maintain 160kts,A330 have to use a combination of flap with thrust for that speed. Additional fuel burn is incur as 160kts is NOT a speed to be maintain for such a long period. Of course, building up a queue for arrival would result in flight delays.....

b) The actual turnaround time is 25 minutes for Air Asia. But turnaround clock starts at the moment the main landing gear touches runway surface. Air Asia's 25-minute turnaround is not very viable in a big airport like KLIA. Moreover, as KLIA is their homebase, the 25-minute period can only be achieved if they land on runway 14L (taxi straight to LCCT). If they land on other runway (14R, 32L and 32R they must travel a little bit extra to the LCCT which taxiing from 14R has the farthest distance of all. Not only they need more time to get to the LCCT apron but it also add to the fuel cost which made up about 60% of Air Asia operating cost. That's why if you ask tony if he want to move to Subang now, i would predict that he would say yes without second thought. The terminal 3 at Subang is closer to the runway thus saving taxiing time (fuel cost, and speedier turnaround, more punctual schedule)


c)It's is indeed can delay 15 minutes or more from the scheduled arrival time. By heading into strong headwind, a/c also consume more fuel which adds to the total cost of operation.

d) Buying more a/c will not solve the problem is wrong.But chances of having delayed flights will be reduced.As for AK, they are not full serviced carrier which can afford to idle and ground some aircraft for maintenance and rotation. AK is not like that, none of their aircraft will stay idle during the day and most of the fleet will only be 'rested' after serving last sector of the day, usually after 10pm. So any cancellations or delay will cause snowball effect which of course will affect next flight scheduled on the same aircraft. This problem were mainly happened in the old 733 fleet which has been phased out recently. None of the new Airbuses has perfomance/maintanence problem. All delays are caused by other factors that has been discussed before like weather, airport demography, late passengers, faulty booking system and ATC issues.

e) I do agree Air Asia needs some improvement especially punctuality and dealing with stranded and delayed passengers. There's always room for improvement. Malaysians are getting smarter and we need more people like globocentric and sheik to make people realise of their consumer rights. :)

Air Asia X

theyll be 2 classes,Premium Econ and coach econ,2 different pay scales and services but all seats will be assigned this time.First destination to Gold Coast (Coolangatta).Probably 4 flights a week,2 type of rotations with either one nite stop or two in Gold Coast.Departures from KUL will be at night(9-11 pm) and arrival in Gold Coast in the morning with return flight around noon local and arrival KUL evening.At the present time DCA has not approve XFA with ETOPS certification so flights will have to remain within 60mins diversion from suitable airports instead of more direct track and because of that now its gonna add some 40 mins to the overall flight time.I believe that the flight time will be around 8 hours. ETOPS certification will only be awarded after 6 months of operations.Hope this will clarify things a bit.Safe flight and happy landings.

^ eh, i thot they were sposed to fly one day b4 Jet*'s maiden flight to KL.. do u know what actually happened to their planning?

planes are already painted and are in united states for FAA approval. Now undergoing final checks. Pilots are doing line training with MAS on A330 now. Base checks will also be done at MAS for a fee. In the meantime they are discussing about adding an a330 simulator at air asia academy.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6001/1633902212lpt0.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6462/1422893193lrn4.jpg

^ thx 4d xplanation.. who did they lease this baby from?

one more thing, are all airliners governed by FAA's approval? if so, y?

I am going to use AirAsia in December, from Bangkok to Phnom Penh :)

They are still in Aer Lingus config, so expect a bit comfy, until their D check.

Registeration will be 9MXAA and its preparing to be delivered or ferried soon from the states. AirAsia X uses the code XFA,and yes aircraft registeration will be 9M-Xxx series.Wait this month for the aircraft arrival.

AirAsiaX (XFA/D7) first aircraft 9M-NAA (A330-300 /msn 054) arrived today from HNL this afternoon.Its currently parked at KLAS Cargo.Next week will be doing route famil and proving flights within AirAsia route structure (PEN/BKI) before going on a few charter flights before finally going on AirAsia X route revenue service.

..... doing route famil and proving flights within AirAsia route structure (.../BKI) before .....
Anything more specific ? Like date and time, so that I can be ready and armed ?! :lol:

Sorry for typo. 9M-XAA. not NAA. As of now i have yet to get the date information but tomorrow will be the official hand over to FAX ceremony at KLIA. I guess you should get ready the day after tomorrow onwards for the a/c to arrive in BKI. Best of luck. Kindly post any pictures captured. The first A333 will be named after the late sir freddie laker.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6001/1633902212lpt0.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6462/1422893193lrn4.jpg

It looks soooo sexyyyy :hug: :hug:
I can't wait anymore for Air Asia X to launch its flight next month !

one question:

will Air asia X serve only point-to-point too ?? say if i wanna travel from China to UK return via KUL.... then i should buy 4 separate tickets ? :(

2 separate tickets to be exact. China-KUL, KUL-Uk. With each tickets are return ticket. Well i'm not a marketing guy, but it should looks like that.

I see.... I hope they use the same format as standard airlines in connecting.

Anyway,

Kuala Lumpa-- Banda Acheh flight already confirmed to begin on November :banana: :banana: www.airasia.com

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n238/anasalwana/?action=view&current=TheArrivalofAAX1stA330_10minvideo.flv

my AK friend gave me this link

Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/19/nation/18929037&sec=nation

AirAsia X going to London

SEPANG: Long-haul low-cost carrier, AirAsia X, is expected to launch its maiden flight to Standsted, London, by end of next year, says its chief executive officer Azran Osman Rani.

Speaking to reporters after the welcoming reception for AirAsia’s Airbus A330-300 here yesterday, he said the company had already secured the landing rights for the London destination and would fly on a daily basis using the A340.

“If all goes well, we should be ready to launch the UK route by end-2008 and commence sales and bookings in February,” he said, adding that the two A340 aircraft would arrive in October and November next year.

Azran said the company planned to fly to Australia and China by end of next month with the arrival of its first leased long-haul A330-300 aircraft at the KL International Airport’s low-cost carrier terminal last Sunday.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/19/nation/n_18airasia.jpg
Flying start: AirAsia’s first leased Airbus A330-300 will be used to service the Australia and China routes as early as next month.
The aircraft, named Semangat Sir Freddie, is a tribute to the pioneer of the low-cost model, the late Sir Freddie Laker. It is on six-year lease from Ansett Worldwide Services.

It complements AirAsia X’s purchase of 15 A330s announced earlier. The aircraft will be delivered over five years starting from September 2008.

Azran said the A330-300 delivered yesterday would alternate between Australia and China.

“We plan to have at least five flights to China a week and four a week to Australia,” he said, adding that the landing rights for China and Australia had been secured.

He said AirAsia X was also poised to extend services to India, South Korea, West Asia and Japan with fares on average 50% lower than full-service carriers.

He said the company was considering listing on Bursa Malaysia within three years.

Meanwhile, founder director of AirAsia and group chief executive officer of AirAsia Bhd, Datuk Tony Fernandes, said AirAsia X was also looking to buy Boeing 787s or Airbus 350s for its long-haul routes.

“B787 is real. I’m going to Seattle to talk with the Boeing chief executive officer next week.

“We will be foolish not to talk to Boeing. But the A350 is an obvious choice. The Airbus has an advantage but the question is, ‘when can we get the planes?’,” he said. – Bernama

let it be A345....that would be so cool

whats a A345

whats a A345

A345@Airbus 340-500...capable to fly nonstop from Singapore to Los Angeles...

and AAX is considering this plane, wonder if they have considered the DVT inducing possibility in longhaul budget airtravel

The A340 is for tempo measure only and its wet leased (Tech crew supplied by lessor but cabin crew provided by lessee).

and AAX is considering this plane, wonder if they have considered the DVT inducing possibility in longhaul budget airtravel

no different from DVT inducing posibility in any other long flights...:)

Even a 747 can easily make the East Asia - London trip. It's not that far after all. Oasis is using 747s already.

AirAsia X to fly to Australia starting November

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X, Malaysia's first long-haul budget carrier, will launch operations by flying to Australia's Gold Coast in November, the company said Friday.

The airline will commence four direct return flights per week between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast Airport beginning Nov. 2, with fares starting from 99 Australian dollars (US$87; euro62) for one-way travel departing from Gold Coast, AirAsia X said in a statement.

The first flight is expected to carry 315 passengers aboard an Airbus A330, comprising 279 economy seats and 36 premium seats, the statement added.

"We are keen to position Gold Coast as the gateway to Australia as the airport also offers strong domestic connections for low cost travel to Sydney and Melbourne,'' Azran Osman-Rani, chief executive officer of AirAsia X, said in the statement.

AirAsia X is operated by Fly Asian Xpress, or FAX, which is owned by Tony Fernandes and his co-founders of the region's largest low-cost carrier, AirAsia.

Last month, billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group purchased a 20 percent stake in AirAsia X for an estimated US$7.2 million (euro5.24 million).

AirAsia X officials recently said they also hope to fly to China by year-end.

The airline expects to fly eventually to other Asian, European and Middle Eastern destinations such as Japan, South Korea, India, Britain and the Czech Republic. - AP

booked already just now. :D

qute nice lar..can choose our own seat but have to pay extra RM20. for a seat with extra legroom it will cost you RM100.

and it will cost additional RM20 as well for meal. they have asian meal, western meal, vegetarian meal and kids meal.

booked already just now. :D

qute nice lar..can choose our own seat but have to pay extra RM20. for a seat with extra legroom it will cost you RM100.

and it will cost additional RM20 as well for meal. they have asian meal, western meal, vegetarian meal and kids meal.

How much you paid in total? Did you get the $50 fare?

How much you paid in total? Did you get the $50 fare?

RM1140 if im not mistaken. yup. i got that RM50 fare :D

^^ Wah bestnye ngko yek dah book cepat cepat wow RM 1140 return termasuk tax murah gilerz !!

RM1140 if im not mistaken. yup. i got that RM50 fare :D

That's reasonably cheap..hope they come to Adelaide soon...:)

That's reasonably cheap..hope they come to Adelaide soon...:)

i think its cheap cause of the RM50 ;)

I will wait until Air Asia X fly into Dubai or Shariqah :D

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/jktbkk.gif

depart from/to Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta

international low fares
Jakarta-Bangkok for All seats on 23-25 Oct 2007 at Rp99.999 / THB380

Jakarta-Bangkok

QZ7716 DEP 1620(CGK) ARR 1945 (BKK)

Bangkok-Jakarta

QZ7717 DEP 2015 (BKK) ARR 2345 (CGK)
INDONESIA AIRASIA (http://www.airasia.com/site/in/en/home.jsp)

I highly doubt this, whut u guyz think ?

AirAsia to begin flights from Bangladesh
Published: Tuesday, 2 October, 2007, 02:13 AM Doha Time

DHAKA: Budget airline AirAsia will begin operating from Bangladesh this month after the authorities adopted a three-month “open sky” policy allowing foreign airlines more flights, an official said yesterday.
From October 1 to December 31, Bangladesh hopes to clear a backlog of 150,000 people who have jobs waiting abroad but no flights to get them there.
“AirAsia has availed the opportunity and we have allowed them to fly five flights a week from the port city of Chittagong to Kuala Lumpur,” Bangladesh civil aviation authority chief Shakeb Iqbal Khan Majlish said.
“They said they would operate Airbus A330 aircraft with a capacity of 312 passengers. They would start flights from the middle of October,” he said.
The airline had also been given permission to continue flights after December 31, he added.
AirAsia will be the second budget airline to operate from Chittagong, the country’s second biggest city with a population of around 5mn.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia was the first to operate budget flights six months ago and they have gradually increased their weekly flights from three to seven.
AirAsia, which was launched as a budget carrier in December 2001 with just two aircraft, has become a significant player in the industry and been imitated by national carriers along with a host of new low-cost entrants.
AirAsia operates from a dedicated low-cost terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and boasts South East Asia’s biggest low-cost fleet. It also operates in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and China.
Majlish said the entry of AirAsia into the market would help clear the backlog. Some 150,000 people who have found jobs in Malaysia and the Middle East have been unable to fly because of a shortage of flights.
Money sent home by Bangladeshi expatriate workers underpin the economy of the impoverished nation of 144mn people.
The government’s manpower export department pleaded for the open sky policy for a limited period to meet demand after a record 520,000 people went abroad for work in the first eight months of 2007, a 123% increase over the same period a year earlier.
At the same time many found themselves without flights after the loss-making state-run carrier Biman scrapped all but three domestic flights and most of its international routes earlier this year.
In the year ending June 2007, Bangladeshis sent home a record $5.98bn through official channels, a 25% increase on the previous year and about 9% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. – AFP

i already told you about special charter flights to bangladesh using the leased a330 before. A330 will go to bangladesh first before they come into scheduled service to gold coast.

^^Only charter flights ? Not commercial ones :?

not sure about scheduled service.

with M'sia banning bangladeshi workers (today's news), i don't think the charter flights will develop into scheduled ones any time soon.

malaysian gomen only bans the cheap/unskilled workers...not the skilled one....a lot of lecturers in local Unis from bangladesh..and even the number of PhD candidates from bangladesh also is not small...

By 2008 there will be no more B733 in AK/AirAsia Malaysia operations.ThaiAirAsia/FD will start to get their A320 by this October and by the end of 2007 will get 4 x A320.IndonesiaAirAsia/QZ will get their A320 next year.As for AK other hubs,JHB has just got 1 and come next November BKI will start getting 1 and eventually will have 6 x A320 later KCH will the last hub to be reequipped with A320,new future AK hub will be in PEN.Currently AK are training FD and QZ pilots on the A320 in Malaysia,once completed will continue to fly on the line with AK until they get their own aircraft respectively.FYI there are over 70 Indonesian pilots,5 Cambodian,10 Thai,5 Arabs and a few Filipino pilots in AK.All of them are Captain.

Currently 9M-XAA is parked opposite B8 at the MTB.Dont ask me why its parked over there,maybe to give more space near the KLAS cargo or to antogonise MAS.Anyway beginning 10/10/07 the aircraft will be doing some Raya flights,most probably to KCH,so those lucky fellows to KCH might get a chance to fly the bird.After that there will be a few charters (Dhaka-Banglas flight),route revenue flight is slated to begin on 2/11/07 to YBCG/OOL or Gold Coast,Australia. In the near future ,XFA /D7 will be having a dual mix fleet (A330/A340) untill the ordered planes start arriving in August 2008.So crews will be CCQ (Cross Crew Qualified) to fly both either A320/A330 or A320/A340,so there will be 2 pilot pools to fly those jets.The A340 will likely come from Air Canada.With the A340 ,XFA will be able to fly direct to London/Stansted nonstop.

Will have limited time checking SSC website. Now i'm in Singapore. All my license are already coverted to Singapore CAAS. This monday i'll be flying to Brisbane. So see you guys.

By 2008 there will be no more B733 in AK/AirAsia Malaysia operations.ThaiAirAsia/FD will start to get their A320 by this October and by the end of 2007 will get 4 x A320.IndonesiaAirAsia/QZ will get their A320 next year.As for AK other hubs,JHB has just got 1 and come next November BKI will start getting 1 and eventually will have 6 x A320 later KCH will the last hub to be reequipped with A320,new future AK hub will be in PEN.Currently AK are training FD and QZ pilots on the A320 in Malaysia,once completed will continue to fly on the line with AK until they get their own aircraft respectively.FYI there are over 70 Indonesian pilots,5 Cambodian,10 Thai,5 Arabs and a few Filipino pilots in AK.All of them are Captain.

Currently 9M-XAA is parked opposite B8 at the MTB.Dont ask me why its parked over there,maybe to give more space near the KLAS cargo or to antogonise MAS.Anyway beginning 10/10/07 the aircraft will be doing some Raya flights,most probably to KCH,so those lucky fellows to KCH might get a chance to fly the bird.After that there will be a few charters (Dhaka-Banglas flight),route revenue flight is slated to begin on 2/11/07 to YBCG/OOL or Gold Coast,Australia. In the near future ,XFA /D7 will be having a dual mix fleet (A330/A340) untill the ordered planes start arriving in August 2008.So crews will be CCQ (Cross Crew Qualified) to fly both either A320/A330 or A320/A340,so there will be 2 pilot pools to fly those jets.The A340 will likely come from Air Canada.With the A340 ,XFA will be able to fly direct to London/Stansted nonstop.

Will have limited time checking SSC website. Now i'm in Singapore. All my license are already coverted to Singapore CAAS. This monday i'll be flying to Brisbane. So see you guys.

SUPERB info thanks ssangyongs :applause: Hope you enjoyin BNE

Let's meet when ya in Brisbane!

By 2008 there will be no more B733 in AK/AirAsia Malaysia operations.ThaiAirAsia/FD will start to get their A320 by this October and by the end of 2007 will get 4 x A320.IndonesiaAirAsia/QZ will get their A320 next year.As for AK other hubs,JHB has just got 1 and come next November BKI will start getting 1 and eventually will have 6 x A320 later KCH will the last hub to be reequipped with A320,new future AK hub will be in PEN.Currently AK are training FD and QZ pilots on the A320 in Malaysia,once completed will continue to fly on the line with AK until they get their own aircraft respectively.FYI there are over 70 Indonesian pilots,5 Cambodian,10 Thai,5 Arabs and a few Filipino pilots in AK.All of them are Captain.

Currently 9M-XAA is parked opposite B8 at the MTB.Dont ask me why its parked over there,maybe to give more space near the KLAS cargo or to antogonise MAS.Anyway beginning 10/10/07 the aircraft will be doing some Raya flights,most probably to KCH,so those lucky fellows to KCH might get a chance to fly the bird.After that there will be a few charters (Dhaka-Banglas flight),route revenue flight is slated to begin on 2/11/07 to YBCG/OOL or Gold Coast,Australia. In the near future ,XFA /D7 will be having a dual mix fleet (A330/A340) untill the ordered planes start arriving in August 2008.So crews will be CCQ (Cross Crew Qualified) to fly both either A320/A330 or A320/A340,so there will be 2 pilot pools to fly those jets.The A340 will likely come from Air Canada.With the A340 ,XFA will be able to fly direct to London/Stansted nonstop.

Will have limited time checking SSC website. Now i'm in Singapore. All my license are already coverted to Singapore CAAS. This monday i'll be flying to Brisbane. So see you guys.
If you have a chance, I welcome you to visit melb.

http://www.airasia.com/storage/bo/aaportal.model.ContentFileUpload/21cd00d2-ac1e00ae-1fa490e0-de2618d7/name/AAX1.jpg

http://www.airasia.com/storage/bo/aaportal.model.ContentFileUpload/1c940ad4-ac1e00ae-1fa490e0-6d96957b/name/AAXmap.gif

^^ I can't wait Air Asia X flying into Dubai, so that I can visit amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing UAE many times and from there I can simply take bus to Muscat or Salalah :D

Good to see Air Asia is going to fly to Prague as well. It is one of my favourite cities in Europe. It is so beautiful and charming. I do hope also they fly to Athens in future so that Malaysians can see by themselves the real paradise on the earth by hopping on ferry in Piraeus to Greek Islands - Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, Syros, Crete, Symi, Rhodes.........

^^ Hmm... but why Prague ? Why not bigger Budapest or Vienna >

Prague is nice and it is now one other most popular destination in Europe!! Open up more tourist routes to we Malaysians!

My wishlist in Europe:
Stanstead (London), Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow, Edinburgh,
Schönefeld (Berlin), Munich or Cologne (instead of Frankfurt),
Paris Orly, Lyon or Marseille or Nice,
Rome, Milan or Florence or Venice,
Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia,
Brussels (instead of Amsterdam),
Geneva (instead of Zurich),
Torp (Oslo), Copenhagen,
Budapest, Athens, Moscow or St Petersburg (Russia)

My wishlist in China:
Hangzhou (instead of Shanghai), Tianjin (instead of Beijing), Ningbo, Shenyang or Harbin, Xi'an (Shaanxi), Chongqing, Chengdu (Sichuan), Guilin or Nanning (Guangxi), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Jinan (Shandong), Taipei or Kaoshiung

My wishlist in Middle East and India:
Sharjah (Dubai), Doha, Jeddah, Chennai, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Rawalpindi (Islamabad), Karachi or Lahore (Pakistan), Istanbul, Izmir or Antalya (Turkey)

My wishlist in continental Africa:
Cairo, Casablanca or Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Johannesburg or Durban (South Africa), Port Louis (Mauritius)

My wishlist around Asia and Australia:
Sharjah (Dubai), Doha, Almaty (Kazakhstan), Busan (SKorea), Osaka-Kobe, Nagoya or Sapporo, Gold Coast (Brisbane), Newcastle (Sydney), Avalon (Melbourne), Perth, Adelaide, Christchurch

My wishlist in The Americas:
San Francisco or San Diego, Las Vegas or Phoenix, Dallas or Houston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Miami, Atlanta (busiest airport in the world), Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver, Mexico City, Cancun or Tijuana (Mexico), Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Cordoba (Argentina), Lima


With this the tourism industry in Malaysia will boommmM!

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/bandaaceh.gif

Banda Aceh


beat the rest to these hot-selling seats!

Booking Period : 8 Oct 2007 - 14 Oct 2007
Travel Period : 6 Nov 2007 - 30 Jun 2008
Travel Notes : - advance booking required

depart from/to LCC Terminal, KLIA, Kuala Lumpur

international low fares
Banda Aceh from RM9.99 / Rp29.999

AirAsia To Fly To Vientiane & Banda Aceh


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Low cost carrier, AirAsia Bhd will fly four times a week to Vientiane, Laos and three times a week to Banda Aceh, Indonesia starting next month, its group chief executive officer, Datuk Tony Fernandes said today.

"With Vientiane, AirAsia covers all the Asean countries, making it a truly Asean brand."

The air fare for Banda Aceh will start from RM9.99, while for Vientiane the price has not been determined yet, he told reporters after AirAsia's Buka Puasa function with the media and 60 children from Nur Hikmah orphanage here, today.

Asked if there was substantial demand for Banda Aceh, he said: "I don't know. We did not do market study. There were requests from people in Banda Aceh and we are going there."

He also said that AirAsia will increase its flight to four times a day from three currently to Macau starting November.

"We are also going to give out 5,000 free tickets to Macau in November," he said.

Holding strong to its "Everyone Can Fly" tagline, the low cost carrier will be also treating 60 orphans from the Nur Hikmah home to an all-paid trip to Kota Kinabalu.

"Each of them can bring two companions," said Fernandes.

-- BERNAMA

According to Singapore local reports, Thai AirAsia is planning its own IPO to be launched either in Bangkok, Singapore or somewhere.

Thai AirAsia fleet will become all Airbus A320 by late next year.

Thai AirAsia planning a Phuket- Singapore service tentatively beginning Nov 5.

Air Asia to launch Kuala Lumpur- Guangzhou soon !:cheers:

www.airasia.com

http://www.geocities.com/aseantraveler/aklaos.jpg (http://www.airasia.com)

The only Direct Flight to Laos(Vientiane)

Vientiane, the capital of Laos is a haven for silk and gem stones lovers. Stroll through the historic central lanes and watch magical sun sets by the great river. For a change of scenery, you can also travel down to Luang Prabang which is notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Laos – Jewel of the Mekong.




beat the rest to these hot-selling seats!

Booking Period : 22 Oct 2007 - 28 Oct 2007
Travel Period : 1 Dec 2007 - 29 Mar 2008
Travel Notes : - advance booking required



depart from/to LCC Terminal, KLIA, Kuala Lumpur



international low fares
Vientiane from RM39.99 / USD12

Good to see Air Asia is going to fly to Prague as well. It is one of my favourite cities in Europe. It is so beautiful and charming. I do hope also they fly to Athens in future so that Malaysians can see by themselves the real paradise on the earth by hopping on ferry in Piraeus to Greek Islands - Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, Syros, Crete, Symi, Rhodes.........

Cant understand their rationale of flying to Prague. I do admit that the number of Malaysians going there are on the increase but i am not convinced that a direct flight can be sustained.

^^ Hmm... but why Prague ? Why not bigger Budapest or Vienna >

Vienna?Maybe. However, there is no way they can sustain flying to Budapest. I do not know how many Malaysians actually go there but i dont think there is many. I've been there before and i've even met people who have never heard of Malaysia

Cant understand their rationale of flying to Prague. I do admit that the number of Malaysians going there are on the increase but i am not convinced that a direct flight can be sustained.

I think the rationale behind Air Asia's move to fly to Prague mainly not because they want tap the Czech market alone. Its strategic location in central Europe makes it an ideal hub to entice lesiure and business travellers from its surrounding cities such as Munich in Germany, Salzburg and Vienna in Austria, Budapest in Hungary, Warsaw in Poland to fly with them.

In my opinion, Prague, Munich and Salzburg form a Golden Triangle which I strongly recommend Malaysians to visit when Air Asia commences its inaugural flight in due course. If you are a nature lover, Salzburg in particular is a very good starting point to explore places nearby such as Lake Konigsee near Germany-Austria border; Hallstatt, Gosausee, Zell Am See, Saalbach, Kaprun, Lake Achenese, Emma, Scheffau, Soll, Kitzbuhel etc in Austrian Salzburgerland; Innsbruck, Alpach, St. Johan, Lech, St Anton etc in Austrian Tyrol.

Thursday October 25, 2007


AirAisia gets the nod for flights to Singapore

By WONG SAI WAN

PETALING JAYA: Now everyone can fly cheap to Singapore. AirAsia got the nod from the Government yesterday to operate two flights daily to the republic.

It is learnt that the Cabinet gave the nod at its weekly meeting. This decision comes a few days after Singapore's Transport Ministry said that it was keen to see further liberalisation of the air services agreement with Malaysia.

According to sources, Tiger Airways, Singapore’s own budget airline, would also be offered to fly the same route.

“This means that travellers will have a choice of not only one low-cost carrier to Singapore but two. This will surely spark a price war,” an aviation analyst commented.

On average, MAS flies seven shuttle flights a day to Singapore while SIA does it six times daily.

For the shuttle service, which is jointly operated by the two airlines, the price of a one-way ticket is RM167 while an economy non-shuttle one is RM266. Airport tax and surcharges cost RM140.

AirAsia and Tiger Airways are expected to charge about 30% of the non-shuttle fare but will have the usual cheap offers for limited seats. The two low-cost carriers will operate the route between the LCCT at KLIA and the Budget Terminal at Changi Airport.

It was learnt that AirAsia and Tiger Airways would only be allowed to operate the two flights each on off-peak hours. Sources expected the two carriers to start operations in January.

The analyst said the decision would be a big boost to the two airlines as Singapore and Malaysia were two popular international hubs aimed at different markets.

“The cheaper 40-minute flight between KLIA and Changi airports will mean more international passengers stopping in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to make the extra hop to either place.

“AirAsia will benefit more than Tiger Airways because of the regional connections it already has. Couple that with the coming of AirAsia X, they will be able to even pull long-haul passengers from Singapore,” he added.

AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes could not be contacted for comment. AirAsia officials said he had flown to Singapore.

Fernandes had been vocal about the reluctance of the two governments to allow budget airlines to operate between the two countries ahead of the Asean open skies agreement, which will come into force in 2009.

AirAsia set to fly to Singapore from four cities
By Deborah Loh and Farrah Naz Karim


October 25 2007


AIRASIA has been given the green light to operate two daily flights each from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching to Singapore, taking the country a step further towards becoming the region’s premier hub for low-cost travel.
Sources said the cabinet agreed yesterday to open the routes to budget airlines from the two countries under a reciprocal arrangement, starting in December or January once the logistics are sorted out.

The new routes will expand AirAsia’s connectivity to more than 80 destinations across the continent, and provide additional connections for its sister airline AirAsia X, which is due to fly to Australia’s Gold Coast on Nov 2, to Guangzhou, China at the end of the year, and to Melbourne and London next year.

Prices for the Singapore flights are expected to start at RM9.90 for return trips.

Contacted yesterday, AirAsia chief executive Datuk Tony Fernandes said: “I’m in Singapore.
I am not aware of the decision.”


Currently, the lucrative Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route is exclusively served by Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines, which together fly 20 times a day between the two cities.

In line with the Asean Open Sky Policy, scheduled to take off on Jan 1, 2009, both Malaysia and Singapore have, since last year, been in talks to liberalise their air space to further boost travel and tourism between the two countries.

AirAsia and Tiger Airways have expressed keen interest to operate the Kuala Lumpur- Singapore route and want it liberalised sooner.

Fernandes has been one of the most consistent proponents of an open skies policy between Malaysia and Singapore, saying it will help turn Malaysia into a regional lowcost carrier hub and channel some of the tourist traffic from Changi International Airport to KL International Airport in Sepang.

The sources yesterday agreed that the cabinet’s move was in line with the country’s ambitions in tourism and the low-cost travel sector.

However, discussions to expedite the open skies pact have been put on hold, due largely to concern that the move could interfere with MAS’ business turnaround plan.

MAS had opposed the move, saying it needs more time to execute its recovery and that Malaysia and Singapore should adhere to the original timeline for liberalisation.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy could not be reached to comment on the cabinet decision.

However, it is understood that the cabinet had asked that talks with Singapore on matters surrounding the new development should be held immediately.

Singapore had expressed hopes of a liberalisation of the Air Service Agreement with Malaysia to allow carriers from both nations, including budget airlines, to cover more routes than just Kuala Lumpur-Singapore.

Its Transport Ministry has said that apart from the Singapore- Kuala Lumpur route, its government was also keen to expand the sky pact to other major cities in Malaysia.

The Singapore government believes that a more liberal air services agreement between Singapore and Malaysia would be mutually beneficial as it would enhance trade, investment and tourism flows between the two countries.

^^ 2 corrections: Air Asia X is gonna fly to Hangzhou not Guangzhou , and the KL- Changi fare will start at RM 9.90 one-way and not return

^^ 2 corrections: Air Asia X is gonna fly to Hangzhou not Guangzhou , and the KL- Changi fare will start at RM 9.90 one-way and not return

You should contact the poeple who wrote the article about the mistakes. I just copy and paste.

PETALING JAYA: Now everyone can fly cheap to Singapore. AirAsia got the nod from the Government yesterday to operate two flights daily to the republic.

It is learnt that the Cabinet gave the nod at its weekly meeting. This decision comes a few days after Singapore's Transport Ministry said that it was keen to see further liberalisation of the air services agreement with Malaysia.

According to sources, Tiger Airways, Singapore’s own budget airline, would also be offered to fly the same route.

“This means that travellers will have a choice of not only one low-cost carrier to Singapore but two. This will surely spark a price war,” an aviation analyst commented.

On average, MAS flies seven shuttle flights a day to Singapore while SIA does it six times daily.

For the shuttle service, which is jointly operated by the two airlines, the price of a one-way ticket is RM167 while an economy non-shuttle one is RM266. Airport tax and surcharges cost RM140.

AirAsia and Tiger Airways are expected to charge about 30% of the non-shuttle fare but will have the usual cheap offers for limited seats. The two low-cost carriers will operate the route between the LCCT at KLIA and the Budget Terminal at Changi Airport.

It was learnt that AirAsia and Tiger Airways would only be allowed to operate the two flights each on off-peak hours. Sources expected the two carriers to start operations in January.

The analyst said the decision would be a big boost to the two airlines as Singapore and Malaysia were two popular international hubs aimed at different markets.

“The cheaper 40-minute flight between KLIA and Changi airports will mean more international passengers stopping in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to make the extra hop to either place.

“AirAsia will benefit more than Tiger Airways because of the regional connections it already has. Couple that with the coming of AirAsia X, they will be able to even pull long-haul passengers from Singapore,” he added.

AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes could not be contacted for comment. AirAsia officials said he had flown to Singapore.

Fernandes had been vocal about the reluctance of the two governments to allow budget airlines to operate between the two countries ahead of the Asean open skies agreement, which will come into force in 2009.

^^ 2 corrections: Air Asia X is gonna fly to Hangzhou not Guangzhou


I think they mistaken AirAsia and AirAsia X.

AirAsia will be flying from KL to Guangzhou soon.
AirAsia X will most probably fly from KL to Hangzhou for its 2nd destination.

^^ That's right

yeah they flying to HK also?? isnt that expensive loh.. now got Sg n HK wah ...all out to compete with MAS!

i always thought macau and wont compete with Mas on HK route... (now Mas want to fly to Macau pulak)

^^ And also Air Asia will lauch KL- Guangzhou soon :nuts:
Adding to that, Hong Kong Express will launch HK-KL service next month ! :nuts:

Imagine....HK, Macau , Guangzhou, Shenzhen-- all in the same Pearl River Delta :nuts:

AirAsia Is Airline Of The Year

SINGAPORE, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Low-fare carrier AirAsia has been named the Airline of the Year 2007 by the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation (CAPA) for creating the greatest impact on the development of the airline industry in the region.

The award was presented by CAPA's executive chairman Peter Harbison to AirAsia's chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes, at a gala awards ceremony as part of the fourth annual Aviation Outlook Summit, in which Tourism Malaysia also won the National Tourism Organisation of the Year award.

The CAPA's Airline of the Year 2007 award is the highest level of recognition and honoured to AirAsia for its notable achievement in the aviation industry and outstanding contribution since 2001.

Peter Harbison said AirAsia is poised to become the biggest airline in the region next decade as well as commanding a highly influential position in regional aviation.

"AirAsia continues to provide the global benchmark low cost operation," he said.

Harbison described AirAsia as a true innovator and catalyst for positive market change in this region and beyond.

He pointed out AirAsia's achievement this year on its ventures on the extension of the cross-boarder joint venture model in Asia and the launch of its long-haul AirAsia X offshoot on Nov 2.

"This is our best year yet! Winning the award is a testament to our resilience, commitment and discipline to deliver what we know best - which is for everyone to fly," Fernandes said.

"The best part is, we know where we are heading and with AirAsia X, our enterprising venture ever, it is time for us to spread our wings further from Asia beyond," he said.

AirAsia has won several awards from CAPA in the past including being joint winner of the Airline of the Year award in 2003, the Asia Pacific Low Cost Airline of the Year 2004. The Asia Pacific Aviation Executive of the Year 2005 was also awarded to Fernandes.

Fernandes established Tune Air Sdn Bhd in 2001 to make air travel affordable to Malaysians. To realise that, Fernandes and his three partners acquired AirAsia from its owner DRB-Hicom.

The airline now has the most extensive low cost route network in the region of over 80 routes -- all within the grasp of six years in operations with its network stretching across Asian cities.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia's director general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab received the award on behalf of the tourism body.

He said Tourism Malaysia has allocated US$15-16 million for advertising and promotion and that the award today was a recognition of its efforts including in the aviation sector.

-- BERNAMA

Price war starting already

Air Asia now offering 25 000 FREE seats on the KL-Penang Route.

RM89 total (both ways) after taxes and surcharges....

"why fly in an old plane when you can fly in a new airbus"

Cheers, m

Love the animation where the fireflies fly and fall to the ground like flies! What an attack on fireflyz. Let the lcc and fare wars begin!



Price war starting already

Air Asia now offering 25 000 FREE seats on the KL-Penang Route.

RM89 total (both ways) after taxes and surcharges....

"why fly in an old plane when you can fly in a new airbus"

Cheers, m

AirAsia X Set To Launch Its Maiden Long-haul Flight Tonight

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Blue, will launch its maiden service to the Gold Coast of Australia tonight, marking the first direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast by any airline.

The airline will fly four direct flights a week between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) and Gold Coast Airport, with 279 economy seats and 36 premium XL seats available, said AirAsia spokesperson Janet Leow.

"From Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X's D7 2702 flight will fly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.40pm, plus Sundays at 7.20pm.

"Meanwhile from Gold Coast, the flight is on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8.55am plus Sundays at 6.35pm," said Leow.

Launched in January this year, AirAsia X, whose slogan is `Now Everyone Can Fly Xtra Long', is 60 percent owned by Aero Ventures, a venture by AirAsia's chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes and his business associates, 20 percent owned by Virgin Group and 20 percent owned by AirAsia.

Leow said during the special inaugural offer when the route was announced, fares started from as low as RM50 excluding taxes for a one-way from Kuala Lumpur, while from Gold Coast the promotional offer was A$99 nett.

The eight-hour flight is being serviced by the airline's Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which arrived in September.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani when announcing the route had said that after the launch offer, fares will be 50 percent cheaper than for full-fare international flights.

He said it will bring an extra 120,000 people to the Gold Coast, 80 km south of Brisbane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zahirnya didnt you post that you will be going to Gold coast on AAX

AirAsia X Gets Overwhelming Demand For KL-Gold Coast Route
November 03, 2007 19:28 PM


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X's service to Australia's Gold Coast city has been well received by air travellers, with strong demand in November, said its chief executive Azran Osman-Rani.

The Gold Coast today rolled out the red carpet to welcome AirAsia X's inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur, the company said in a statement issued from Gold Coast.

The 315 passengers, including high level Malaysian government officials, media and VIP guests were greeted at Gold Coast Airport with a guard of honour from local Surf Lifesavers, Dreamworld theme park characters and koalas from Currumbin Sanctuary.

"The inaugural flight was sold out and we have already recorded strong demand in November's load of 70 percent. This illustrates that our new service is indeed popular," he said in the statement.

Azran said todate, AirAsiaX has sold about 20,000 seats with bookings valued at around RM15 million, with over 70 percent of the sales made through the website.

"Our service is a low-cost option into Brisbane area where there are multiple daily connecting flights to Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand," he added.

AirAsia X operates four direct return flights a week between KL and Gold Coast serviced by the airline's A330-300 aircraft.

-- BERNAMA

Air Asia X eyes more Aussie destinations
Sunday November 4, 2007
By RASLAN SHARIF
TheStar


GOLD COAST: Air Asia X plans to add at least one more Australian destination, and possibly several more, to its current flights to the Gold Coast.

The low-cost long haul carrier is in discussions with several potential airports that it could fly to from Kuala Lumpur, Air Asia X CEO Azran Osman Rani said yesterday.

These include Newcastle airport near Sydney, Avalon near Melbourne, and Melbourne-Tullamarine airport, he said.

“We prefer Avalon, but the airport will require upgrades,” he told reporters after Air Asia X’s inaugural flight to the Gold Coast on Friday.

The carrier could fly to its second Australian destination by next September once it took delivery of its new A330 airplanes.

Air Asia X’s maiden flight arrived at Coolangatta International Airport here at 7.55am local time after a seven-hour flight, which was preceded by a grand send-off by senior management of Air Asia, including CEO Datuk Tony Fernandez.

Fernandez said the flight was “the fulfilment of a dream.”

Air Asia X’s sole airplane, a leased A330 with a 315-seat capacity, carried 280 passengers on the flight, out of which 240 were paying passengers, besides guests and staff.

Passengers paid an average fare of RM1,200, including taxes and surcharges, for the Economy and the larger XL seats on board.

The return flight back to Kuala Lumpur, which took off about an hour after arrival, was 70% full.

Since bookings were opened on Sept 29, about 20,000 seats valued at RM15mil have been sold.

New shares will be issued to two additional stakeholders in AirAsia X who will be named at the end of the month, Azran told Bernama.

The new shares will amount to 20% of the existing number of shares, he added.

AirAsiaX set to soar into Gold Coast
The Sydney Morning Herald
November 2, 2007

Gold Coast tourism officials are confident AirAsiaX's maiden flight into Australia's premier holiday destination on Saturday will create new opportunities for the booming city.

The Malaysian-based budget airline will initially operate four direct return services a week between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast.

The maiden flight is expected to arrive at Gold Coast Airport at 7.40am (AEST) and will carry 320 passengers, including high-level Malaysian government officials.

Kuala Lumpur is viewed as the gateway to Asia as travellers can snap up cheap tickets to 86 destinations in the region through AirAsia.

A one-way ticket for a seven-hour direct flight from the Gold Coast to KL will cost $250, about half the price of rival airlines.

In a further boost for local tourism, Singapore's Tiger Airways will start daily flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast on November 23.

Gold Coast tourism authorities are negotiating with several airlines in Asia in the hope they will see the benefits of establishing direct flights into one of Australia's fastest growing cities.

"It's the tipping point," Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole said.

"This is one international airline flying direct into the Gold Coast and opening up the Asia network for us.

"For a long time we've had New Zealand flying into the Gold Coast but this expands the international connection.

"The success of the destination of this route has already generated interest from other airlines flying direct to the Gold Coast from Asia and greater Asia."

AirAsiaX is 20 per cent owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and 20 per cent by AirAsia, south-east Asia's biggest carrier.

Darren Wright, AirAsiaX general manager in Australia, said ticket sales had exceeded expectations since the airline was launched last month.

"There has been great interest in the new route from Australians and Malaysians alike and AirAsiaX is expecting to deliver 50,000 passengers to the Gold Coast each year," he said.

"When choosing our first Australian port, the Gold Coast stood out for its combination of world-class tourist attractions, booming population and affinity with Asian markets."

Gold Coast Airport was named low cost airport of the year in the Asia Pacific this week.


---There's been coverage in Queensland's No.1 paper The Courier Mail too.

CAPA: AirAsia’s success will benefit Malaysia’s economy
by Ellina Badri
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia was awarded the Airline of The Year Award for 2007 by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) because of the positive impact it had made to the development of the region’s airline industry.

But beyond winning an award for itself, said CAPA executive chairman Peter Harbison, a successful airline will bring a lot of economic benefits to its home country. In AirAsia’s case, its leadership in the low-cost carrier sector will help make Kuala Lumpur the regional hub for budget airlines.

This, Harbison said, would lead to job creations and growth of related and support industries like tourism and services.

Within Malaysia, by promoting air travel and flying to more places, AirAsia had created economic spin offs. Similarly, it was doing the same across the region.

CAPA awarded AirAsia the title last week in Singapore.

The budget carrier, the first of its kind to win CAPA’s award, had also played a key role in influencing governments in the region to reform and liberalise regulations, Harbison said, adding that this brought a lot of good to everyone in the industry.

He said the title of Airline of the Year was awarded to the airline that has had the greatest impact on the development of the regional airline industry and established itself as a leader and the benchmark for others to follow, criteria which AirAsia had proven it possessed.

The emergence of low-cost carriers such as AirAsia had also caused “flag carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines to make themselves more competitive,” Harbison, who is based in Sydney, told The Edge Financial Daily in a telephone interview.

He added that while the aviation industry had in recent years seen “the best period ever” in profitability, the improvements made from greater competition will help buffer the industry against a downturn.

For example, he said, when flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport contracted during the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, AirAsia’s “good array of services” had made KLIA “generally better” by increasing its attractiveness as an airline stop.

On the outlook for Malaysia’s aviation industry, he said the country was “looking good” and “well-positioned” for the future.

He added while Malaysia had become and was expected to remain the largest low-cost hub in Asia, it should continue to build good airports with plenty of capacity and have a liberal aviation climate to cement its position.

Harbison also said a trend in passenger movement in the Asia-Pacific was an increasing demand for short-haul, low-fare travel which AirAsia was expected to further benefit from in the years to come.

‘AirAsia uniform ‘too revealing’

KUALA LUMPUR: A Wanita Umno delegate from Kelantan said the uniforms of the female cabin crew of budget airline AirAsia are too short and “show too much skin.”

Kubang Kerian delegate Datuk Zaleha Hussin said the uniform was an embarrassment to women.

She called on the Government to compel the carrier to change the uniform of the stewardesses, which she felt was too revealing.

“Tell AirAsia to change their stewardess' uniform. We don’t want to see too much of their buttocks, thighs and legs,” she said, when debating the motion on religion and social issues yesterday.

Zaleha suggested that the uniform be changed to reflect Eastern and Islamic values.
At this juncture, Umno deputy permanent chairman Badruddin Amiruldin, who was presiding over the session, interjected:

“I think they don’t have enough cloth.”

To this Zaleha replied: “Cloth can be bought.”

No one told her to fly Air Asia. She needs to be educated that Malaysia is a multiracial society and not about islamic values only. She should just stay at home in Kelantan, so she won't see all these unmoral things.

The politicians have been poking their heads into AKs FA uniform since its inception,theve got nothing else to talk about and whats more its the old hags wing thats making the noise,none was heard from the Puteri wing.I always believe you dont need to have the religious police or mutawwas in malaysia,Islam always teaches from the heart,its between the individual and Allah,we dont need anymore holy joes around,by the way Ive been to Mecca 2 times to do my umrah.Ive seen university students with the so called tudung but wearing tight t shirts or skin tight blouses with VPL trousers,now where does this islamic form of constraints is followed.Also on You tube you can see lots of malay women indulging in fornication and other unislamic activities ,all shown wearing tudung.Be reminded,you cannot force somebody to comform but its advisable only,he or she should know what is good or bad.Anyhow,its the individual who will have to answer to God when the time comes.
O/T,the wanita wing should be concern with the rising numbers of single mothers,lack of jobs among women,rising divorce rate other than bothering about a private airlines uniform.

Its another case of UMNO meddling in other peoples affairs,they think like holy joes because the cabin crew uniforms may cause their husbands to gaze at those beautiful and sexy ladies.Again this is wishful thinking,some of the UMNO members are just despicable,some are known to have lots of mistresses,and other scandals not forgetting KJs (kairy jamaludin menantu PM) escapade with MK(maya karin).There are other things more pressing that needs more attention other than an airline cabin crew uniform.

Politicians! *tsk* vote them out!

‘AirAsia uniform ‘too revealing’

KUALA LUMPUR: A Wanita Umno delegate from Kelantan said the uniforms of the female cabin crew of budget airline AirAsia are too short and “show too much skin.”

Kubang Kerian delegate Datuk Zaleha Hussin said the uniform was an embarrassment to women.

She called on the Government to compel the carrier to change the uniform of the stewardesses, which she felt was too revealing.

“Tell AirAsia to change their stewardess' uniform. We don’t want to see too much of their buttocks, thighs and legs,” she said, when debating the motion on religion and social issues yesterday.

Zaleha suggested that the uniform be changed to reflect Eastern and Islamic values.
At this juncture, Umno deputy permanent chairman Badruddin Amiruldin, who was presiding over the session, interjected:

“I think they don’t have enough cloth.”

To this Zaleha replied: “Cloth can be bought.”

^^To me (as a man), Air Asia dress code got nothing wrong and not short at all and nothing to embarrass ?? but i feel very embarrassed by such a statement from Malaysian politicians ...they should shame on themself for such a narrow minded and corrupted mind because it is themself should blame for having such a view when there are others not having the same thought like them:ohno:! Just don't bother about those politicians ! they are just a whole bunch of hyprocrites...! or if they want to manipulate others then they should start off another airline themself called Air "Kelatan" ?? then they may do or impose whatever they "think":nuts::lol:

^^ so sensitive meh ?

This is so crazy

I dont think that these uniforms are revealing anything that we dont see on tv or in music videos...but they are revealing something else ... sexism in Malaysia

Flight attendants, as well as other uniformed jobs, often have men and women wearing different uniforms...and often the women's uniforms are designed for show more than function.

Consider the older-style police uniforms (skirted) or that ludicrous cap that female uniformed officers still wear in Malaysia....

While some societies have moved to treating male and female employees equally, with equal uniforms, Malaysia has not.

It makes me laugh when I see nurses wearing that little starched tiara...

as usual, form matters a lot more than function....

The example of what can be seen on youtube also reflects the sexism that exists in this society...women are being criticized for their actions...but you can bet that the guy is not receiving the same level of criticism....

Anyways... in general m thinks the flight attendants uniforms (male and female) are fine, but if asked, would prefer the uniforms of MAS, SIA, and THAI. M also admires the cut of the male attendant's jacket so much that he would like to have one of his own...(even though it very star trek'y')

Cheers, m

^^ so sensitive meh ?

Sorry ah..if it sounds like so sensitive !:)

Another politician that speak from nowhere!

im so worry la.. malaysian's SSC dah mula jadi forum kebencian.

AirAsia offers 400,000 seats at low price
Updated : 14-11-2007
Media : The Star


KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia is offering some 400,000 low-fare seats to thank its customers after winning the CAPA Airline of the Year award.

The award is the highest recognition AirAsia has received for its achievements in the aviation industry and strategic contributions over the course of the past year.

The promotion is available exclusively through online bookings at www.airasia.com.

Bookings must be made before Nov 25, while the travel period is from Jan 8 to April 30 next year.

The special fares are available from as low as RM9.99 one-way to Langkawi, Penang or Johor Baru from Kuala Lumpur.

Tickets are also available for travellers who travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok (RM39.99), Phuket (RM19.99), Bandung (RM49.99) or Jakarta (RM29.99).

Other destinations included in this promotion are Manila, Bali, Macau, Shenzhen and Gold Coast.

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http://i2.tinypic.com/8gjbxbq.jpg
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AirAsia calls for better facilities at terminal
NST Online » 2007/11/16
By : Jennifer Gomez


KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Tony Fernandes does not want marble floors, travellators or aero-bridges at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

The chief executive officer of AirAsia Bhd will settle for more seating, less passenger congestion, better flight information and more retail outlets.

He just wants LCCT operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), to improve facilities and services at the terminal.

Fernandes' comments come in the wake of a New Straits Times report yesterday that the LCCT was bursting at the seams with passengers generally unhappy with the situation.

"AirAsia passenger volume has grown from 200,000 five years ago to 18 million currently, and we are looking to hitting 30 million in five years.

"We are not small anymore and MAHB needs to keep pace with our growth and expansion," he added.

Fernandes said the recent accolade of being named Airline of the Year 2007 by the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation was testimony to its rapid progress.

A MAHB spokesman had earlier indicated that budget airlines should not compare the LCCT to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), given its budget travel concept.

Fernandes said that while he did not expect the same standards at KLIA, the LCCT needed to offer an adequate number of seats, a flight information display system and more retail offerings.

"The MAHB must get the little details right. We are trying to get more retail outlets into the LCCT in terms of food and beverage and merchandising, but approvals are slow.

"With more retail offering, travellers would be able to walk around and shop as opposed to looking for places to sit."

Fernandes added that AirAsia fully subscribed to the logic of lower expectations.

But MAHB needed to lower its fees, both for airlines and passengers, he said.

"Using the same argument that we should not expect the services and facilities in KLIA, why then are the same charges levied on other airlines that use KLIA placed on us," he asked.

Fernandes is also concerned about the potential delay in MAHB's expansion plans for the terminal building, adding that AirAsia had made the request a year ago.

"We understand that the job (for the extension) has not been tendered out. What's more, the planned new and bigger LCCT will only be ready in 2014. By then, we would have lost our competitive advantage," he said.

Fernandes said the aviation industry the world over was making rapid progress and that competition was getting tougher.

"We are also creating spin-offs for other sectors in the economy. For instance, more businessmen are using our services now. This means that foreign companies would be prompted to set up regional offices here due to the ease and affordability of travel."

MAHB, when contacted, indicated that it would be coming up with a statement soon on issues raised.

Move some flights back to KLIA please. :ohno:

^^ or Subang Airport :)

Yeah....even Firefly use the Subang Airport

AirAsia calls for better facilities at terminal

Fernandes is also concerned about the potential delay in MAHB's expansion plans for the terminal building, adding that AirAsia had made the request a year ago.

"We understand that the job (for the extension) has not been tendered out. What's more, the planned new and bigger LCCT will only be ready in 2014. By then, we would have lost our competitive advantage," he said.

Fernandes said the aviation industry the world over was making rapid progress and that competition was getting tougher.

"We are also creating spin-offs for other sectors in the economy. For instance, more businessmen are using our services now. This means that foreign companies would be prompted to set up regional offices here due to the ease and affordability of travel."

MAHB, when contacted, indicated that it would be coming up with a statement soon on issues raised.

Why the delay? The whole problem is red tape. That shows MAHB and the government is dragging it's feet and not making the LCCT expansion an urgent matter. If they are smart and want to make LCCT the low cost hub, they should speed up the tender and fastrack the construction by doing 24 hr construction work. 2014 is too far away. I am sure Singapore will be taking advantage of this delay and expanding it's own budget terminal.

If the present LCCT can be built in 6 months, the new LCCT should take only 2 years!

AirAsia started Mega Promo of Gold Coast to KL in Queensland papers. Will try to capture it one day.

Tagline goes like this: Asia is now right at your doorstep.

Fly from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from AUD$250. Then to Bangkok for another AUD$50, to Phuket, to Langkawi, to Penang etc...




On another note, AirAsia (not ArAsia X) has started planning for Kuching-Perth route. By end of next year!



I believe one day AirAsia can be a very successful airline globally.

^^ Kuching-Perth ? Why not KL- Perth ??

KCH-PER? err...well...good luck!!

Air Asia to start 2 daily KL- Labuan flights :cheers::cheers::cheers:

www.airasia.com

SEPANG, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs a bigger low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) soon to accommodate increasing passengers if it wants to become the regional hub for low-cost travel.

Air Asia X chairman, Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, said the RM108 million terminal, which could fit only 10 million people, was "already bursting at the seams" with the presence of both Air Asia and the long-haul budget airline's passengers.

"We need a new LCCT so that Malaysia can be the regional hub. Unfortunately, things are progressing slowly," he said after signing an agreement here today with Tourism Queensland to collaborate promotions globally.

"We are moving fast. The real issue is the infrastructure, we won't have the capacity to meet increased arrival and that is the biggest problem," he said.

It was reported earlier that while the government planned to build a new LCCT near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to accommodate 30 million passengers, the present LCCT would also undergo an expansion.

"We need the extension (a bigger LCCT). I think it (lack of space in the LCCT) is a serious threat for us in becoming a low-cost hub," he said.

Asked if the low-cost carrier was still pushing for the Subang Airport to be its hub, Kalimullah said the former international airport could contain only up to 20 million passengers by 2015 while the low-cost passengers are already on the rise.

"The idea is to have it (LCCT) here (in Sepang). Subang is an alternative as it would not be able to meet demand," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director, Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad, when contacted, declined to comment on the new LCCT, but said that the government would make an announcement soon.

-- BERNAMA:nuts:

Now everyone knows AirAsia
New Straits Times (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
November 14, 2007
Author: Anna Maria Samsudin

KUALA LUMPUR: Air travel used to be a luxurious mode of transportation enjoyed only by a privileged few - until budget airline AirAsia came into the local aviation scene around six years ago.

True to its tagline "Now everyone can fly", the cheap flight tickets offered by the airline have made it possible for the man in the street to think of taking his next holiday in the exotic island of Bali.

AirAsia has helped revolutionise the nation as well as the region's aviation landscape - opening up a whole new market segment - the thrifty traveller.

And the proof is in the pudding as the KL International Airport (KLIA) low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, which commenced operations early last year, is almost reaching its full capacity of 10 million passengers per year.

Chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said AirAsia's contribution to Malaysia was more than just providing cheap flights to the masses. He said the airline had played a significant role in generating significant economic spin-offs for the country.

"For starters, we can see how the country's tourism sector is benefiting from this. Other related industries such as hotels and retail are also enjoying the spillover effects.

"Over the years, we have worked hard to establish as well as improve the product and the brand. "Today, AirAsia has become a renowned name worldwide where even people walking along the streets of London would talk about us. "This is indeed a positive response and should be seen as a Malaysian success story," he said in a phone interview from London.

From an unknown airline which started operations in 2001 with RM40 million in debt (inherited from the previous owner, DRB Hicom), AirAsia has grown into the region's largest budget carrier, operating more than 80 routes in the region, and has carried more than 40 million passengers.

Now, with AirAsia X, its affiliated airline offering budget long-haul flight services, the group is well on its way towards making Malaysia the budget airline hub for this part of the world.

Fernandes said AirAsia had managed to succeed and contribute to the country's development despite what he described as not being given the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

From difficulties in obtaining landing rights, particularly the controversial KL-Singapore route, as well as permission to operate from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang, AirAsia is constantly faced with all sorts of obstacles in its quest to expand its wings, he said.

"Until today, I cannot understand why we are not able to operate in Subang, whereas Firefly is able to do so. We need a new place to operate soon as the present LCCT is already nearing full capacity. From what I have gathered, the new LCCT will be ready in another few years. We will suffer by then.

"I do not understand why are we treated this way. If it is because of national interest, then I feel we should look again at what that word really means. National interest should refer to the interest of the Malaysian public, and not the interest of a certain party. We should do away with protectionism. Just let us grow and eventually help put Malaysia on the map as the region's LCC hub," he said.

AirAsia was recently honoured with the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) Airline of the Year 2007 Award - the most prestigious citation at the Capa Aviation Awards for Excellence.

The airline was chosen based on its outstanding performance and robust growth, making it one of the leading and largest carriers in the region.

Other Capa awards it won in the past were joint winner for the Airline of the Year Award in 2003, Asia Pacific Low-Cost Airline of the Year 2004 and Asia Pacific Aviation Executive of the Year 2005, which was awarded to Fernandes.

AirAsia started Mega Promo of Gold Coast to KL in Queensland papers. Will try to capture it one day.

Tagline goes like this: Asia is now right at your doorstep.

Fly from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from AUD$250. Then to Bangkok for another AUD$50, to Phuket, to Langkawi, to Penang etc...

On another note, AirAsia (not ArAsia X) has started planning for Kuching-Perth route. By end of next year!

I believe one day AirAsia can be a very successful airline globally.
if you have the name of the newspaper i can help to obtain scans as well. :)

AirAsia to fly to more foreign cities from Kuching
TheStar November 21

KUCHING: Budget carrier AirAsia plans to add more international destinations from Kuching, starting with Jakarta and Singapore, following the introduction of its Kuching-Macau flight.

AirAsia chief executive Datuk Tony Fernandes said the Kuching-Jakarta route was the first on its list of new destinations, to be followed by Kuching-Singapore.

“It looks like it’ll be (introduced) in the first quarter (of next year). These are our two priorities,” he told reporters during the launch of the Kuching-Macau flight by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the Kuching International Airport yesterday.

Fernandes said AirAsia was also looking at introducing flights to Shenzhen and Guangzhou in China, following positive response from Chinese passengers to the Kuching-Macau flight.

“The Macau response has been much bigger than we expected. Many Chinese from Zhuhai and Guangzhou are coming and Kuching has struck a chord with them,” he said.

In addition, AirAsia X could be flying the Kuching-Perth route in about eight months’ time.

“For Perth, we would like to use a bigger plane, the A330, and we’re a bit short of those planes at the moment,” Fernandes said.

With its Macau route, AirAsia is currently the only airline to serve an international destination from Kuching.

“We started five years ago with two flights to Sarawak, now, we have 200 flights a week. Looking at the next five years, we believe we’ll have 560 flights in Sarawak, moving almost 4mil people,” Fernandes said.


************
From Kuching:

This year: Kuching - Macau

Hopefully by end of next year:

Kuching - Jakarta
Kuching - Singapore
Kuching - Bangkok
Kuching - Shenzhen
Kuching - Guangzhou
Kuching - Perth


From Kota Kinabalu:

Presently:

KK-Bangkok
KK-Manila Clark
KK-Macau
KK-Shenzhen

Coming soon: KK-Hong Kong


*** I think KL to Perth is a little bit too far.

New and bigger terminal needed
By : Anna Maria Samsudin

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(From left) Aviation Australia CEO Paul Bredereck, AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman Rani, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Richard Maude, AirAsia deputy group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Minister of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry (Queensland) Desley Boyle, AirAsia Bhd CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes, AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, and Don Morris, chairman of Tourism Queensland, at the engineering training programme signing ceremony yesterday.


SEPANG: Malaysia is in dire need of a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) that can accommodate bigger passenger volume. And it needs one fast, or risk losing its competitive edge as the leader in regional budget travel.

AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan said the current LCCT was already bursting at the seams and the relevant authorities need to address this issue as soon as possible.

He pointed out that the expansion of the current LCCT, which would only take place next year, would not be able to accommodate the projected growth in passenger volume handled by both AirAsia and AirAsia X. The new LCCT, to be located at KLIA's main terminal, meanwhile, will only be completed by 2014.

"Both AirAsia and AirAsia X have big plans. The only thing that is holding us back is that the authorities here are not keeping pace with our growth. As you can see, within a short time, the LCCT is almost nearing its capacity of 10 million passengers per year. "In order to be an LCC hub, we need a new LCCT. Unfortunately, things are progressing slowly right now. "By 2011 we expect to handle some 20 million passengers a year. The expansion won't be able to accommodate the projected passenger influx.
"Don't hold us back because (competitors in) Singapore and Vietnam are not going to wait," he said after signing an engineering training programme agreement with Aviation Australia here yesterday.

AirAsia's passenger volume has grown from 200,000 five years ago to 18 million currently, and is projected to hit 30 million in five years.

The airline has suggested, among others, that it too be allowed to operate via the Sultan Abdul Aziz airport in Subang, just like community airline FireFly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said the airline may impose baggage charges instead of fuel charges on its passengers to cope with escalating jet fuel prices.

"It is not fair to impose a fuel surcharge on someone not carrying a bag as opposed to someone carrying six bags. The heavier the plane, the more fuel we burn."

Fernandes said oil prices are currently based more on speculation instead of fundamentals, and this has partly affected AirAsia's hedging policy.

"I hedge a lot less now, but we are more profitable than we were before. One must build a sustainable business, whatever the cost of oil, which means we need routes, which means we need Singapore.

"We will continue to look into ways to lower our cost."

Typical government bureaucracy and red tape not keeping pace with Air Asia's rapid expansion and needs. Taking forever to make anoouncements and give out tenders. This problem seems to apply to all governemnt or GLC linked projects. Get the new LCCT terminal designed and built immediately, there is no time to waste and do studies!

Making KL the LCCT hub should be the most urgent and critical matter now. Building the new terminal quickly should be top priority other than announcing all the economic corridors nationwide.

What is MAHB and the government WAITING for??? :ohno:

Many of my Aussie friends who previously know nothing about Malaysia want to visit KL NOW for its cheap flight and connectivity to Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Macau and HK.

Most of them want to do backpacking in Asia. They're on a budget, thus AirAsia was there at their doorstep. This is indeed a great job by AirAsia!!!

2007/11/22

AirAsia offers to operate Subang airport on its own
BERNAMA

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SEPANG, Thurs:

AirAsia Bhd is keen to operate and develop the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport at Subang via private financing initiative (PFI) and make it more business driven and competitive regionally.


AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said today the company is prepared to table a fresh proposal to the government seeking its permission to operate the airport.
When asked for his reaction should the government allow this, he said:
“Definitely AirAsia will be prepared for that (to operate the Subang Airport via PFI).
“You have PFI roads, PFI power stations as well as many infrastructure projects, why not the airport,” he told reporters after the company’s annual general meeting here.
Personally, he said, it will be a good idea for the government to allow AirAsia to go into Subang Airport so that subsequently the no-frills airline will address on its own all matters related to the operation and infrastructure of the airport.
AirAsia had, among others, suggested that it too be allowed to operate via Subang just like community airline FireFly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.
Yesterday, AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan was reported as saying that Malaysia needs a larger low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) soon to accommodate the increasing passenger volume if it wants to become the regional hub for low-cost travel.


If they move back to Subang, how are passengers supposed to connect with KLIA flights. I think the government will stick to the new LCCT terminal next to KLIA.

I doubt Air Asia will offer flights to both LCCT and Subang. Then there will be more choices.

hehhehe

Sheik, i have been suspecting this move to Subang Airport by AK a long time ago. TF never likes KLIA. The reason? He burns more fuel just to taxi from a runway to the LCCT than from operating at Subang, where, if approved would be built parallel to the only runway there. It make sense because everyone knows Air Asia, they are LCC. So supposedly they will operate in the most efficient space and KLIA offers no efficiency at all, just look the distance between both runways and the site of LCCT. U need almost 10 minutes to taxi to LCCT if you land on 32R or 32L. Not just wasting precious time for quick turnaround but also burns fuel that can be better utilised on air rather than taxi on the ground. For any airlines, the more hours the aircraft is flying, the more revenue they will get. The longer they are on the ground, the more opportunity cost they gonna pay. So quick turnaround is so difficult to obtained at KLIA.

Tony is giving pressure to the government, give us chance to operate from Subang, or expand the LCCT asap!

Government is too busy preparing for the election now, as MAHB is heavily linked to the government, any approval for expansion funding will take longer time than usual. Seems like they never learnt, other countries are fast catching us yet they still have this "tak apa" attitude.

I strongly oppose Air Asia's move to move its operation from KLIA to SZB. Firstly, in order to make KLIA a hub for aviation, it needs more connections which Air Asia is providing now. It totally doesnt meet the Gov.'s goal to make KLIA a truly aviation hub. Look at Singapore, Bangkok, they have more that 400 flights weekly out from their airport, more than 60 airlines operating from their airport, they are providing connections.! Moreover, when D7 starts its operations to UK, it will further enhance KLIA position as the preffered transit point for Kangaroo routes. Secondly, the connections to KLIA and SZB. Imagine a passenger taking domestic Air Asia flight and wish to catch an international flight in KLIA within 30 minutes! It wouldn't be possible for an air traveller to catch a flight in KLIA. KLIA is well connection with rails and bus service. Look at SZB, run down facilities, no rail connections. Air Asia is ever expanding, could it be possible for Air Asia to operate from SZB as SZB has only one runway if Air Asia has many flights?:ohno:

I disagree with airasia move to Subang airport because the facilities in Subang airport is not good and old :ohno:Subang airport is too old and will affect Malaysia image:bash:

haha u may be surprise that the Govt may reconsider this bid if AirAsia is willing to develop Subang through PFI. In fact, MAHB may be willing to sell all of Subang to AirAsia is this deal comes true.

a definite no no .

Air Asia is featured on CNN.com

http://www.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/11/22/airasia.facts/

Budget carrier flights between S'pore and KL to take off by Feb
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 November 2007 1833 hrs


Photos 1 of 1





SINGAPORE : In one of the most long-awaited announcements, low cost carriers (LCCS) have finally been given the green light to operate the lucrative Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route from 1st February next year.

However these will initially be limited to four flights daily - two from each side.

For over 30 years, the national carriers of both countries have monopolised what has become known as one of the most protected routes in Asia.

Passengers pay about S$400 return for a flight that only lasts about 45 minutes.

That should change now - for the better.

For the first time, budget carriers who have been lobbying to ply this route for years, will be allowed to do so - though on a limited basis initially.

But by 1st December next year, there will be full liberalisation which means airlines can operate as many services as they want.

This is in line with an ASEAN initiative to free up air links between ASEAN capital cities by December next year.

The decision comes at the end of two-day talks between Singapore and Malaysian air transport officials.

The thing to watch out for now is which budget carriers get these four flights.

Although Singapore's Tiger Airways and Malaysia's AirAsia have been widely tipped to get it, both carriers face competition - AirAsia from MAS subsidiary Firefly and Tiger from Jetstar Asia.

Jetstar Asia says it plans to apply for the rights, while Tiger has reiterated its interest, saying it would offer fares comparable to coach travel.

AirAsia's Tony Fernandes said just this month he could do the return fare for about S$130.

Officials agreed to meet again in January to discuss the further expansion of air services between Singapore and other cities in Malaysia. - CNA/ch

haha u may be surprise that the Govt may reconsider this bid if AirAsia is willing to develop Subang through PFI. In fact, MAHB may be willing to sell all of Subang to AirAsia is this deal comes true.

this move will definitely end the hopes of klia being a hub...this move will further widen the gap betwn KUL and BKK/SIN...government should stick to their decision just to let turboprop to operate in/out from SZB...AK should stay at KUL..

AirAsia Posts Higher Pre-tax Profit Of RM74.691 Mln

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd's pre- tax profit for the first quarter ended Sept 30, 2007 surged to RM74.691 million from RM5.34 million in the corresponding period last year.

Revenue increased to RM461.585 million from RM332.093 million previously.

In a statement here today, chief executive officer, Datuk Tony Fernandes, said the better results were due to 25 percent growth in passenger volume driven by a 10 percent higher average ticket prices and a 54 percent growth in ancillary income.

"Capacity grew by 34 percent for the period and load factor was constant to last year's 79 percent due to the higher fares achieved and higher ancillary income contribution," he said.

He said the new routes performed beyond expectations, with the Kuala Lumpur-Shenzhen route proving to be the best ever in the airline's history.

Fernandes said despite oil prices breaking new records, the cost improvement initiatives and the stronger ringgit against the US dollar had helped it retain its position as the lowest cost airline in the world.

"The combination of higher yields with lower cost has boosted our profits significantly."

Air Asia is selfish. They only want to move to subang because LCCT is full and MAHB is taking its time to expand. If Air Asia moves to Subang, how are passengers supposed to connect to other KLIA flights and vice versa?

Tony is obviously tired of waiting for MAHB to add more seats at LCCT and to
expand the terminal. Why doeesn't he offer to do PFI for LCCT at KLIA?Maybe the government can let him build the new LCCT terminal via PFI.

The government better make an announcement "soon"!

FROM Feb 1, 2008 low-cost carriers (LCCs) from Singapore and Malaysia will be able to operate a total of four daily flights on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route.

The Singapore government also announced yesterday that carriers from both countries would be able to operate an unlimited number of flights on the route starting from Dec 1, 2008.

When contacted by StarBiz, AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said: “Of course, I like more (flights). I would imagine it is two each (for a Malaysian and a Singaporean LCC).”

OSK Research senior vice-president Chris Eng also assumes that it is two flights a day for AirAsia and the same number for its Singaporean counterpart.

As for the liberalisation of air access between the two countries from Dec 1, 2008, a reliable source said that this was just one month before implementation of the Asean Open Sky Policy on Jan 1, 2009, “so it’s no big deal”.

As for the impact on Malaysia Airlines (MAS), the liberalisation is not expected to affect the national carrier.

MAS’ low-cost carrier FireFly, is still building up its fleet and is still not ready to serve the route. Analysts feel that it would probably ply the Singapore-KL route in 2009.

Since the Malaysian Cabinet gave AirAsia the nod to fly the lucrative route last month, Fernandes had been quoted as saying that the LCC would begin flights in December.

Yesterday, Fernandes said: “We have to apply for the route. Singapore needs three months for us to clear that we are a safe airline and vice-versa, Singaporean LCCs need to apply to the Malaysian government. It is a normal process for starting an airline.

“My enthusiasm, after having to wait for five years, has gotten the better of me, but this is normal and February is fine for us, in time for Chinese New Year.”

What does the new route mean to AirAsia in financial terms though?

Eng said: “If it is two flights a day for AirAsia as we assumed earlier, then even if it is during non peak-hours, based on the load factor we can expect the route to be profitable within a year.

“However, AirAsia won’t be capturing much of the business traffic.”

OSK, in its report last month after the Cabinet granted approval to AirAsia, had expected a 0.2% drop in yields for MAS. This would reduce the net profit forecast for MAS by about RM10mil.

Meanwhile, the research house estimates the profitability of the Singapore-KL route in the range of RM20mil to RM30mil per annum for AirAsia.

At present, MAS flies on average seven times daily to Singapore, while Singapore Airlines flies six times daily.

However, OSK said: “Despite the negative short-term impact on MAS, we do not discount the carrier bouncing back with flights mounted by FireFly between Subang and Seletar airport in Singapore.”

AirAsia in a statement yesterday said: “We are thankful to our government for giving us the chance to be a regional champion and that we hope in time, we will have a truly level playing field so we can truly be global champions and bring pride to Malaysia.”

As for the Singaporean counterpart that will take on the Singapore-KL route, Tiger Airways is widely expected to be the candidate:banana:

Some photos of Air Asia... Old and New...

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8216/9mafcnf050506dz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5783/airasiaxa5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9766/airasia733fj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4161/img2787ty7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I strongly oppose Air Asia's move to move its operation from KLIA to SZB. Firstly, in order to make KLIA a hub for aviation, it needs more connections which Air Asia is providing now. It totally doesnt meet the Gov.'s goal to make KLIA a truly aviation hub. Look at Singapore, Bangkok, they have more that 400 flights weekly out from their airport, more than 60 airlines operating from their airport, they are providing connections.! Moreover, when D7 starts its operations to UK, it will further enhance KLIA position as the preffered transit point for Kangaroo routes. Secondly, the connections to KLIA and SZB. Imagine a passenger taking domestic Air Asia flight and wish to catch an international flight in KLIA within 30 minutes! It wouldn't be possible for an air traveller to catch a flight in KLIA. KLIA is well connection with rails and bus service. Look at SZB, run down facilities, no rail connections. Air Asia is ever expanding, could it be possible for Air Asia to operate from SZB as SZB has only one runway if Air Asia has many flights?:ohno:

Think of AirAsia as it is, a company whose FIRST mandate is to make money for it's shareholders. As an airline, their primary goal is to move passengers from Place A to B, and as a budget airline, their selling point is ASAP, ACAP. SO, if I'm their company exec, it makes Perfect sense to be allowed access to yet another airport with which I can base my flights out of. Consider, many of their KLIA orignating flights likely sell tickets to KLang Valley residents, which is easily tracked via credit card info. Why wouldn't KV residents prefer the more easier accessibly Subang airport? I would. Remember, they sell point to point tickets.

On the other hand, I'll bet if AirAsia is able to operate out of Subang, they won't move all their flights there either. They'll probably split their flights 50-50, and keep AirAsia X at KLIA to for improved connections. This way, they will solve customer dissatisfaction re:overcrowding at the KL LCCT, increase their opportunities to expand as they now have additional runway, add one more to their marketing sales push (easy access vs KLIA)

I don't see Tony as wanting to move all his flights to Subang, he just wants another runway to use.

Overall I oppose plan to move to SZB, but I see one good thing here. Air Asia will certainly launch flights to Ipoh and Kuantan !

lately im kinda sick seeing TF's game..lobbying this and that...really hope government stick to their decision..AK should stay at KUL..moving AK's operation ( regardless full or half operation ) will jeopardize KUL to become a hub...

^^ SO that clearly means, TF is not interested towards making KUL a hub ??

One thing that would help and hurt TF at the same time...would be the extension of the Express Rail Link to the LCCT (or the site of the new LCCT)...

Dont see it happening anytime soon...

On the other hand, if KTMB can get their act together and get a rail line running from KL Sentral to SZB, that would spur Tony's calls to move some of his operations to SZB...

so what would be the possibility? AA domestic at SZB and International at KLIA? Why not? There is already a bus service linking Subang Parade to KLIA and LCCT...why not get a bus service from KLIA to SZB as well?

Cheers, m

Malaysia's AirAsia increases A320 order to 175 planes

AFP - Monday, November 26KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - AirAsia, Southeast Asia's largest budget carrier by fleet size, said Sunday it has agreed to buy 175 new fuel efficient A320 Airbus aircraft for at least 10.5 billion dollars.

"We have placed a new order of an additional 25 A320s with Airbus," Tony Fernandes, group chief executive told AFP. AirAsia had previously ordered 150 aircraft.

Each A320 aircraft carries a catalogue price of 60 million dollars.

The announcement comes on the back of the carrier being allowed to fly the lucrative Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route.

AirAsia Friday said its fiscal first quarter net profit had risen by more than 150 percent on higher passenger volume.

The carrier said net profit in the quarter ended September 30 rose to 180 million ringgit (53 million dollars), up 157.1 percent from 70 million ringgit a year earlier.

Fernandes said AirAsia had to acquire more aircraft to meet it ambitious route expansion and liberalisation of air links among Southeast Asian countries.

"Our business is also growing at a strong pace," he said.

Fernandes said AirAsia was confident it could weather the current high fuel prices, adding the "high fuel price is sustainable" and the A320s are fuel efficient.

AirAsia has already received at least 50 A320s from Airbus.

PETALING JAYA, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) believes that AirAsia can serve its previously unprofitable routes instead of both airlines competing on the same routes.

"If they can make it work, that's good," MAS managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala said after announcing the airline's results for its third quarter ended Sept 30, 2007, here today.

"I think the way we can work together is where we could not make money (such as) flying to Manchester, then I think AirAsia can fly to Manchester," he said.

According to Jala, another route that AirAsia should consider is Cairo.

"There is scope for collaboration. There is always scope for competition," he said.

"So let's work together. Those areas that we have agreed to work, we can work together, but then we also agree on the areas where we compete."

With regard to AirAsia Bhd, Jala said the two airlines could do things together from training to repairing aircraft.

"In fact, AirAsia X A330 aircraft was down and they sent it (to us) just a few weeks ago and we repaired it for them. And they sent a complimentary letter to say thank you very much, it was a great job. And they paid us and it was good," he said.

"(If) they didn't send it to us, they will send it to Singapore."

Jala said that there was nothing personal in the competition between MAS and AirAsia.

"This is all about business. I do believe that is the way it should be," he said.

-- BERNAMA:banana:

Air Asia X pilots did their line training with MAS' A330 fleet.

It has been confirmed that AirAsia (AirAsia X) will start flying to Hangzhou Q1 2008.

from AirAsia email newsletter

New Destinations:
٭ K.Lumpur - Yogyakarta (Coming soon this Jan)
٭ K.Lumpur - Guangzhou (Coming soon this Jan)
٭ K.Lumpur - Singapore (Coming soon this Feb)
٭ K.Lumpur - Hong Kong (Coming soon this Mar)

does HK has its own LCCT?

does HK has its own LCCT?

No. Though they are building a midfield terminal for smaller sized jets...

December 05, 2007 16:44 PM

AirAsia Set To Be World's Largest A320 Operator


LANGKAWI, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- The largest low cost carrier in Southeast Asia, AirAsia Bhd, Wednesday ordered an additional 25 Airbus A320 aircraft, with an option for a further 25, at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2007 exhibition.

The order will place the group - Malaysia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia & Indonesia AirAsia - as the largest A320 operator in the world, with 175 firm orders and 50 purchase options, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said.

"This purchase is an important step for AirAsia as it signifies our future aggressive route expansion plans in tandem with our expected traffic growth over the next decades," he said.

"The addition of the aircraft will be used to add frequency across the route network, introduce new routes and gradually replace the current fleet of Boeing 737 in Thailand and Indonesia."

He and Airbus chief operating officer (customers) John Leahy signed the contract witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

Fernandes said the delivery under the new order will be after 2013.

AirAsia placed its original order for 60 A320s in March 2005, with re-orders for an additional 40 aircraft in July 2006 and for another 50 aircraft in January this year.

The first Airbus was delivered to AirAsia in December 2005 and currently it operates 31 A320s for both domestic and regional markets.



-- BERNAMA

Thales To Supply Avionic Components To AirAsia X

LANGKAWI, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- France-based electronics firm Thales will supply critical avionic components, satellite communication system and in-flight entertainment system to AirAsia X Sdn Bhd's new fleet.

Both firms signed the deal at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2007 exhibition today.

Thales' in-flight entertainment, to be installed in both the XL and economy seats, is the state-of-the-art TopSeries in-seat system which, besides features such as movies, music and games also has potential for advertising which can help lower retail cost and super low fares to AirAsia X's customers.

The low-cost long haul carrier is partly owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group Ltd and AirAsia Bhd.

"This partnership demonstrates our resolve to provide our passengers with the very best entertainment service onboard," AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman Rani said.

"As this will be delivered on a pay-per-use basis, we continue to believe in empowering our guests with the ability to choose and enjoy what they want," he said after signing the agreement.

Azran, however, did not disclose details of the contract.

Under the agreement, Thales will also support AirAsia X in aftersales, repair and maintenance for 15 years.

AirAsia X made its maiden flight to Gold Coast in Australia last month.

AirAsia X cuts price to Kuala Lumpur

Steve Creedy, Aviation writer | December 06, 2007

NEW low-cost long-haul entrant AirAsia X has thrown down the gauntlet to competitor Jetstar by offering a $166 all-inclusive one-way fare between Australia and Kuala Lumpur for travel next year.

The Malaysian-based airline's decision to turn up the heat came as it sold out its four times weekly services between the Gold Coast and KL until early next month.

AirAsia X general manager Australia Darren Wright said the low fares were a sign of the kind of competition the carrier would offer when it moved into Jetstar's home base of Victoria, probably towards the end of next year.

The Malaysian carrier is in talks with Lindsay Fox's Avalon Airport, competitor Melbourne Airport and Victorian tourism authorities about servicing the state as it receives new aircraft.

"We've got our options open and in saying that, Melbourne Airport is coming back to us with offers over offers for us to fly in there rather than Avalon," Mr Wright said.

The low $166 fares, for travel between May and October, can be combined with low fares on sister carrier AirAsia's network.

These include one way inclusive fares of $15 from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi/Penang, to Phnom Penh for $74, to Bangkok/Phuket for $43 and to Kuching/Kota Kinabalu for $31.

Mr Wright said the airline still made "a little bit of money" out of the super-cheap fares, partly because it was flying out of a secondary airport.

"If you were flying out of Sydney there would be no way you could afford to put a $166 fare in the market," he said.

"That's the whole reason for secondary airports: it makes us such a competitive airline and it's part of the overall strategy."

The strength of the low-cost leisure market was further underscored yesterday with news that Sydney Airport's T2 Terminal set a record in October when, for the first time, it processed more than a million passengers in a month.

T2, the former Ansett terminal that became home to Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Rex, Qantaslink and Aeropelican, is now the busiest of the airport's three terminals. It recently received a $20million upgrade.

Sydney Airport chief executive Russell Balding said the milestone would be encouraging news for the Australian tourism industry.

No. Though they are building a midfield terminal for smaller sized jets...

smaller means..A320 downward?

so, AirAsiaX going to have pay-per-view in-flight entertainment and cheaper flight to australia...? so, what's next? a frequent flyer program..?(oh yeah..they should consider this...:yes:)

unfortunately Skytrax doesn't have a category for '5-star low cost airline':)

smaller means..A320 downward?

so, AirAsiaX going to have pay-per-view in-flight entertainment and cheaper flight to australia...? so, what's next? a frequent flyer program..?(oh yeah..they should consider this...:yes:)

unfortunately Skytrax doesn't have a category for '5-star low cost airline':)

More or less A320 B737 sizes. Certainly not A380 or B747 sizes.

2007/12/07

Jetstar, Tiger Airways to operate KL-Singapore air routeBernama

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SINGAPORE: The Singapore government has awarded the country’s two low-cost carriers, Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways, the rights to each operate a daily service on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route from Feb 1 next year.

Singapore’s Transport Ministry said in a statement today the decision was made by the Singapore Air Traffic Rights Committee, the authority responsible for allocating air rights to Singapore carriers.

It was agreed at the recent round of air services consultations between Singapore and Malaysia that low-cost carriers from both countries would be allowed to operate four daily services on the sector.

The low-cost air service is in addition to the daily shuttle flights being operated jointly by the national carriers of both countries, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

The Malaysian government recently gave the green light to budget carrier AirAsia to operate the lucrative route from the Kuala Lumpur side.

Currently, there are about 200 flights a week connecting the two cities and SIA and MAS are virtually monopolising the route.

With the entry of the budget carriers, travellers will soon have a choice to either travel cheap or with class.

AirAsia and OCM ink deal
Saturday December 8, 2007
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/8/central/p61tony.jpg

It’s a deal: Tunku Imran (left) and Fernandes
exchanging copies of the agreement.

THE partnership between the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and AirAsia, the Airline of the Year, will benefit the 46 affiliates of OCM.

“It is a great partnership as our affiliates can utilise AirAsia's services. The OCM will be appointing a liaison officer to co-ordinate things with AirAsia,” OCM president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said after the official signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.

He added that the airline had supported the Malaysian contingent to the Asian Indoor Games in Macau in November.

AirAsia are involved in sending 400 athletes and officials to Korat for the 24th SEA Games. As partners of OCM, AirAsia will also be the official airline for the Malaysian contingent for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

AirAsia Group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said they were keen to play a part in the development of sports.

Any news on whether AK will fly both of the SIN-KUL daily flights allocated to Malaysia?

AirAsia ceburi pasaran fesyen

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Dis. – Peneraju penerbangan tambang murah, AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia)bercadang untuk membuka kedai runcit pada tahun depan bagi memasarkan jenama fesyen dan produk berkaitan fesyen keluarannya.

Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun berkata, dalam mengembangkan aktiviti syarikat itu, AirAsia berhasrat untuk memasarkan barangan keluaran dan jenamanya termasuk fesyen baju, seluar, kasut, beg tangan, skirt dan lain-lain.

“Penjualan barangan fesyen bukan perniagaan teras kami, tetapi merupakan aktiviti sampingan yang kami yakin mampu berkembang.

“Buat masa ini kami mengeluarkan fesyen untuk dewasa dan selepas ini kami akan mengeluarkan fesyen untuk kanak-kanak pula,” katanya selepas majlis pelancaran Kalendar AirAsia 2008 di sini hari ini.

Menurut Kamarudin, hasrat syarikatnya untuk memasarkan barangan tersebut adalah sejajar dengan penajaan pasukan Formula 1, AT&T Williams.

“Kami rasa ini merupakan peluang baik untuk memasarkan barangan AirAsia selaras dengan penajaan pasukan Formula 1,” katanya.

Mengulas mengenai kalendar 2008 yang dilancarkan hari ini, Kamarudin berkata, ia merupakan antara produk awal AirAsia yang akan menjadi penanda aras sebelum barangan-barangan lain diperkenalkan.

“Menerusi penjualan kalendar ini, kami harap akan dapat menilai dari segi maklum balas dan sambutan pelanggan bagi produk-produk lain.

“Produk-produk AirAsia boleh dibeli ketika berada di atas pesawat AirAsia, menerusi internet dan mungkin di kedai-kedai kami pada tahun depan,” katanya.

-utusan.com.my

Added frequency

KUL- Jakarta ( 6 flights/day )
KUL- Bandung ( 2 flights/day )


New service
( from 19 Jan 2008 )

KUL- Guangzhou ( Correction: daily flight )

source:http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_eb81ccc1-cb73c03a-8b677f00-773dbab0

AirAsia to open retail stores for its merchandise
by Yong Yen Nie

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd wants to open retail stores for its own brand of apparel and other merchandise, in efforts to create a lifestyle concept for its customers, its deputy group chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said.

AirAsia had unveiled various designs for apparel, which included jeans and shirts, and would be available in-flight and via its websites by next March.

Kamarudin said the low-cost carrier would come up with more designs in the future, including a children’s range. He said: “We want to create a lifestyle, and offering these merchandise to our customers complements that vision.”

“It’s about time we do this, even if it is a small business (because) we discovered that people were interested in our brand,” he said, adding that the revenue generated would ease its high costs of advertising campaigns. However, the low-cost carrier has not decided on the location for its first store.

“We will see what feedback we get from our customers first. We might also franchise it to interested parties, (but) it’s still too early to tell,” he told reporters after launching AirAsia’s 2008 calendar here yesterday.

He added the retail store might eventually merge with Tune for synergistic purposes. Tune was created by Kamarudin and AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes, to offer customers no-frills accommodation and investment portals.

At least four Tune Hotels are in the pipeline in the country. The company also plans to set up no-frills hotels in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore.

The AirAsia calendar, which retails at RM15 each, will be available in-flight and at its sales offices from December 24. The company will contribute RM2 from each purchase to needy patients of Institut Jantung Negara, as part of its corporate social responsibility drive.

New Fashion Brand = AirAsia

ahhahahahaha

tony can think of all sorts of things... i would certainly like to wear AirAsia's cap to study and work lol

Frankly, i've always liked the uniforms of their flight crew :)

AK and VS (Virgin) are in talks about forming a partnership for a new airline in aussie or UK. Stay tune for more info....

and insider talks told me pending regulatory approval air asia next international base will be i Hong Kong. Under new hong kong entity. HongKong Air Asia. You'll get news about it in newspaper in coming months. So stay tune

and insider talks told me pending regulatory approval air asia next international base will be i Hong Kong. Under new hong kong entity. HongKong Air Asia. You'll get news about it in newspaper in coming months. So stay tune

^^ SOMETHING SOUND INTERESTING AND EXCITING FOR AIR ASIA...IF THEY USE HK AS ANOTHER HUB, IT WILL SURELY BENEFIT THEM GREATLY ! :)

and insider talks told me pending regulatory approval air asia next international base will be i Hong Kong. Under new hong kong entity. HongKong Air Asia. You'll get news about it in newspaper in coming months. So stay tune

so the thought is that the landing fee hubbub that Tony was raising years ago, he thinks will be offset by the benefits of flying out of HK eh...interesting. Does anyone know whether there are any benefits to registering AirAsia out of HK? Tax benefits etc?

HongKong Air Asia will obviously registered as Hong Kong entity where they will not need fifth freedom right to operate from there because they can be considered as local airlines like Thai Air Asia, Indonesia Air Asia but i see they have a long way to go since CX will not be happy and may block the move. Vina Air Asia entry was also blocked by Qantas so i see same thing will happen there in Hong Kong.

About the cost i believe there's been change of heart in HKIA authority over various fees imposed on airlines. HKIA is a hub so getting passengers wont be a problem what more they are the household brand here in SEA. I dont see much problem getting the required capacity/load factor. With advertisement campaign all over the world, it took only a fool who doesn't read newspaper not to know what Air Asia is.

Branding:
Fernandes gets in tune with the market

So what is next for the brand? Most likely it will be a return to entertainment with Tune Records and something akin to Facebook

http://www.btimes.com.my/Monday/OurPick/itune.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/27tune.jpg

OVER the past few months, Datuk Tony Fernandes has been inundated with proposals to spin off various business models that carry the Tune brand and emulate the underlying no-frills concept.

He was particularly intrigued by suggestions for a Tune Clinic and Tune Education.

Though novel, the chief executive officer and the founder of Tune Air Sdn Bhd says these two options are unlikely to take off.

"It is unbelievable what I have received over the past three months. I have had Tune Clinics, Tune Education, you name it and we have had it," he said.

"The people who proposed Tune Clinic believe that there is wastage in the medical system. There is a business for this, but we are not ready for it," he said.

On Tune Education, he said that the idea may be feasible using the Internet.

"But there is only so much one can do and I think I have enough on my plate just fighting for airport space," he quipped.

Fernandes was speaking on how the strength and popularity of the Tune name has offered vast opportunities for the group to leverage on the brand name.

The name Tune, which comes from Fernandes' previous association with the music industry, was first used for Tune Air.

"Why did I pick Tune? I wanted to be in tune with my people. I felt that many businesses were not in tune with the market and we wanted to make music for them as well," he said.

In fact, Fernandes, who was obsessed by the "Tune" name, had even toyed with the idea of renaming AirAsia to Tune Air. However, he decided against rebranding.

"This was a big problem for me as I wanted everything to be Tune. What was right then was for AirAsia to stick to the AirAsia name," he said.

After spending a lot of time on the ground and talking to his passengers, Fernandes decided that there was a whole community of people with an entire lifestyle which was under-served and who could not be reached.

"That is what we are doing with Tune," he said.

It is from here that the two popular names - Tune Hotels.com and Tune Money came from. Both ideas came about in 2004. But it was in 2006 that it was actually executed.

"We found that a lot of people did not necessarily want to pay RM150 or RM200 for a room which they hardly stayed in.

"So I took the concept of Air Asia and said: "What can I do with the hotel Industry? Let's take away things that people don't want and they have an option to pay for and bring costs down to the same kind of affordability bracket that Air Asia is and build a brand around it," he said.

"This is the birth of the Tune brand from AirAsia which is low price but of high quality and taking out things one don't really want," he said.

"I had the idea of creating a whole community that was under-served or were not being served well, and a business that I thought that can be extended throughout Asia," he said.

All these ideas had to be put together and this saw the setting up of Tune Ventures by Dennis Melka, who is both a shareholder and a director in the business. The various ventures have attracted young entrepreneurs like Tengku Zafrul Aziz of Tune Money and Jason Lo of Tune Talk, who were established and wanted a go at being their own boss.

The hotel concept has gained such publicity and foothold that it has received proposals for openings in Japan, China and as far as UK. Fernandes believes the expansion of Tune businesses has a lot to do with Internet technology.

So what is next for the brand? Most likely it will be a return to entertainment with Tune Records and something akin to Facebook.

"Tune Records is the next (Tune brand) without a doubt. I have already found the artiste for it," Fernandes said, adding that it may have to be distributed differently from just a record store.

He said the Tune group also hopes to create something like Facebook where the Asean community can be brought together.

"We are working on this (Facebook equivalent). It would be a Tune interactive site," he said.

A name has yet to be decided. Fernandes would like to develop on models that bring people together like games, music and sports.

"And then someone came to us with Tune Store (department store) which was never really in our plan. It shows the power of the brand. It will be a distribution outlet for what we sell - tickets, music - and will be based on the value concept. It will also have a budget corner.

"Will a Tune Store be in Kuala Lumpur? I doubt it. Will a Tune Store be in Sandakan? More likely. We want to give people in these smaller towns a chance to enjoy good facilities available in Kuala Lumpur. We want to bring lifestyle and products to people who never have a chance of seeing them," he said.

Just like the success of his airline business, Fernandes expects that all his other ventures will be successful.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/paparadzi/Aircraft/XAAhangar.jpg

Leased aircraft..can't expect much

from friends. credit to him.

Now Everyone Can Play by AirAsia

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1170/airasiagamescf3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/paparadzi/Aircraft/XAAhangar.jpg

Leased aircraft..can't expect much

Besar-nya :omg:

How I hope to add the flight from Hatyai-KL-Hatyai, then I can fly to eat satay at KL/Kajang everyday!

AirAsia latih 5,000 juruterbang setahun


SEPANG 14 Jan. – AirAsia Bhd., melalui rancangan pengembangan berjumlah RM40 juta bagi fasa kedua akademinya, dijangka melahirkan sehingga 5,000 juruterbang setahun berbanding 400 juruterbang sekarang ini.

Fasa kedua akademi berkenaan yang dijangka siap pada Jun tahun ini, akan menyaksikan pertambahan bilik kelas, dewan pelbagai guna, kolam renang dan kemudahan lain, kata Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan AirAsia Bhd., Datuk Tony Fernandes kepada pemberita selepas majlis pemeteraian perjanjian perkongsian dengan CAE.

CAE merupakan penyedia teknologi pemodelan dan simulasi, dan penyelesaian latihan bersepadu bagi industri penerbangan awam dan angkatan pertahanan.

“Pelaburan kami setakat ini dari segi kemudahan ialah kira-kira RM200 juta,” kata Fernandes, sambil menambah kata bahawa akademi berkenaan telah melatih juruterbang dari Asia Barat, India, China, Filipina dan Singapura.

Mengenai jualan bagi AirAsia dari laluan baru Kuala Lumpur-Singapura, Fernandes berkata: “Nilainya hampir satu juta ringgit tetapi kami mempunyai banyak tempat duduk percuma, jadi nilainya akan lebih rendah.”

“Kami telah menjual kira-kira 10,000 tempat duduk. Ia merupakan satu daripada pelancaran terpantas memandangkan laluan itu menerima permintaan yang besar,” katanya.

Sementara itu, CAE mengumumkan bahawa ia memilih Kuala Lumpur bagi hab latihan Asia Tenggara.

Syarikat yang berpangkalan di Kanada itu berkata, ia akan memanfaatkan perkongsian sedia adanya dengan AirAsia bagi membangunkan pusat kecemerlangan penerbangan dan berkembang di rantau ini.

Sementara itu Fernades berkata, AirAsia tidak ada rancangan untuk diswastakan.

“Ia diluar pengetahuan saya (penswastaan AirAsia),” katanya.

— Bernama

AirAsia has no plans to go private, says CEO

SEPANG: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd has no plans to be privatised, according to group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes.

“We have no plans to privatise. It’s not something that I am aware of,” Fernandes said yesterday.

He said this after a launch event which AirAsia co-hosted with CAE, a global provider of simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces.

Asked on the firm’s share price, which has plunged more than 20% since October, he said: “I do think the market needs to understand AirAsia better.”

The airline has seen strong selling of its shares by foreign shareholders of late. The drop was “related to AirAsia’s fuel-hedging policy, which some parties considered excessively speculative,” OSK Research said last week. AirAsia shares closed 6 sen lower at RM1.52 yesterday in a generally weak market.



Datuk Tony Fernandes (left) exchanging documents with Jeff Roberts. Looking on is Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy




Separately, Fernandes said he was “happy” with the response for AirAsia’s Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services, which will start Feb 1.

“We are very happy with the response, business is very strong,” he said, adding that to-date, about 10,000 seats worth some RM1mil had been sold.

Meanwhile, at yesterday’s event, which was witnessed by Transport Minister Datuk Sri Chan Kong Choy, CAE announced that it had selected Kuala Lumpur as the location for its South-East Asian training hub.

The announcement follows CAE contract sealed in November to manage AirAsia’s Type Rating Training Organisation at the AirAsia Academy to provide training for AirAsia pilots.

The academy, which had so far seen an investment of RM200mil, was set to undergo further expansion, Fernandes said. “The second phase of the academy will be operational by June,” he said, adding that this would cost about RM40mil.

The academy now has three simulators – two CAE-built Airbus A320s belonging to AirAsia, and a Boeing 737-300 owned by CAE – and can train about 400 pilots a year.

CAE group president, innovation and civil training and services, Jeff Roberts said CAE would add an Airbus A320 simulator and an Airbus A330 simulator over the next one year.

New flight

AIRASIA X KL - Hangzhou beginning 4 Feb !!!

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9072/hangzhound3.jpg

i'm still waiting for the HK....:D, huh...can't wait!

AirAsia
KL - Guangzhou beginning 16 Jan '08
KL - Yogyakarta beginning 30 Jan '08
KL - Singapore beginning 1 Feb '08


AirAsia X
KL - Hangzhou (Shanghai) beginning 4 Feb '08


AirAsia new routes coming soon via KL LCT

KL - Hainan, China (March '08)
KL - Guilin, China (April '08)
KL - Tirchur or Thrissur, Kerala, India
KL - Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India

Future destinations: Avalon (Melbourne), Adelaide, Newcastle (Sydney), Darwin, Perth, Stansted (London), Ho Chi Minh City, Dhaka, Chittagong, Colombo, Kathmandu, Cebu, Davao City, Xiamen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin (Beijing)

what a good coverage in China and Australia. Will sure give MAS as run for the money.

Singapore finally beckons AirAsia

By Assif Shameen of The Edge Singapore
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


As he poses in front of the airline's hoardings and banners, AirAsia's CEO and founder Tony Fernandes suddenly spreads his arms out wide and pretends to be an aeroplane raring to go on a runway. "Now I am ready to fly from Singapore!" he beams. Donning a black T—shirt that barely fits his bulging frame, his trademark red cap with the AirAsia logo and designer shoes — Fernandes is touting AirAsia's latest milestone: Singapore—Kuala Lumpur flights. "Six years, man, it has taken us six years…," he repeats as if to let his point sink in.
Six years after Fernandes launched Asia's first low—cost carrier on two wings and a prayer, AirAsia and two Singapore—based no—frills airlines, Tiger Airways and JetStar Asia, will begin flying on the Singapore—KL route on Feb 1. This breaks the duopoly of full—service carriers Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Singapore Airlines as a prelude to the Association of Southeast Asian Nation's (Asean) capital city's liberalisation in December. "Singapore is an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for AirAsia," says Derek Sadubin, an analyst for Centre for Asia—Pacific Aviation (Capa) in Sydney.
Fernandes (picture) couldn't agree more. "Singapore is a big natural market for a regional low—cost operator like us," he says. "I think the impact will be massive in that it will be an eye opener to other countries that have been holding back. If Singapore and Malaysia can open the KL—Singapore route, I believe it's just a matter of time other routes open up." Sadubin says the "Asean capital city's" liberalisation in December is likely to be the first step towards a complete deregulation in the region.
Initially, AirAsia will have two flights a day between Singapore and KL. Fernandes says he hopes that over the next few months, his carrier will also get permission to fly from Penang, Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu into Singapore; and by December, when the Asean deregulation officially comes into force, it can launch flights from other destinations. He also hopes to increase frequency between Singapore and KL to 12 or more a day.
With Tiger Air and JetStar Asia launching flights as well and SIA and MAS keeping most, if not all, of their existing flights on the routes, wouldn't there be an overcapacity on the sector? "If you ask me how many daily flights the sector can take with say five or six airlines — us, MAS, SIA, Tiger, Jetstar and probably a couple of other carriers — I'd say this could be potentially one of the busiest routes in the world in five years," Fernandes told The Edge Singapore in an interview. "My guess is the route could eventually take 40 to 50 flights a day in five years, maybe more."
AirAsia already flies to Singapore five times a day through its Thai affiliate. Thai AirAsia flies four times daily from Bangkok and once a day from Phuket to Singapore and is looking at launching flights from Chiangmai and Haadyai as well. For now, AirAsia Indonesia is still barred from flying to Singapore. When Asean opens up its aviation sector, Fernandes is hoping AirAsia's Indonesian affiliate will be allowed to launch flights from Jakarta, Bali and other destinations in the archipelago.
As he paces his small hotel room in downtown Singapore, Fernandes is almost out of breath talking about the "connectivity" that helped transform his upstart carrier into a low—cost powerhouse. When he looks at Singapore, he says, he sees 4.5 million affluent residents and over 10 million tourists who are looking to travel on to other destinations. "SIA as a full—service carrier developed a great hub in Singapore bringing in passengers from all over Asia and connecting them to rest of the world," says the AirAsia CEO. "We are now on the verge of doing this as a low—cost carrier bringing in traffic to Kuala Lumpur, and our other hubs, and connecting passengers to other cities in Asia. It's a model that will plug in very well with AirAsia X, our long—haul affiliate." Still, he emphasises that AirAsia remains "primarily a point—to—point airline but as our network grows we will benefit from our connectivity the way SIA did".
Now that AirAsia is flying directly into Singapore from KL, it has finally abandoned its dream to launch a low—cost carrier in Singapore to complement its Thai and Indonesian ventures. Says Fernandes. "Now that we'll soon be able to fly in to Singapore from any destination in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia we don't need a Singapore carrier."
Just how important is Singapore to AirAsia's bottom line and long—term strategy? For his part, Fernandes says, "five years from now we believe we could be doing 10 million passengers out of Singapore or between 10% and 15% of our total revenues will come from Singapore. This was the missing link in Southeast Asia and now that we are in Singapore, we can scale up in the region."
What's next? Just don't look out for AirAsia imitating its arch—rival Tiger anytime soon.
Tiger recently launched an Australian venture and is readying a Korean low—cost venture later this year. "Korea and Australia just don't make sense to us," says Fernandes. So, will AirAsia ever expand its franchise beyond its current base? "Yes, but only within Southeast Asia," he says.
A joint venture with Vietnam was announced last year pending regulatory approval and Asia's largest low—cost carrier is keen on the Philippines. "Singapore shows our tenacity and perseverance," says Fernandes as he readies to run off out of the room in jet—like take—off. "We have shown that we will do what it takes, even wait and bide our time." For a man who always seems to be on a runway that's some statement.

AirAsia Gets Macau Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer, Datuk Tony Fernandes, has received a 'Commendations of Prestige' award from Macau Special Administrative Region chief executive officer, Edmund Ho Hau.

In a statement here today, AirAsia said the award was presented to individuals who had contributed to the development of Macau.

Fernandes accepted the award on behalf of AirAsia Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

AirAsia
AirAsia new routes coming soon via KL LCT
KL - Hainan, China (March '08)


KL - Haikou, Hainan Province, China confirmed Coming Soon

HONG KONG! HONG KONG! HONG KONG!

AirAsiaX to add new Australian routes

By Steve Creedy February 01, 2008 12:00am The Australian

WITH its Gold Coast service up and running, AirAsiaX is looking at routes to Victoria and NSW.

AirAsiaX chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said he has checked out the journey between Newcastle and Sydney to get a personal feel for whether Newcastle could work as a secondary airport for the northern Sydney area.

It is part of a push that Mr Osman-Rani says will see the Malaysia-based long-haul low-cost carrier significantly expand its Australian reach.

The airline, which has 25 Airbus A330-300 aircraft on order, is already flying to the Gold Coast and plans to add Melbourne in October.

The Gold Coast services are reportedly going well, with load factors for December and January averaging 80 per cent. The airline has talked to Melbourne Airport and the Lindsay Fox-owned Avalon Airport, near Geelong, about its next destination.

"Both have their pros and cons but either way we expect to get our first brand new plane around October this year and very likely we'll start our Melbourne service then," Mr Osman-Rani said.

The Victorian and Sydney additions are part of a five-year plan that will eventually see the airline fly to five Australian cities.

"Most likely we'll be looking at one city a year," the AirAsiaX chief said, noting that Victoria and NSW would probably be next. But the airline was staying away from Perth for now because of competition from Tiger Airways.

Mr Osman-Rani said he would like to start selling tickets for Victoria from March to capitalise on the increased brand awareness stemming from AirAsia's sponsorship of the Formula One Grand Prix.

"If I can firm up the deal with the airport, what I'd love to be able to do is actually almost commence ticket sales during that Formula One race even though our flight might be in October," he said. "There's a lot of Malaysian and Singaporeans down there and getting that awareness and the big lead time is going to help me fill up the planes.

"We didn't have that luxury with the Gold Coast because we were rushing to get our licence and permits but we've got that all now and it's just a matter of getting the airport deal."

He said the airline had already learned lessons from its Gold Coast service. Australians heading to Malaysia comprised 48 per cent of passengers, with the remainder coming this way from Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

"In the last 10 days of December, we sold out all of our Gold Coast to KL with all the Australians coming up," he said.

"And we couldn't get Malaysians to fly down to balance the flights because they couldn't get a ticket back up to KL until the third week of January because it was all full."

AirAsiaX is also watching Jetstar's short-haul international strategy with interest but does not see it as a competitor for its long-haul services.

"It is a big difference," he said. "You're talking about at least a two-hour difference with transit.

"If they were competing just against a full-service carrier, they could easily pull it off.

"But we come into the market and we keep throwing out our $199 one-way fares direct, that's going to be a challenge to them."

Mr Osman-Rani said the opening up of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route to AirAsia was already prompting Singaporeans to travel to Kuala Lumpur and then on to the Gold Coast.

On the Australian end, 11 per cent of the airline's customers were travelling to the Gold Coast from Melbourne and 6 per cent from Sydney.

Source : http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_d3adb4db-cb73c03a-19214b10-ab692d7e

01-02-2008: AirAsia introduces online meal order
By Sharon Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd is introducing online meal order from today as part of its move to enhance customer service, Its group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said.

He said AirAsia passengers would be able to order local favourites such as chicken rice and roti canai that would be added to the menu. This online meal booking is already available on AirAsia X Sdn Bhd’s long-haul flights.

“The biggest complaint from people was flights running out of nasi lemak. We can never get it right. It’s either you put many and get wastage or too little and you get angry passengers. Online will help,” explained Fernandes.

On AirAsia’s expansion to the Indian sub-continent market, he said: “This will be the year of South India for us and talks for Amritsar have gone far. Our China routes are doing well and we are ready to take on India.”

On its Singapore route, he said AirAsia would continue to push for more flights, and this would include the Penang-Singapore and Kota Kinabalu-Singapore routes.

“It is crazy we don’t have Singapore. When you talk about tourism (in Sabah), you must have Singapore,” he added. AirAsia would begin to fly to Singapore from KL on Feb 1 with two flights daily.

Fernandes said the low-cost carrier would take delivery of 16 new aircraft this year to compliment its existing fleet of 65.

Asked if AirAsia X is on schedule to fly to Europe, Fernandes said: “We don’t know because we don’t have a plane. There is a discussion on whether we use the A330 but it needs a fuel stop.

“But I think we will still wait for a A340. We can’t find a long-range aircraft right now for the London route.”

He, however, remains optimistic that the London route would take place this year.

Fernandes also said AirAsia X’s Gold Coast route carries about 60% Australian passengers into Kuala Lumpur for connection to other destination.

“January is a low season but we already have 83% load factor,” he added.

On Malaysia Airline Bhd’s (MAS) newly announced business transformation plan, Fernandes said MAS should welcome the opening of skies for AirAsia, and should go upmarket, as there is a strong domestic market and a good regional feed for the national carrier.

^^

Lolzz....looks like AirAsia's nasi lemak famous among passengers...haha..Well, I din try it....I eat nasi ayam...:D :D

AirAsia launches inaugural flight to Singapore
Friday February 1, 2008
MYT 7:31:09 PM
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
TheStar

SINGAPORE: AirAsia launched its inaugural flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Singapore on Friday.

The budget airline's chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said the flight would be the first of many, as the company would push for more flights in the route and open up more routes such as from Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi and Penang to the island state.

“It is a historical day for Asian aviation," he said.

“The liberalisation of this route will enable more freedom for the consumers as they will enjoy low fares,” he said, adding that the first flight was a victory for the company after six years of perseverance in trying to get the rights to use the route.

AirAsia flies twice daily from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Singapore and passengers would also get to enjoy roti canai on the flight.

AirAsia X to reveal foreign partners
By Anna Maria Samsuddin
Published: 2008/02/04


Its Middle Eastern and Japanese partners will hold 10 per cent each in the budget airline



AIRASIA X will reveal the two foreign investors who will take a combined 20 per cent stake in the long-haul budget airline valued at US$75 million (RM242 million) on February 14, says chief executive officer Azran Osman Rani.

The ceremony, which will be graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will officially introduce its Middle Eastern and Japanese partners who will hold 10 per cent each in the airline.

"This is an exciting development as it reflects foreign investors' level of confidence in our business model," Azran told reporters in Sepang yesterday, after launching the airline's maiden Chinese flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou.

Its existing investors include budget carrier AirAsia Bhd as well as British tycoon Sir Richard Branson, holding 20 per cent in AirAsia X, respectively.

AirAsia X, which was launched in January last year, is valued at US$375 million (RM1.2 billion), based on its budget long-haul business model.

Proceeds from its recent share sale will be used to partly finance its aircraft purchases, comprising 15 firm orders of A330s, with a total value of US$2.63 billion (RM8.5 billion) based on a catalogue price of US$175 million (565 million) per plane.

Meanwhile, Azran said AirAsia X is determining the second destination for both its Australian and Chinese services and is talking to authorities from the countries for this move.

The next Australian destination it plans to operate is either Perth, Melbourne or Newcastle while for China, it is looking to fly to Tianjin or Chengdu.

He said the airline hopes to operate these new routes by September or October this year, upon the delivery of its new A330s.

"The biggest challenge in offering these new flights is getting the landing rights. We are still talking to the respective authorities. Hopefully, we will be able to secure the rights within one to two months," he added.

On its maiden Chinese service, AirAsia X is offering passengers as low as RM199 for a one-way travel between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou.

To date, the airline has already sold 10,000 seats - valued at over RM5 million - for travel in February and March, under its RM99 airfare promotion that was announced on January 15.

The overwhelming response to its five times weekly Hangzou route is in synch with the success of its maiden international flight to Gold Cost, Australia, where 60,000 seats have been sold in the past couple of months since the launch of the service on November 2 last year.

Thai AirAsia suffers one billion baht losses
Published: 2008/02/04


The 'one-off loss' is due to penalties and maintenance costs after the airline cut short the lease period of its Boeing 737-300 fleet


BANGKOK: Thai AirAsia, which has hit the 10-million passengers mark as its celebrates its fourth anniversary, suffered losses of over one billion baht last year due to penalties and maintenance costs after it cut short the lease period of its Boeing 737-300 fleet.

Chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld has described it as only a one-off loss as he is confident the airline will return to profit this year, with the target of carrying five million passengers as the arrival of five more Airbus 320 aircraft adds 20 per cent to its seating capacity.

“The decision to bring the Airbus into service quickly and cut short the Boeing lease was made in November due to the rising oil price. Due to this, we had to pay penalties and maintenance cost involved in switching back the Boeing to its original condition before returning it,” he told a media conference here.

Tassapon, who has been heading the Malaysian-based AirAsia’s Thai subsidiary since its inception, said the management felt that it was the right decision in order to cut costs. He added that the airline will have 13 Airbus 320 and two Boeing 737-300 by end-2009.

Thai AirAsia, which has 1,400 staff including 70 pilots, earned 3.8 billion baht in 2006, compared to 3.4 billion baht in 2005 and about 2.3 billion baht in 2004.

Tassapon and five other top Thai AirAsia executives bought Shin Corp’s 49 per cent stake in Asia Aviation, the Thai entity which holds a 51 per cent stake in Thai AirAsia, last year. The remaining 49 per cent equity is held by AirAsia.

“Initially we wanted to have three Airbus within five to six years but because of the high fuel price and maintenance, we changed our strategy.

But that does not mean we are not growing, in fact our capacity grows naturally with 20 per cent more capacity,” he said.

In 2007, Thai AirAsia, which flies to 10 domestic and nine international destinations from Bangkok, as well as the Phuket-Singapore route, carried 4.2 million passengers, exceeding the three million mark achieved in 2006.

He said while some domestic routes like Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hatyai did very well last year largely due to foreign visitors, others like Surat Thani and Chiang Rai fared badly due to the economic slowdown.

Due to the ongoing fleet replacement, Tassapon said, all new destinations, including plans to go to India and more Chinese cities, have been put on hold for the next two years.

However, the airline plans to enter the Jakarta-Bangkok route in two months following the tremendous success of Indonesia AirAsia which started plying the route last November, he said, adding that Ho Chi Minh City will be included once there is approval from the Vietnamese authorities.

On the Bangkok-Langkawi route which was dropped after few months in service, Tassapon said although the resort island offers vast potential the load was low.

“We need six to eight months to build up a route. But we will certainly go again when the time is right,” he said.

Tassapon said more than 55 per cent of bookings are being made through the Internet, 20 per cent via call centres and agents, seven per cent from its booth at the Tesco hypermarket and the rest from sales at airports. — Bernama

Thai AirAsia to make 1b baht investments
Published: 2008/02/05


THAI AirAsia is expected to make additional investments amounting to one billion baht (100 baht = RM9.81) over the next 10 years in line with its current plans to replace the existing ageing fleet of B737-300s with new Airbus A320 aircraft.

These will include expanded staffing, training/conversion costs, purchase of supporting equipment, acquisition of aircraft and engine spares and enhancement of maintenance capabilities to cater for a much bigger and newer fleet of aircraft.

This information was given by AirAsia in a statement yesterday to clarify a recent news article. The airline said Thai AirAsia's chief executive officer, Tassapon Bijleveld, was misquoted in the article.

Although Thai AirAsia is expected to slip into a loss position for the financial year 2007, Thai Airasia has not lost one billion baht in 2007 as reported, it said.

A loss is expected due mainly to intense competition in Thailand through rampant undercutting combined with adverse effects of higher fuel cost, and once-off charge attributable to a change in accounting policy in relation to accounting for maintenance reserves to be in line with industry practice, it said.

AirAsia Bhd had already adopted the new accounting policy earlier, it said, adding that it was confident of the underlying business operations in Thailand and that its fundamentals were solid. - Bernama

AirAsia X flies to Hangzhou


KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X began operating flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou in China, the low-cost carrier's second foreign destination.

The first flight left KL International Airport's low-cost carrier terminal yesterday morning.

Hangzhou is located about two hours from Shanghai by bus.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani joined the passengers on the first flight.

The company, in a press release, said that more than 10,000 seats valued at some RM5mil had been snapped up for between February and March.

AT&T and Lenovo sponsor Malaysian F1 aircraft
Business and Law
By Theo Valich
Friday, February 08, 2008 10:49

As the multi-billion dollar advertising world of Formula 1 gets prepared for another season, advertising is shifted into high gear. Yesterday morning, Airbus delivered an Airbus A320 aircraft to Asian low-cost carrier AirAsia. The regular corporate painting scheme was replaced with that of the AT&T Williams F1 team.

http://www.tgdaily.com/images/stories/article_images/aviation/attlenovoairasia.jpg

WilliamsF1 uses AirAsia as an official carrier for Asia-bound flights. So, if you’re planning a cheap vacation in South Asia, there is a pretty good chance that you’ll be seeing this aircraft at one of the airports in Malaysia.

It’s interesting to see AT&T sponsoring a Formula 1 team, since these millions of dollars will go into a marketing campaign that will not be seen in the U.S. at all. Looks like AT&T is putting more efforts into polishing its brand in international markets. Montreal will be the closest location to the U.S. hosting a F1 race.

The AirAsia isn’t particularly nice, but it surely will stand out at airports.

Article site: http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35981/122/

Let’s not stifle AirAsia X

Comment by B.K. SIDHU

TOMORROW, AirAsia X, Malaysia’s only long-haul low-cost carrier, will add two new foreign investors who will pay a total of US$75mil for each to take a 10% stake in the company after the much-publicised entry of Sir Richard Branson last year.

Japan’s Orix Group and Bahrain's Perigon Capital entry into AirAsia X should be lauded as it goes to show the confidence foreign investors have in the AirAsia X model even though the airline only flies to two destinations now.

Its maiden flight was to Gold Coast, Australia, in November and recently it flew to Hangzhou, China.

The airline wants to fly to more long-haul destinations; it has several on its radar screens, mostly secondary airports. But what it also needs are some key routes so that it can become a leading long-haul low-cost player and develop the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) into a major hub.

But would AirAsia X be ever allowed access to some key long-haul routes such as London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, New Delhi, Bombay, Tokyo and even Beijing?

That is a question only the Government can answer. For now, most of the key long-haul routes are serviced by Malaysia Airlines (MAS). But giving AirAsia X a chance to fly some key routes would mean giving travellers an option to fly straight from LCCT to London instead of Stansted or to Sydney instead of Newcastle.

It also means travellers have more carrier options. Competition will bring fares down and that could potentially increase passenger traffic at Malaysian airports.

The opening of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore air sector to competition is a clear example of how budget carriers have been given access to a key route, even though each only gets two flights a day. That in itself is an option for passengers to fly KL-Singapore at cheap fares that begin at RM29.90.

Giving AirAsia X access to key routes is nothing new. It is something practised in other markets where full service carriers compete alongside low-cost carriers on key routes the way they compete with other full service airlines.

In Britain, British Airways competes with Virgin Atlantic on key routes; in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is a full service carrier competing with Oasis on the Hong Kong-London route; in Singapore, Singapore Airlines is against Jetstar on the Singapore-Australia routes. In Australia, Qantas would be up against V Australia very soon on the Australia-US route.

Furthermore, MAS is already competing with major carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay and Thai Airways on major routes such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong and even New Dehli. So AirAsia X would just be another rival. MAS is also competing with AirAsia on almost every single regional route.

Allowing access to some key routes should also not be seen as a threat for the incumbent since AirAsia X and AirAsia have in the past demonstrated the ability to create new markets for themselves and they do not cannibalise existing incumbent services.

And if Malaysia is keen to become a hub for long-haul low-cost carriers, it has to act fast to allow AirAsia X access to some key routes. In this way, the airline can establish its lead position ahead of rivals such as Jetstar and Tiger Airways, which are just waiting to get ahead of the game.

AirAsia X to sell 20pc stake to Japan, Bahrain funds
Published: 2008/02/13



The airline will get US$75 million from the stake sale and the money will be used to fund the purchase of 25 Airbus A330-300s, an official says


MALAYSIA'S AirAsia X will raise US$75 million by selling a 20 per cent stake in the budget carrier to private equity funds from Japan and Bahrain, an airline official said today.

“The money will be used to fund the purchase of 25 Airbus A330-300 for the long-haul AirAsia X carrier,” the official told AFP.

AirAsia X is expected to announce tomorrow the entry of two new investors which comes after British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Group took a 20 per cent stake in AirAsia last August.

Branson, founder of Virgin Group, has vowed to pilot the project into profitability.

The official said Japan’s top leasing firm, Orix Group and Bahrain’s Perigon Capital will each acquire 10 per cent stake in AirAsia X.

“With the two new funds coming on board it demonstrates the confidence investors have in AirAsia X to expand,” the official, who declined to be named, said.

AirAsia X has began long-haul flights to Australia and China using one leased aircraft. AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Blue, was launched in January 2007. - AFP

I think it's a matter of time AirAsia and AirAsia X kills off MAS... On the Malaysian aviation front, it's always AirAsia expanding and MAS consolidating...

I think it's a matter of time AirAsia and AirAsia X kills off MAS... On the Malaysian aviation front, it's always AirAsia expanding and MAS consolidating...

well, i rather see MAS and AirAsia cooperate since that they are targeting different markets. Hope that one day they will surpass SIA, Tiger and Jetstars.

Air Asia X plans KL- Fukuoka in Q4 2008

Of course with so few international routes right now, Air Asia is expanding the network. Wait till their network gets as large as MAS and then only we can conclude somthing. I hope they increase their long haul seat pitch to at least 32". Also hope they could fly across Pacific Ocean soon, i.e., to San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, etc. that MAS doesn't fly.

New investors to help AirAsia X gain Mideast foothold
Published: 2008/02/14

AIRASIA X Sdn Bhd's two new investors, Manara Consortium and Orix Corp, will help the carrier gain a foothold in the Middle East region as well as import some expertise in aviation finance and leasing.

"We believe that AirAsia X is now well-placed to further enhance its reach to destinations in the Middle East and North Asia, and to continue to revolutionise the long-haul market by providing everyday low fares," AirAsia chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said in a statement yesterday.

AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan said there were a bevy of financial investors eager to invest in the company, but Manara and Orix were selected because of the strategic nature of their investment and their ability to bring much more than just financial clout to the table.

"It is important that AirAsia X select partners which allow the company to continue to keep costs low and grow rapidly," Kalimullah said in a statement yesterday.

Manara and Orix are each buying 16.7 million new shares in AirAsia X for a total sum of RM250 million.

Following the issuance, Manara and Orix each have a 10 per cent interest in AirAsia X, Aero Ventures Sdn Bhd will hold 48 per cent and the Virgin Group a 16 per cent stake.

AirAsia Bhd will maintain a 16 per cent stake in the company through its holdings of Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares.

Manara comprises of four leading Saudi investment groups which together with 3i Group Plc have sponsored the Manara Infrastructure Fund to invest in infrastructure projects, including airlines and airports in Islamic countries.

Manara's investment in AirAsia X will later be transferred to Manara Infrastructure Fund.

"We know the core team led by Datuk Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun extremely well from an earlier involvement with AirAsia, and we have no doubt that they are best placed to make the yet untested long-haul, low-cost concept another exemplary success to emulate," Manara's representative to the board of AirAsia X, Adeeb Ahmad, said.

Orix, along with its subsidiary Orix Aviation, an aircraft owner and leaser in Ireland with a portfolio of over 130 planes, will execute the deal through its investment vehicle in Ireland.

Orix is also a shareholder in Skymark Airlines, Japan's leading low-cost carrier.

Credit Suisse acted as the exclusive financial advisor and Logan Sabapathy & Co acted as the legal advisor to AirAsia X.

AirAsia X places out 20% stake

By CHAN CHING THUT

SEPANG: AirAsia X Sdn Bhd has agreed to place out 20% equity interest to Bahrain-based Manara Consortium and Japan’s ORIX Corp for about RM250mil cash.

The share placement is an important phase of AirAsia X’s growth plans as proceeds from the transaction will allow the carrier to fund aircraft orders already placed with Airbus S.A.S. and further fleet expansion.


Azran Osman Rani
Under an agreement executed yesterday, Manara and ORIX will each receive about 16.7 million new shares in AirAsia X, or 10% equity.

After the issuance, Aero Ventures Sdn Bhd and the Virgin Group will hold 48% and 16% stake in the long-haul low-cost airline respectively. AirAsia Bhd will retain 16% stake through its holdings of redeemable convertible preference shares.

Each new strategic investor will nominate a representative to the AirAsia X board.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said he was pleased with the transaction and looked forward to working together with the long-term strategic partners as the airline grew.

“We believe AirAsia X is now well-placed to further enhance its reach to destinations in the Middle East and North Asia, and to continue to revolutionise the long-haul travel market by providing low fares,” he said in a statement.

AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan said it was important the airline selected partners that allowed it to continuously keep costs low and grow rapidly.

“Manara will allow AirAsia X greater access to the fast-growing Middle East region whilst ORIX will contribute its significant expertise in aviation finance and leasing,” he added.

An analyst contacted by StarBiz said foreign interest in AirAsia X would not pose a threat to Malaysia Airlines in the near-term as the former only operated two routes now.

He added that having two new investors would “obviously help” AirAsia X secure new routes to Japan and Bahrain.

However, another analyst felt that it was “too early to say”.

“Looking at what is happening in Japan, a carrier is close to bankruptcy and a second carrier is doing better but has to change a lot of things. It is a challenge as the whole industry is going through a flux.

“In the Middle East, it is going to be tough. Most of the airports there are very open and even offer fifth freedom rights,” he said.

He added that if the investors were prepared to invest in AirAsia X, it was possible they could later invest in AirAsia.

“The key here is, just because somebody is willing to invest in a company at valuations which are higher than what the market is pricing for the shares of the parent company, it does not mean that it will necessarily change the operating abilities of the company,” he said.

AirAsia Records Highest Single-day Sales With Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Budget carrier AirAsia Bhd has recorded its highest single-day sales ever under the "Big Sale" campaign.

Its regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan, said the achievement came within 24 hours of the campaign launch on Feb 19, 2008, during which Internet traffic on its website surged by 10 times.

"This irresistible big sale offer with fares as low as five sen for domestic and international routes is taking the region by storm," she said in a statement today.

Tan said 300,000 of the promotion seats were snapped up within the first 12 hours and the airline had registered a four times increase for the past two days compared to normal daily sales.

"Highest internet traffic was recorded yesterday from 2pm to 9pm due to the overwhelming response where bookings were redirected to all call centres," she said.

Tan said travellers may also book via their mobile devices through mobile.airasia.com.

"For this campaign, we have also added new destinations from China, Vietnam, Singapore and Gold Coast, Australia, to our list of routes, so this has increased Internet traffic dramatically," she said.

She also said that the AirAsia portal was now extended to its long haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X, covering a wider customer base internationally.

Go to difficult and seldom traveled parts of SEAsia:)

AirAsia To Introduce Daily Direct Flight To Vientiane By May

VIENTIANE, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd will introduce daily direct flight for its newly-launched Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane route by May this year from three flights per week currently, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said today.

He said response to the route has been "very good" since its soft launch on Dec 1 last year.

"December was a fantastic month, we had almost 90 percent of load factor and in January it was about 65 percent.

We are very confident of this route," he told reporters after the official launch of its latest route in the Asean region here.

The ceremony was officiated by Laos' Public Works and Transport Minister Sommat Pholsena and the Asssociation of South East Asian Nations (Asean) secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan.

Fernandes said most of the passengers for the Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane were tourists while some were business travellers. According to him, Laos has a lot of attractive places, providing opportunities for growth.

He also hoped that the Laos government will extend the runway of Luang Prabang airport to enable the airline to offer the Kuala Lumpur-Luang Prabang route going forward.

He said the Luang Prabang runway was currently not long enough for bigger aircraft to land.

Vientiane, Laos' cultural and economic centre, is situated on the country's border with Thailand and is quickly establishing itself as a thriving tourist destination, receiving more than 700,000 visitors last year.

Meanwhile, Surin said AirAsia's Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane further connected Asean countries and enabled people to travel and explore the region with ease. He said the launch of AirAsia's new route was testament to the airline's goal of making travel accessible and a reality for all.

Earlier, Fernandes and AirAsia's chairman Datuk Pahamin Rajab personally greeted passengers of Flight AK 812 from Kuala Lumpur at the Wattay International Airport upon arrival at 10.40am (Vientiane time).

To date, AirAsia has carried over 46 million passengers under the most extensive low-cost network in the region with over 90 routes.

What happened to Air Asia website ? Can't open it for 2 days ... I need it urgently..