AirAsia adds 7th China destination
Published: 2009/08/25

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia said Tuesday it will launch its seventh route into mainland China in October as part of its regional expansion despite the economic slump.

AirAsia will be the first airline to fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in southwestern China, with four weekly flights from October 20, it said in a statement.

The carrier said the new route would be operated by its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X.

AirAsia already flies to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guilin and Haikou in the southern region, Hangzhou in the east and Tianjin in the north. It also has flights to Hong Kong and Macao.

With China a key trading partner for Souteast Asia, the new route will also boost trade and tourism, AirAsia said.

AirAsia X, which began long-haul operations in November 2007, currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to London, Australia, Taiwan and China. Last week, it announced it would launch flights to Abu Dhabi in November, marking the group’s first foray into the Middle East. - Agencies

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AirAsia X flying to home of the Pandas soon


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is introducing a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu from Oct 20.

To be operated by AirAsia X, the four direct weekly flights come at all-in-fares as low as RM129 one-way.

Reservations can be done online via AirAsia’s website at www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com.

The booking period is from Aug 26 to Aug 30 2009, for the travel period between Oct 20, 2009 and July 31, 2010.

AirAsia’s Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan said: “Our China network has remained incomplete without a presence capable of unlocking the potential of travel to the western territories of China.

“With Chengdu now added on to our network, AirAsia can now boast that we have mainland China covered with 160 weekly flights.” She added that at present, there is no direct air connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu, home to China’s living natural heritage, the Pandas.

AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani said that despite the gloomy global economy, China remained an important trading and economic partner for Malaysia and the Asean region.

“The launch of this new route is expected to enhance the exchange of trade and tourism, and to strengthen the economic development of Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu.

“AirAsia X’s low fares and innovative services will also stimulate more travels both in-bound and outbound from these two destinations as the Chinese public can take advantage of Kuala Lumpur’s status as a gateway to Asia, Australia and Europe,” he said.

from flickr

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Tune Talk mahu tiru AirAsia
17 Ogos 2009
Oleh CYNTHIA YEOH
http://www.tunetalk.com/

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0817/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_01.1.jpg

JASON LO menunjukkan kad SIM Tune Talk
yang akan dilancarkan pada 19 Ogos ini.

PETALING JAYA 16 Ogos – Tune Talk Sdn. Bhd. (Tune Talk) akhirnya mencapai hasrat untuk melancarkan perkhidmatan mudah alih prabayar pada 19 Ogos ini, setelah hampir dua tahun bertapak di Malaysia.

Sebelum ini, perkhidmatan itu dijadual pelancaran komersialnya pada akhir 2007 tetapi tertangguh akibat perundingan yang belum selesai dengan Celcom (M) Bhd., berikutan cadangan nyah gabung Telekom Malaysia Bhd. (TM), kata Pegawai Eksekutif Tune Talk, Jason Lo.

Celcom, kini berada di bawah Axiata Group Bhd., sebuah entiti yang sebelumnya milik TM tetapi kini beroperasi berasingan selepas berlaku nyah gabung.

Menurut Lo, perkhidmatan prabayar yang ditawarkan bersandarkan rangkaian 2.5G dan pihaknya tidak akan bersaing dengan pengendali telekomunikasi yang menyediakan produk berasaskan platform 3G.

‘‘Tumpuan kami menjadi peneraju yang menawarkan satu kadar tetap terendah dalam pasaran segmen prabayar.

“Pengguna hanya perlu membeli kad SIM yang dijual pada harga bermula RM5 yang memberikan masa ke udara bernilai RM5 secara percuma dan mereka juga boleh memilih nombor pilihan di 10,000 rangkaian pengedar di seluruh negara,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia, di sini.

Baucar untuk tiket AirAsia
28 Ogos 2009

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PENGGUNA Tune Talk dapat terbang
ke destinasi impian mereka secara percuma.

KUALA LUMPUR - Tune Talk Sdn. Bhd. (Tune Talk) yang baru sahaja melancarkan perkhidmatan prabayar Tune Talk pada pertengahan bulan lalu kini menawarkan baucer E-Gift AirAsia bernilai RM200 untuk setiap 10 pengguna harian tertinggi.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Jason Lo berkata, tawaran itu terbuka kepada pelanggan prabayar Tune Talk yang membolehkan mereka menukar ganti baucar itu untuk mendapatkan tempat duduk bagi penerbangan domestik atau antarabangsa AirAsia.

"Baucar E-Gift AirAsia diberikan secara automatik kepada pengguna harian Tune Talk tertinggi. Satu notifikasi akan dihantar ke nombor mudah alih pelanggan yang bertuah itu di samping disertakan dengan nombor baucar.

"Setelah menerimanya, pelanggan hanya perlu melayari laman web AirAsia untuk memilih destinasi penerbangan impian mereka," katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini semalam.

Menurut Lo, syarikat itu telah memperuntukkan lebih daripada RM1 juta bagi tujuan promosi yang akan berlangsung selama satu tahun itu.

i'll be flying to Ho Chi Minh City this october. and the price for return ticket is..........................................RM276!! (including meal, seating, insurance :sleepy: and skybus)

AirAsia lancar laluan baru Colombo-Kuala Lumpur


KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Berhad (AirAsia) yang dipilih sebagai syarikat penerbangan tambang murah terbaik oleh kumpulan perunding berpangkalan di Britain, Skytrax secara rasminya melancarkan laluan baru, penerbangan terus antara dua bandar raya, Colombo-Kuala Lumpur minggu lalu.

Majlis yang diadakan secara gilang gemilang di Hilton Colombo, Colombo pada 18 Ogos lalu disaksikan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan AirAsia, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes; Pesuruhjaya Malaysia di Sri Lanka, Rosli Ismail; Timbalan Menteri Sri Lanka, Hussein A Bhaila dan Pengerusi Tourism Sri Lanka, Bernad Goonetilleke.

Colombo yang menjadi destinasi ketiga AirAsia di Asia Selatan dijangka mampu merangsang pertumbuhan syarikat penerbangan itu dalam pasaran, selain meningkatkan laluan antara dua negara.

Ketika ini AirAsia terbang dari Kuala Lumpur ke dua destinasi di Asia Selatan - Dhaka, Bangladesh dan Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) di India Selatan.

Tony berkata, pihaknya yakin laluan baru antara dua bandar itu mampu merangsang ekonomi kedua-dua negara, malah membuka peluang kepada rakyat Sri Lanka untuk menjadikan Kuala Lumpur sebagai pintu masuk ke 130 laluan di rantau Asia.

Katanya, sejak jualan tiket dibuka dua bulan lalu, kira-kira 30,000 tiket berjaya dijual, sekali gus membuktikan penerbangan AirAsia meningkatkan lagi peluang orang ramai untuk terbang.

No deferment of plane deliveries, says AirAsia X
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2009/09/05

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

BUDGET long-haul carrier AirAsia X (5099) has no plans to defer the delivery of its planes, despite its parent doing so in anticipation of a possible delay in the construction of the new low-cost carrier terminal.

"No (we will not defer any plane deliveries), because we don't have the big numbers like AirAsia, we have been quite conservative in our expansion. The option is to keep the planes outside of Kuala Lumpur (KL), in order to reduce the congestion here," AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani told reporters at its booth in conjunction with Matta Fair in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The airline will have eight wide-body aircraft by year-end, with another eight to be delivered on a staggered basis by 2011.

Azran gave an example that for an aircraft to initially return to KL after a flight to Abu Dhabi, it could look to send it on to Europe, rather than returning to KL.
"It is not an ideal situation and for AirAsia X, it is a real concern, considering that we have only four parking bays right now," he said.

Meanwhile, on its participation in the fair this year, Azran said that he is confident that AirAsia X will contribute some 40 per cent to the expected RM5 million sales AirAsia expects.

With a total of 30 booths, AirAsia is the biggest exhibitor at the Matta Fair.

"While the deals are similar to the ones that you can get online, this is really an avenue for them to also get a lot of other information they need, before they make their purchase decision," Azran said.

He believes that AirAsia will be able to double the number of tickets sold to 40,000 this year.

Azran is especially hopeful that its recently launched two new routes, Chengdu, in west China and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East, will be a hit with travellers.

Since the Matta Fair in 2008, AirAsia X has more than doubled the number of destinations it flies to from four to nine now.

Abu Dhabi mula jadi tumpuan
Oleh WAN NAJIB WAN DAUD
7 September 2009 / 17 Ramadan 1430

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Kebenaran mendarat yang diberikan kepada AirAsia X di Abu Dhabi akan
mewujudkan situasi menang-menang kepada Malaysia dan negara-negara Asia Barat.

KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Abu Dhabi bakal menjadi pusat penerbangan tambang murah di rantau Asia Barat berikutan banyak syarikat penerbangan tambang murah mula bertumpu ke negara-negara di rantau itu.

Ibu negara Emiriyah Arab Bersatu yang menjadi lokasi terbaru AirAsia X bermula November ini juga dilihat sebagai sebuah destinasi pelancongan terbaru di dunia.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AirAsia X, Azran Osman Rani berkata, Lapangan Terbang Abu Dhabi berpotensi besar mengikuti jejak Lapangan Terbang Stansted di London yang menjadi tumpuan pengembara perniagaan dan pelajar.

"Malah keupayaan rantau Asia Barat membangun dengan pesat turut menjadi tarikan untuk menjadi kawasan pelancongan terbaru berikutan kewujudan destinasi-destinasi tumpuan pelancong seperti taman tema terbesar di dunia, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi dan safari padang pasir," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini.

Menurut Azran, kebenaran mendarat kepada syarikat penerbangan tambang murah jarak jauh tempatan itu dilihat sebagai situasi menang-menang bagi Malaysia dan negara-negara Asia Barat sekali gus menjadikan AirAsia X sebagai penghubung kepada kemasukan para pelancong.

Penerbangan sulung pertama ke Abu Dhabi itu mendapat sambutan baik apabila 40 peratus daripada kapasiti pesawat telah ditempah sehingga kini dan beliau percaya ia boleh mencapai tahap maksimum pada tarikh penerbangannya.

Dalam perkembangan lain, AirAsia X kini sedang menunggu keputusan kerajaan untuk membenarkan syarikat penerbangan itu terbang ke beberapa destinasi baru.

Azran berkata, pihaknya telah membuat permohonan kepada Kementerian Pengangkutan bagi mendapat hak pendaratan di Sydney, Jeddah, Seoul dan Mumbai.

"Kami tidak pasti sama ada kerajaan membenarkan AirAsia X terbang ke destinasi-destinasi tersebut kerana permohonan sudah pun dihantar, kini kami cuma menunggu lampu hijau sahaja," katanya.

Menurut Azran, selain dari empat destinasi baru yang diminta itu, pihaknya juga turut merancang untuk menambah bilangan penerbangan ke beberapa wilayah di China kerana melihat prospek pasaran di negara itu amat besar.

Selain dari permohonan meningkatkan kekerapan penerbangan, beliau berpendapat kemasukan pelancong asing boleh dimanfaatkan jika AirAsia X diberi kebenaran seperti yang diminta.

Sebagai contoh katanya, penerbangan dari Sydney ke Kuala Lumpur ketika ini di bawah kendalian Malaysian Airline System Bhd. (MAS) adalah 14 kali seminggu berbanding Sydney-Singapura (52 kali seminggu dengan tiga syarikat penerbangan) dan Sydney-Bangkok (44 kali seminggu dengan empat syarikat penerbangan).

"Jika AirAsia X diberi kebenaran sama seperti MAS, kami percaya jumlah kemasukan pelancong ke Malaysia jauh lebih banyak jika dibandingkan dengan dua negara jiran ketika ini," katanya.

http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm#SAirlines
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1.Air Asia

Tiga hari RM5j
Oleh Sri Ayu Kartikawati Amri



AIRASIA X mensasarkan perolehan RM5 juta bagi tempoh tiga hari pameran Matta Fair 2009 yang berlangsung di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) bermula 4 hingga 6 September ini.

Malah dengan penjualan kira-kira 20,000 tiket pada pameran tahun lalu, AirAsia X menjangkakan 40,000 tiket boleh dijual di Matta Fair kali ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Azran Osman Rani, berkata sasaran itu dijangka mampu diperoleh berikutan pihaknya membuka 30 gerai, dua kali ganda lebih banyak berbanding pameran sebelumnya.

Katanya, melalui platform Matta Fair yang diadakan setiap tahun, AirAsia X bertanggungjawab memberi pilihan terbaik kepada semua pelanggan untuk bercuti ke seluruh destinasi di dunia.


“Dengan adanya Matta Fair ini, secara tidak langsung kami lebih dekat dengan pelanggan dan mereka juga boleh mendapatkan maklumat terperinci serta memilih destinasi yang diingini.




“Malah, disebabkan permintaan yang sentiasa meningkat, pada pameran kali ini juga kami memberi tambahan destinasi kepada pelanggan untuk dibuat pilihan,” katanya.

Menurutnya, penambahan sembilan destinasi bagi Matta Fair 2009 berbanding empat destinasi tahun lalu membuktikan usaha AirAsia X dalam menyediakan perkhidmatan pengangkutan terbaik di negara ini sentiasa dititik beratkan.

Sementara itu, Azran berkata, AirAsia X juga menyediakan dua destinasi paling baru yang pertama kali ditawarkan di Matta Fair 2009 iaitu Chengdu (China Barat) dan Abu Dhabi (Timur Tengah).

“Jika kita lihat, tidak ramai melihat Timur Tengah sebagai destinasi pelancongan yang menarik sedangkan ia sebuah negara yang penuh lokasi pilihan untuk dilawati. AirAsia X juga akan menawarkan lebih banyak destinasi menjelang akhir tahun ini.

“Ini adalah masa yang paling sesuai untuk orang ramai mendapatkan pakej percutian yang mereka impikan kerana harga lebih murah ditawarkan,” katanya.

AirAsia eyes Penang-Chennai route
Written by Regina William Wednesday, 09 September 2009 13:48

GEORGE TOWN: AirAsia will launch its daily flights from Penang to Chennai on Jan 1, 2010.

AirAsia CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said the new route, which was given the nod by the Ministry of Transport in June, was pending final approval.

He told The Edge that AirAsia was currently waiting to sign an agreement with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for landing rights on the same route.

During the launch of the inaugural flight from Penang to Singapore on June 1, Tony had expressed hope to launch the Penang-Chennai route within three months, which was supposed to have been sometime this month.

"We have set Jan 1 to launch the first flight from Penang to Chennai and I am hoping to ink the MAHB agreement out soon," Fernandes told The Edge.

AirAsia currently only has one other destination to India which is to Thiruchirappalli, from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) terminal in Sepang.

The Penang-Chennai route will once again restore Penang's direct link with Chennai after more than six years.

MAS used to fly from Penang to Chennai but this was discontinued due to non-profitability of the route.

AirAsia is looking at seven flights a week out of Penang, one flight daily.

Besides Singapore, Penang is also connected by AirAsia to other international destinations such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta, Medan and Macau besides the local connections to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Johor Baharu.

Make S’pore-Miri route a success: Dr Chan
By Anthony Joseph Thursday, September 10th, 2009

MIRI: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan yesterday advised players in the local tourism industry to be more creative and innovative in marketing Miri Division.

“They need to attract tourists coming to Miri through direct flight from Singapore to Miri mounted by AirAsia,” said Dr Chan who was at Miri Airport to welcome 103 passengers on board the first flight from the republic to Miri yesterday.

“The flight provides convenience for people in Miri to get to Singapore. Hopefully the number of flights will increase in the future. I’m aware when you start something like this…in the beginning it will be difficult because of lack of publicity. It may take time for people to fully realise (the work involved),” he said.

Dr Chan believed that Singaporeans and others were interested to visit Miri and the state in general for the attractions of culture, adventure and nature.

“Miri and Sarawak are a confluence of culture and nature which is mostly still untouched. I have no doubt that if this is well promoted by our people (tour agents), it is will be a success and in no time more frequent flights will come in,” Dr Chan said.

“Our tour agents can also sell Singapore to our people here. So they must work together for mutual benefit,” he added.

He thanked AirAsia for providing the service and assured that the route would turn out to be a money-spinner.

“Today, you have to work hard in the tourism industry. You cannot just leave it alone. You have to go to customers and customise your tour packages (for them). The direct Singapore-Miri flight is a good beginning to make tour operators here aware of the need to work hard,” said Dr Chan.

The flight would be four times a week — every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

At the airport to welcome the passengers were Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin and Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai.

Substantial MAHB dues paid, says AirAsia
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2009/09/11

AIRASIA Bhd (5099)has paid more than half the amount owing to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), according to its chairman.

"A substantial sum has been paid and we are now in talks with MAHB on the balance," AirAsia chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar told Business Times after chairing the group's extraordinary general meeting to approve a 20 per cent private placement in Selangor yesterday. He did not elaborate.

The budget carrier had withheld some RM110 million in payments to MAHB, claiming that it was being overcharged by the airport operator.

On the airline's private placement, Aziz said he is confident that it will be very well-received by investors.
"We are positive that it will be well-received, something that has been reflected in our share price as well," Aziz said.

AirAsia just completed a roadshow to generate interest for the placement in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Malaysia.

"We have a strong following overseas, and we really hope the local investors will take the cue from foreign sentiments," AirAsia group chief financial officer Rozman Omar said.

The budget airline hopes to raise at least RM500 million from the private placement.

'AirAsia payment should boost MAHB coffer'
Published: 2009/09/11



THE cash position of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) should strengthen with the RM110 million repayment by AirAsia Bhd to the airport operator.

"Nevertheless, we are unsure of the amount paid by AirAsia and guess it to be circa RM60 million as reported by the government recently," said Kenanga Research in a research note today.

It was reported yesterday that AirAsia Bhd had paid more than half the amount owing to MAHB.

AirAsia's chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar was quoted as saying that a substantial sum had been paid and the airline was now in talks with MAHB on the balance.

The budget carrier had withheld about RM110 million in payments to MAHB, claiming that it was being overcharged by the airport operator.

"On the remaining balance, we opined that AirAsia is looking for more rebates and discounts on airport charges with discussions believed to be still ongoing," Kenanga Research said.

"MAHB expects to finalise the incentive before the end of this year," it said.

MAHB remained as Kenanga Research's top pick for the sector with its defensive earnings backed by attractive dividend of five per cent.

On speculation that Khazanah paring down its stakes in MAHB, Kenanga Research considered this "a positive if true as it will help improve liquidity and float."

The research firm maintains its "buy" call for MAHB with a target price of RM4.22. - Bernama

Substantial MAHB dues paid, says AirAsia
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2009/09/11

AIRASIA Bhd (5099)has paid more than half the amount owing to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), according to its chairman.

"A substantial sum has been paid and we are now in talks with MAHB on the balance," AirAsia chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar told Business Times after chairing the group's extraordinary general meeting to approve a 20 per cent private placement in Selangor yesterday. He did not elaborate.

The budget carrier had withheld some RM110 million in payments to MAHB, claiming that it was being overcharged by the airport operator.

On the airline's private placement, Aziz said he is confident that it will be very well-received by investors.
"We are positive that it will be well-received, something that has been reflected in our share price as well," Aziz said.

AirAsia just completed a roadshow to generate interest for the placement in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Malaysia.

"We have a strong following overseas, and we really hope the local investors will take the cue from foreign sentiments," AirAsia group chief financial officer Rozman Omar said.

The budget airline hopes to raise at least RM500 million from the private placement.

AirAsia has owed MYR110 million from MAHB. They should pay it fast. Kalau tak LCCT will not be proceed as what they have already planned. Asyik bitchin about new LCCT but hutang tanak bayar, WTF??

@ Miri Airport
From flickr

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From flickr
The 1st airbus in KK

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World best low cost airline (skytrax)

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The World fastest In-Flight Services

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AirAsia to sell up to US$160m in shares
Published: 2009/09/14

Malaysia’s AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s largest budget carrier by fleet size, is expected to raise up to RM560 million (US$159.9 million) by selling shares, according to the deal term sheet.

AirAsia plans to sell 400 million shares via a private placement and has set an indicative price range of RM1.33 to RM1.40 a share for the sale, according to the term sheet obtained by Reuters.

CIMB and Credit Suisse are the joint placement agents for the exercise and bookbuilding will be completed on September 15. -- Reuters

AirAsia share sale to raise up to RM665m
Published: 2009/09/15



AirAsia will sell 400 million new shares, representing 16.8 per cent of its share capital, at RM1.33 to RM1.40 a share

AIRASIA (5099), Southeast Asia's largest budget carrier by fleet size, is expected to raise up to RM665 million in a new share placement as it seeks to cut its debt.

Demand for full-fare carriers has been hit by the economic downturn, which has given a boost to discount airlines.

AirAsia said last month that proceeds from the share sale would be used to reduce its debt, which has risen sharply following aggressive capacity expansion.

AirAsia will sell 400 million new shares, representing 16.8 per cent of its existing share capital, at RM1.33 to RM1.40 a share, according to the deal term sheet obtained by Reuters, to raise up to RM560 million.
However, the sale also has an upside of 75 million shares on top of the 400 million shares offered, the term sheet said, meaning that AirAsia could potentially raise a total of RM665 million.

CIMB and Credit Suisse are joint placement agents for the exercise and bookbuilding will be completed today.

AirAsia stock closed down 0.7 per cent yesterday at RM1.41. Stock exchange regulator Bursa Malaysia Bhd said that AirAsia shares would be suspended today pending an announcement.

Regional budget carriers such as AirAsia and Jetstar Asia Airways have either added capacity or increased flight frequencies to cope with higher demand.

Analysts in Malaysia said last month that AirAsia's tight cash flow and high debt level was worrying given its commitment to fund aircraft deliveries.

Last month, it deferred the delivery of eight Airbus A320 planes to 2014 from next year, which analysts said signalled potential overcapacity in the future. - Reuters

AirAsia out of Sibu-KK route
By Raymond Tan Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Deputy minister assures without budget airline, passengers can still expect attractive discounts

SIBU: AirAsia will stop flying the Sibu-Kota Kinabalu-Sibu route with effect from Oct 25, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Robert Lau announced yesterday.

Speaking at a dialogue session, Lau referred to an agreement between his ministry and MASwings which excluded the Sibu-KK-Sibu route from the seven shared routes of MAS, MASwings and AirAsia.

Despite cutting the budget airline out, he said his ministry and MAS had worked out discounts for passengers of this route.

“Passengers can now get discounts of up to 70 per cent if they book the tickets online. The cheapest airfare per route can cost only RM77 while passengers still enjoy full in-flight services,” Lau said.

Environment and Public Health Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Sarawak United Chinese Association president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong and representatives of Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various Chinese associations and travel agents were present at the dialogue.

Also present were Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Awang Bemee.

Lau said although the contract between his ministry and MASwings only agreed on providing two direct flights daily, MASwings had increased the flight frequency to four daily.

“MASwings is at the same time looking into the possibility of having the fifth direct flight in the late evening from Kota Kinabalu,” he said, adding that there were many tourists from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea entering Kota Kinabalu.

He said the fifth later evening flight could help connect these passengers to Sibu to help boost tourism here.

Lau said his ministry, under the request of the Ministry of Finance, was conducting a study on reviewing the Rural Air Services (RAS) contract in Sabah and Sarawak to possibly redefine the RAS routes.

He also touched on air connectivity between Sibu and Limbang, adding that in the past, passengers from Sibu would have to wait in Miri for a considerable time before they could fly to Limbang.

“With the new arrangement, passengers can now stay in the plane at Miri Airport while waiting for the same aircraft to take off for Limbang in 25 minutes. This has helped cut the travel time.”

He said the same applied to passengers travelling from Limbang to Sibu via Miri.

More good news came from the Transport Ministry when Lau said arrangements with MAS had added two more daily flights between Sibu and Kuala Lumpur beginning Oct 25.

He said the early additional flight would fly from Sibu at 7am, arriving at the national capital at 8.50pm.

“The other additional flight, non-stop, will fly from KL at 7.30pm and arrive Sibu at 9.25pm. These additional flights will enable businessmen to make day trips instead of having to stay overnight in the national capital,” he said.

Another good piece of news from Lau’s ministry is the route of Sibu and Kuching. According to him, MASwings has added an early flight from Kuching to Sibu, flying out at 6.10am and arriving Sibu at 6.55am.

“The same aircraft will carry passengers from Sibu to Kuching, departing at 7.25am and arriving at 8.20am. This introduction will also enable businessmen and government officials to make day trips between the two places,” he said.

Lau said he was also working with MAS and MASwings on the possibility of operating international flights from Sarawak into BIMP-EAGA region (destinations in Indonesian Kalimantan and South Philippines) next year.

He said this request had come from the Minister of Tourism and Urban Development Datuk Michael Manyin, to help with the development of tourism in the region.

“During a recent cabinet meeting on tourism chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, I brought this up. The deputy prime minister has instructed MAS and MASwings to study the viability of this proposal,” Lau said.

Lau hoped this would be realised soon as it would be a big boost to the tourism industry and the business community.

AirAsia Raiders plane to head for Oakland
Published: 2009/09/16

BUDGET carrier AirAsia Bhd is bringing its Raiders’ branded A340 from Kuala Lumpur to Oakland, the US, on Monday, in celebration of Raiders’ season opener against the San Diego Chargers.

AirAsia and the Oakland Raiders have teamed up to expand the Raiders’ fan base in Asia and to promote the AirAsia brand in the US, creating excitement for future entry into the US market.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said AirAsia X is now in the process of negotiations with airports in the US over a possibility of operating flights there.

It is exploring ways of commencing flights to the US much earlier than 2016.

AirAsia Raiders plane to head for Oakland
Published: 2009/09/16

BUDGET carrier AirAsia Bhd is bringing its Raiders’ branded A340 from Kuala Lumpur to Oakland, the US, on Monday, in celebration of Raiders’ season opener against the San Diego Chargers.

AirAsia and the Oakland Raiders have teamed up to expand the Raiders’ fan base in Asia and to promote the AirAsia brand in the US, creating excitement for future entry into the US market.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said AirAsia X is now in the process of negotiations with airports in the US over a possibility of operating flights there.

It is exploring ways of commencing flights to the US much earlier than 2016.

http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/706/26706/images/OaklandRaiders.jpg

http://images.dailyradar.com/media/uploads/ballhype/story_large/2009/06/30/fac1685b.jpg

btw, Americans DON't travel! travelling nations are Scandinavian!

AirAsia new shares likely priced from RM1.33 to RM1.40
Tuesday September 15, 2009 By YEOW POOI LING

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/15/business/p2-airasiaqtcht.JPG

PETALING JAYA: Trading in AirAsia Bhd shares is suspended today pending an announcement on the results of the bookbuilding exercise, including the price for the new shares arising from its private placement programme.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the low-fare airline said the suspension would be until 12.30pm.

Last week, shareholders approved the private placement proposal, which would allow AirAsia to strengthen its balance sheet and increase financing flexibility while reducing its net gearing.

The exercise will involve up to 481.1 million new shares, or 20% of the airline’s issued and paid-up capital, with the offer price not more than 10% discount to the five-day weighted average market price prior to the price fixing date.

It was reported earlier that AirAsia aimed to raise about RM500mil and had approached foreign investors in Singapore, Hong Kong and London.

Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes could not be reached for comment.

Quoting a deal term sheet, Reuters yesterday reported that AirAsia was expected to raise up to RM560mil by selling 400 million shares via a private placement and had set an indicative price range of RM1.33 to RM1.40 a share for the sale.

CIMB Group and Credit Suisse are the joint placement agents for the exercise.

OSK Investment Bank analyst Ng Sem Guan noted that the airline’s share price “was holding quite well” in the last couple of days ahead of the announcement”.


“AirAsia could be attracting foreign investors who do not own the shares currently,” he said.

He added that the proceeds from the private placement would significantly reduce the company’s gearing level although it would dilute the shareholding of major shareholders.

Meanwhile, Kenanga Research estimated AirAsia’s earnings per share would be diluted by 17% while net gearing would be reduced to 2.3 times from 3.2 times currently.

“The proceeds raised will be earmarked for partial debt settlement and as working capital,” it said in a report.

It noted that the management had yet to hedge fuel cost as prices were relatively stable.

The research house has revised upwards its earnings forecast for the airline for years ending Dec 31, 2009 and 2010.

This is in anticipation of lower finance cost and higher ancillary income.

The stock was last traded at RM1.41 per share.

Air Asia partners with... Oakland Raiders
From flickr

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Air Asia X
From flickr

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AirAsia raises RM505mil from placement
Wednesday September 16, 2009
By LEONG HUNG YEE

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd, which was suspended from trading yesterday, has raised as much as RM505.4mil in a private placement to pare down its debts.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the carrier said it had completed its book-building exercise for the offering of 380 million new AirAsia shares representing 16% of its issued and paid-up capital as at Sept 10.

Based on the record of depositors of the airline as at Sept 10, the foreign shareholding level of AirAsia amounted to 46.10%.

“The private placement was oversubscribed with strong demand from foreign institutional investors.

“The final allocation and the size of the private placement was aimed to achieve a post-placement foreign ownership level of 45%, in line with AirAsia’s articles of association,” it said.

The issue price, which was fixed at RM1.33, represents a discount of 6.71% to the five-day volume weighted average market price of AirAsia shares up to and including Sept 14 of RM1.4257 per AirAsia share.

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and Credit Suisse (Singapore) Ltd are the joint-placement agents for the exercise.

Earlier, group chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun was quoted by Bloomberg as saying AirAsia could offer additional 75 million shares in the private placement.

Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, who is currently abroad, could not be reached for comment.

Long-haul sister carrier AirAsia X’s Oakland Raiders aircraft livery made a debut at the Oakland International Airport on Monday. The carrier had earlier signed a sponsorship deal with the National Football League’s Oakland Raiders.

ECM Libra Investment Research, which maintained a “buy” call on AirAsia, said it was “positive” on the private placement, which would help increase liquidity position of AirAsia and lower its net gearing ratio.

“Based on management guidance, post-private placement, net gearing may decrease to 2.5 times from 3.71 times, representing a drop of 32.6%,” it said.

Kenanga Research said the private placement would be a relief for AirAsia’a balance sheet, as it would increase the latter’s cash position in helping to partly fund new aircraft deliveries and some working capital.

AirAsia falls most in six weeks
Published: 2009/09/16





AIRASIA Bhd, Southeast Asia’s biggest discount carrier, fell the most in six weeks in Kuala Lumpur trading after selling shares at a discount in a private placement aimed at cutting debt.

The shares fell as much as 5 per cent to RM1.34 and traded at RM1.35 as of 9:57 am local time. It was the biggest intraday drop since Aug 5.

AirAsia joins other Malaysian companies including Axiata Group Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd in raising funds from stock sales this year amid a rebound in the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index.

AirAsia, whose shares have surged 55 per cent this year, will use the proceeds to reduce its debt-to-equity ratio to 2.5 times from 3.7 times at the end of June, according to RHB Research Institute Sdn.

“With a much better capitalized balance sheet, AirAsia’s insolvency risk is substantially reduced,” Joshua Ng, an RHB analyst, wrote in a report today.

RHB maintained an “underperform” rating on the stock “to reflect concerns on AirAsia’s still relatively high net gearing as well as the still tough operating conditions of the airline industry.”

The Sepang, Malaysia-based airline sold 380 million new shares at RM1.33 apiece, raising RM505.4 million, it said in a statement yesterday. The sale price is 5.7 per cent lower than the previous close.

Airlines worldwide may lose a combined US$11 billion in 2009, US$2 billion wider than a previous forecast in June, as fuel costs rise and carriers earn less on fares and cargo, the International Air Transport Association said yesterday.

AirAsia has borrowed money to help pay for purchases after ordering as many as 175 planes from Airbus SAS, making the carrier the biggest customer for the planemaker’s single-aisle aircraft in Asia.

The airline is expanding its fleet to add more routes to China and India as economic growth in the region spurs travel demand.

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and Credit Suisse (Singapore) Ltd arranged the private placement, AirAsia said. - Bloomberg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3923299508_560d095541_b.jpg

^^ OMG! this is a 5-Star budget airline!

MAS...jangan kasik malu, ok!

^^ OMG! this is a 5-Star budget airline!
MAS...jangan kasik malu, ok!

BUDGET airline in Malaysia is really more than usual :cheers:

AirAsia tumbles after share placement proceeds news
Published: 2009/09/17

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/airass/pix_bottom

AirAsia Bhd's (5099) share price tumbled yesterday after its announcement a day earlier that it had raised RM505.4 million through a new share placement to cut debt.

OSK Research said it remained cautious on the budget airline's prospects.

While the fund-raising exercise and recent deferment of plane deliveries may bring relief to AirAsia's balance sheet, the expected new capital expenditure of RM2 billion a year over the next three years would still weigh heavily on the airline, it said.

OSK has kept its "neutral" rating on the stock, with a target price of RM1.48.

AirAsia shed 3.6 per cent to RM1.36 yesterday on heavy volume of some 12 million shares. It was the stock's lowest close in two weeks.

Is it true they will fly to Kolkata this Nov 7th and to Cochin this October ? Just checked on wikipedia.

AirAsia’s fleet expansion remains a concern
Written by Financial Daily
Thursday, 17 September 2009 10:34

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/images/stories/FinancialDaily/17092009/airasia.jpg

ANALYSTS remain concerned about AIRASIA BHD’s outlook despite its recent successful RM500 million share sale exercise, due to the budget carrier’s rapid fleet expansion and the challenging operating environment.

HwangDBS Vickers Research maintained the stock is fully valued at RM1.41 with a lower target price of RM1.10 (from RM1.25) though Kenanga Research kept its trading buy call and maintained its target price at RM1.53.

HwangDBS Vickers in a note said yesterday its call was based on eight times CY2010 earnings per share (EPS), after taking into account the diluted EPS following the placement.

It noted that AirAsia was currently trading at 10.4 times FY10 EPS and 1.1 times FY10 book value, higher than peers’ 7.8 times and 0.9 times respectively.

It added the placement would enlarge AirAsia’s share base by 16% to 2.76 billion shares and dilute its major shareholder Tune Air Sdn Bhd’s stake to 26.5% from 30.7%.

Although HwangDBS Vickers expected AirAsia’ placement to lower its net gearing level to 2.4 times from 3.1 times by year-end, it remained concerned on its rapid fleet expansion.

Kenanga Research opined that the placement was only a “temporary relief” as it expected AirAsia to see a “hefty” balance sheet upon the deliveries of its 16 aircraft each in FY10 and FY11.

It said despite strong 1H09 results and improving load factor, it expected AirAsia’s yield to contract further due to intense ticket fare competition among its peers.

Kenanga’s forecast for AirAsia’s FY09 and FY10 available seat km (ASK) is 21 million and 23.51 million respectively. Its estimates for load factor are 73.3% for FY09 and 72.3% in FY10. It expects a yield of 16.5 sen/revenue per km for FY09 and FY10.

The research firm said the growing ancillary income was expected to cushion the impact as it provided a “relatively strong margin” that would give a positive impact to the bottom line.

It noted that foreign institutional investors’ subscription of the share sale resulted in an increase of AirAsia’s foreign shareholding to 45% from 38% reported in 1H09.

“It is learnt that the management is satisfied with the RM505 million proceeds from the placement,” Kenanga added.

It had fine-tuned its earnings forecast for the low-cost carrier lower by 3.3% and 1.6% for FY09 and FY10, adding that its target price of RM1.53 was based on nine times price-to-earnings ratio (PER) on FY09 EPS of 17 sen.

AirAsia fell five sen to close at RM1.36 yesterday.

AirAsiaX to fly to Nice, France next year

Nice is a southern city of France 40km from Cannes and 30km from Monaco. :banana::banana:

AirAsiaX to fly to Nice, France next year

Nice is a southern city of France 40km from Cannes and 30km from Monaco. :banana::banana:

Interesting where is this from?

Interesting where is this from?

from TheStar Biz....

Is it true they will fly to Kolkata this Nov 7th and to Cochin this October ? Just checked on wikipedia.

Kolkata is pretty close to Dhaka where AA already covered. i prefer Mumbai as it is an important financial hub for India...(as well as a tourist destination)

AirAsia spreads its wings to American football
By AFTAR SINGH


AIRASIA is fast becoming synonymous with sports.

It has already penetrated the hugely popular English Premier League market, is a partner of the AT&T Williams Formula One racing team and is also the official low-cost airline for Manchester United.

Now, it has spread its wings to American football with its two-year sponsorship of the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League (NFL).

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/20/sports/s_p60airasia.jpg
Eye-catching trio: Three cheerleaders posing in front of AirAsia’s Airbus A-340 at the Oakland International Airport on Sept 14.

American football may not be as famous or as popular as soccer in this part of the world but that has not stopped AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes from trying to promote the game here.

“It’s a very popular game in the US and we also want it to be one of the sports in Asia. We (AirAsia), with the help of Oakland Raiders, will make efforts to promote the game in Asia,” Tony told a press conference in Oakland last week.

His made those comments after AirAsia’s “Xcellence’’ – its Airbus A340 – touched down at the Oakland International Airport for the first time last Monday. On board the flight was a group of 10 journalists from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

Also present were newly-appointed Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, the city’s Mayor Ron Dellums, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis and CEO Amy Trask, AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani and director Datuk Lim Kian Onn.

“This is a very proud moment for us.

“We are excited to associate ourselves with an iconic team like Oakland Raiders. This partnership will greatly enhance our efforts to boost our brand globally.

“We are already a well known brand in Asia. We are on our way to becoming a household name in Europe.

“And now, our relationship with the Raiders will allow us to establish our brand in the United States,” said Tony.

The no-frills airline’s foray into the NFL is also a way for AirAsia to get landing rights in the US.

AirAsia had, in March, secured landing rights in Stansted, England, for the European tourists.

“We are now in the process of negotiating with airports in the United States on the possibility of operating flights into America,” said Tony.

“American destinations are very much in our long-term plans as demonstrated by our recent order of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft.

These planes will be delivered beginning 2016.

“However, we are exploring ways of commencing flights to the US by the end of next year.”

Tony also said that it would cost an American tourist just US$350 to fly from Oakland to Malaysia.

Once it takes off, Tony expects the NFL and Oakland Raiders’ fan-base to expand in Asia.

Speaking of the Raiders, the 10 journalists, including yours truly, were treated to the season-opening NFL match between Oakland Raiders and San Diego Charges at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Stadium on Sept 14.

Unfortunately, the Raiders lost 20-24. Raiders owner Davis was enthusiastic about AirAsia’s sponsorship, saying: “Not only is Xcellence the name of the plane but it is the driving force behind both our organisations to promote the game.”

They have also applied to fly to Xi'an, Wuhan and Shenyang in China and NewYork and of course AirasiaX to fly to Nice, paris next year..

Still no plans for Moscow? :(

AirAsia X eyes second French route


PETALING JAYA: While Nice will be AirAsia X’s first port of call in France next year, the long-haul low cost carrier is looking at adding a second destination in the country.

The carrier believed there was strong demand for flights between Nice and Kuala Lumpur but would not be launching the route “anytime soon”, AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said in an interview with Bloomberg TV yesterday.

“Well, I think there’s a huge amount of demand. That would be our first point of call. We’ve also got the whole of the south of France, you’ve got Geneva a couple of hours away and you’ve also got Milan,” he said.

He said AirAsia was innovative in the way it looked at destinations and going to Nice was “really serving the whole of the south of France, a bit of Italy and Switzerland.”

Asked whether there would be more capital fund raising for AirAsia in the next two years, Fernandes said no.

“We had a fantastic roadshow, great demand, so we raised RM500mil. It’s only the second time we’ve been in the market. The first time was our IPO (initial public offering) in 2004,” he said.

The company announced its capital-raising last month to pare down its debt. Fernandes said AirAsia’s business income had been strong and ancilliary income was increasing. “Oil prices have come off substantially so we don’t see ourselves needing capital for a long long time,” he added.

On the expansion of AirAsia’s fleet, Fernandes said the company was looking to take in 16 planes next year, eight planes fewer than originally planned.

“The demand (for travel) has been very good. We’ve continued to outgrow capacity above 20% in the last two quarters (and) this quarter is looking very strong as well in terms of passengers,” he said. He said the carrier had just started flying into India, which “has been looking very good”.

Still no plans for Moscow? :(

nope, never heard AA mentioning about possible route to Moscow nor St Petersburg...

only Kazakhstan they mention quite some time ago....

Guys, after the hoo-haa last year about the plans to make Kuantan AirAsia's hub for the East Coast Region, seems like that destination has disappeared from the website...

Me thinks that AA dropped Kuantan as it is too near KL and not viable for air travel (only 2+ hours drive)... Is that true?

Air Asia please fly to Amsterdam:) Do they have any plan to fly to Amsterdam? I think the market is good between Ams - KL. A lot of Dutch love to travel to Asia:)

Kolkata is pretty close to Dhaka where AA already covered. i prefer Mumbai as it is an important financial hub for India...(as well as a tourist destination)

Government has blocked them flying to both delhi and mumbai! SO none of them soon.

I think kolk must have been cancelled or else they would have started marketing already instead of going twice daily to tiri

Government has blocked them flying to both delhi and mumbai! SO none of them soon.

I think kolk must have been cancelled or else they would have started marketing already instead of going twice daily to tiri

eh? where you get the news saying government blocked AA from flying to Mumbai? bcoz i just heard couple of weeks ago that AA was applying for that route...

nope, never heard AA mentioning about possible route to Moscow

They did mention:

1. Other potential Air Asia X routes are likely to be Kuala Lumpur to Europe (Prague, Moscow)

Also Mr. Osman-Rani stated:

2. Looking further afield, the carrier may consider covering Germany and Eastern Europe...he stated that "Moscow is of big interest to me..."

Thats why i still hope :)

oh, than i must have missed the news. but sorry to say that, is there any potential in term of load for Moscow-KL route?

even the giant Singapore Airline just launched the Singapore-Moscow couple of years ago...

Yes there is potential, year by year we have growth to Malaysia and the problem that there is no direct connection, of course now we use Emirates, Singapore and Qatar, but its better to have direct flight. Russian airliner Transaero flies 3 times per week to Denpasar, and for 2008 year we have 100% growth in comparison with 2007, i think its because of the flight. Promotion of Malaysia is good thx to Tourism Malaysia Moscow, but travel would be cheaper if we could reach Malaysia directly. Although russian prefer more quality, i think MAS would be more nice here, but i think if AA could start to here it could start malaysian boom in Russia ) I work in tourism and 3 days ago visited malaysian party in embassy here, ambassador told about growth for 8 months this year in comparison to 2008. When there were no direct connection to Thailand from Moscow, it was also very exotic for us, now we have daily flights to Bangkok and direct 3 weekly flights to Phuket, they are all full. So soon i hope Moscow-KL will become real. Russian Aeroflot planned to start flights to KL this year again (10 yrs ago we had it), but due to crisis they decided to put it in the future.

And yes SQ is a giant, but agree, Singapore is just a stopover and Malaysia is a paradise for vacations, if SQ has such a huge success here, i think routes to Msia could be even more popular.

Russian Aeroflot planned to start flights to KL this year again (10 yrs ago we had it), but due to crisis they decided to put it in the future.

Aeroflot flying to Bangkok but delaying flight to KUL maybe bcoz of profitability that they refuse to take the risk....

and if Aeroflot (or MAS) don't fly to this route, maybe the demand is still 'small' for them to make profit. yes, there might be an increase in term of number of Russians going to KL, but still few compare to those going to Bangkok....

if AirAsia take the route, i don't think Russians who are going to Bangkok will divert their destination to KL as AirAsia is a point to point budget carrier. they can't transit in KL if they want to go to Bangkok via AirAsia.

also if we look at the destinations covered by AirAsia or AirAsia X, those nations are generally the common tourist (as well as business traveller) to Malaysia. SEAsian, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and so on (also Brits)...that's why AA was so eager to fly to Japan but since the visa restriction, they focus on other route instead.

Anyway i adore Malaysia, and i hope oneday there will be strong connections between Russia and Malaysia, wonderful country!

Recently, a friend of mine moved to Moscow took the route KUL-ARN(Stockholm)-DME. The flight was booked by MARA though, giving priority to the national airline by paying full fare lol.

Zulhelmi, he is medical student?

Zulhelmi, he is medical student?
Yep, he is.

Hey Zulhelmi, I'm Medical Technologist or medical laboratory expert here...Now I'm Thai specialist (in bahasa Thai) for medical equipment di seluruh Thailand...I'm working for some days whenever they want me to brief only (about 1-2 days per weak) that's why I have lots of time to spend in this forum..nice to know ya!

From flickr

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AirAsia aims to beef up cargo revenue
By Jeeva Arulampalam Published: 2009/09/28

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jacg8/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/28azran.jpg

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia Bhd (5099) wants to increase its cargo business by targeting clients that are more price sensitive and less time sensitive, said AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

Azran, who is driving AirAsia's cargo expansion, said the airline will be able to grow its cargo revenue by half in 2009 from the RM40 million recorded last year.

While cargo revenue represents roughly 1.5 per cent of the group's topline in 2008, the airline hopes to increase the contribution to 10 per cent by 2011.

"In the past, as a low-cost carrier, we did not look at cargo seriously as there were concerns that cargo may be disruptive to the core operations, which requires fast turnaround," Azran told Business Times in a recent interview in Sepang.

The airline, which utilises less than 20 per cent of the aircraft belly space for cargo now, has the potential to utilise up to 40 per cent of its cargo space for core routes including Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Melbourne, London, Bangkok and Jakarta.

"The reasons why the cargo business is interesting to us now is because we have started adding a lot more (new) flights and frequencies," said Azran.

While the shipment amount remains small, frequent flights, such as eight flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, allow the carrier to provide more competitive rates in the market due to under utilised cargo capacity.

Azran said rates can be up to 50 per cent cheaper compared with the market, lending to AirAsia's visibility as a viable alternative cargo provider.

"We are also setting up a strategic approach to the cargo network. So instead of just going point-to-point, we are working with cargo sales agents on how to piece together interline solutions," he said.

For example, cargo bound from China to Europe can be placed on an AirAsia flight from China to Kuala Lumpur and subsequently transferred onto an airline traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Europe.

"We talk to freight forwarders because they match the routes," said Azran.

AirAsia will not compete with large air cargo players but work with middle market players that can utilise AirAsia's services.

"There is a lot of business within the 24 to 48 hour window cycle for cargo movement, especially for people who are less time sensitive and want an alternative to shipping," he adds.

AirAsia also hopes to capitalise on its presence in the Chinese market given the country's large export industry.

"As China increases the value of goods that it produces such as sophisticated electronics or rich textiles, the demand for air cargo increases because they may not want to send it by ship," said Azran.

He added that two key cargo routes in China, Tianjin and Hangzhou, were already operated by AirAsia X.

"We have also heard that the Chinese government is going to start limiting cargo flights to Beijing Airport and will direct the cargo aircraft to Tianjin. This will make Tianjin a more prominent global cargo hub in the next six months," said Azran.

From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3957142518_4ba7deed4d_b.jpg
Really neat!

http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2009b/20off_pic.jpg

Buy AirAsia tickets for 20% less today and tomorrow


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is shaving 20% off its fares to all destinations, except London and internal flights in Thailand, for tickets bought today and tomorrow.

The 48-hour sale involves travel from Monday to Nov 30 this year.

AirAsia group regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan said the budget airline’s low fairs would continue to stimulate travel demand.

Promotional seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis and are exclusively available online www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.

AirAsia flies into three more South Indian cities
Tuesday September 29 2009

SEPANG, Sept 28 — AirAsia, Asia’s leading low cost airline, will fly to Kochi, Trivandrum and Kolkata come December, in a move to expand its network in India.

AsiaAsia Group’s Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan said AirAsia was flying now to Tiruchirappalli and would spread its wings to other destinations in India this year.

“Last year we were very busy working in China and we are now extensively covered in China. At present, AirAsia flies to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Haikou, angzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin in China.

“For the fourth quarter and next year, AirAsia will focus on building our network in India where there is huge demand,” she told Bernama in an interview today in conjunction with AirAsia’s 48-hour sales.

The two-day promotion, offers a 20 per cent discount on fares to all destinations, excluding London and Thailand, for the travel period beginning today until Nov 30.

It covers all domestic and international destinations across 20 countries and over 130 routes.

Elaborating on the Indian sector, Tan said AirAsia was looking at tapping destinations like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and AirAsia’s long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, would look further at Mumbai and Delhi.

She said the Tiruchirappalli sector received overwhelming response from the population in Southern India who visited Kuala Lumpur and used it as a gateway to enter Southeast Asia.

On whether AsiaAsia was experiencing a dip in sales due to the economic downturn, Tan said AirAsia was not really affected due to the airline’s strategic commercial initiative to encourage people to travel.

“Because of the economic downturn, people are downgrading but corporate travellers still want to fly. AirAsia offered alternative solutions to get people to fly,” she said.

Tan said AirAsia’s market was huge covering the corporate, youth, retired, labour, family and student segments, adding that travelling during an economic crisis was best because of low prices offered by hotels.

“Because of our low cost model, the fares are affordable. We are changing the travel dynamics in Asia and we see more Malaysians flying now. In the past, people in East Malaysia will not come to Kuala Lumpur because of the expensive airfare,” she said.

Tan said the low cost carrier had opened up the flying experience as people not just travel for holidays but also for shopping or medical treatment.

She said AirAsia’s low cost model also boosted domestic tourism as the airline’s huge network enabled more Malaysians to take short domestic holidays to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri and Tawau.

“We see 2009 as a challenging year for the aviation industry. We removed fuel surcharge and administration fees because we want to keep flying at affordable prices to stimulate travel.

“AirAsia today is more than just about low fares. We are selling romance,

lifestyle and holiday dreams,” Tan said.

Asked on AirAsia’s sales target for 2010, Tan said the economy was recovering and people are beginning to spend.

“The worst is over, so let’s see. Our bookings have been very encouraging,” said Tan, adding that AirAsia was still expanding despite the challenging economy.Saying that the low cost model was more matured and gaining acceptance, Tan added that online booking was no longer an issue because people were more tech-savvy now.

On AirAsia’s 48-hour sales campaign, Tan said the airline rarely offered such a promotion.

“The campaign will encourage people to travel because this year was a tough year due because of the H1N1 pandemic and challenging economic factors,” she explained.

Asked on the sales expectation, Tan said: “I would not be able to give figures, it depends on the response, but I think the response will be good. We are running into the peak travel period now and people want to start planning their holidays.”

During the two-day promotion, AirAsia will offer a 20 per cent discount on fares to all destinations, excluding London and Thailand, for the travel period beginning today until Nov 30.

It covers all domestic and international destinations across 20 countries and over 130 routes. — Bernama

AirAsia goes inter from Phuket

Thai AirAsia is opening a second base in Phuket for international services at a time when much of the aviation industry remains in the doldrums and some airlines are making cutbacks.


Thai AirAsia staff last Friday celebrate receiving the airline’s 10th brand new Airbus A320 at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
As part of an aggressive growth strategy the no-frills carrier has firmed up plans to link the southern resort island with four major regional cities from November.

The airline now has a single international service to and from Phuket-Singapore, and flights to Bangkok.

Thai AirAsia will introduce daily flights from Phuket to Jakarta and to Hong Kong from about mid-November. Daily services to Ho Chi Minh City and Medan will start a month later, said chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld.

The airline will station two A320 jetliners, each capable of carrying 180 passengers, at Phuket International Airport and will set up a crew centre and an aircraft maintenance support base there. Plans are under way for the airline to set up a third Thai hub in Chiang Mai next year to tap alternative traffic opportunities to its Bangkok base.

Phuket offers promising traffic potential, especially from those who want to travel directly to and from the island, said Mr Tassapon.

"There are risks involved in opening the Phuket base but they are calculated ones," he told the Bangkok Post.

Having additional hubs to Bangkok increases the airline's options for keeping its passenger traffic flowing through Thailand, particularly if Bangkok encounters political troubles like the blockade of Bangkok's two airports late last year.

Depending on the response to its international services through Phuket, the carrier may connect the island with cities in the Philippines and India, where it plans to establish a foothold next year.

The airline brought its 10th brand new Airbus A320 jetliner into service last Friday, and is due to take delivery of the 11th in December.

Thai AirAsia is due to start a new route - Bangkok-Taipei - on Friday and to begin a second daily Bangkok-Hong Kong service on the same day.

The airline will next month scale back flights on some routes - Bangkok-Hanoi from twice to once daily, Bangkok-Macao from four to three times per day and Bangkok-Penang from twice to once daily - to correspond to traffic demand.

About the author
Writer: BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Published: 22/09/2009 at 12:00 AM

..

When will they open booking for Cochin and Trivandrum ? Will they be daily services or 3-5 X weekly ?

AirAsia delays delivery of 8 more planes
Monday October 5, 2009 By B.K. SIDHU

It is also unwinding leases with GE Commercial Aviation Services and others

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd has received the nod from Airbus SAS to delay delivery of eight A320-200 aircraft originally scheduled for 2011.

This means the low-cost carrier will now defer a third or 16 of 48 aircraft deliveries scheduled for 2010 and 2011, after making a similar move in July when it deferred the delivery of eight aircraft for 2010.

The budget carrier is also unwinding all its leases with GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and other lessors for early return of 13 B737.

It will also sell two of its own B737 aircraft in a bid to realign capacity with the increased demand and move towards using one aircraft type for greater efficiency.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/10/5/business/p1-airasiacht.JPG

“We will defer eight of the 24 deliveries (scheduled) for 2011. We got the deferment from Airbus,’’ AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes told StarBiz.

The deferments will push back deliveries to 2014.

Globally, many airlines have delayed taking delivery of new aircraft due to the sluggish economic conditions and lack of passenger demand.

In AirAsia’s case, Fernandes also attributed the aircraft deferment in 2011 to doubts over the timely completion of the new low-cost carrier terminal.

This is despite assurance from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd the new terminal will be completed on time by the third quarter of 2011.

AirAsia became the largest customer for the Airbus A320-200 in December 2007 after it placed a firm order for a total 175 aircraft, with an option for 50 more. The budget carrier has so far taken delivery of 63 A320s, which are used for its services in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Additionally, it has a fleet of 17 B737s, of which four are its own while the other 13 are leased from GECAS and other lessors.

“We have also closed a deal with GECAS to return nine of the B737s leased from them in stages in 2010 and sell two of our own to Mexico’s VivaAerobus,’’ Fernandes said.

AirAsia is also in talks with several parties to sell the balance two of its B737s and unwind leases for the remaining B737.

He said proceeds from the sale would be used to pay off loans for the aircraft and that the sale would have no impact on AirAsia’s bottom line.

“This alignment will have a huge impact on our Indonesian and Thai operations as they will increasingly be using the A320 instead of B737 and that makes them hugely more efficient,” he said.

“We see the two operations turning the corner and there should be positive upswing in their profits,’’ he said, adding: “We are really bullish on Indonesia and the growth in passenger numbers in the last quarter was very encouraging.”

“Our Indonesian operations have the potential to be as strong as our Malaysian operations and we see stronger revenue growth from our Thai operations,” Fernandes said. “Having two strong affiliates on top of our Malaysian operations puts us in a position of strength.’’

For airlines, the third quarter is usually the weakest quarter but Fernandes said: “AirAsia is seeing better passenger growth.

“We are very pleased with the third-quarter numbers but they will not be as good as the second quarter.”

AirAsia reported a net profit of RM139.2mil for the second quarter ended June 30 on revenue of RM657mil due to improved passenger volumes, higher ancillary income as well as write-backs on certain provisions.

After the company’s private placement of shares last month, Fernandes said the company was targeting RM1bil in reserves by the year-end.

On route expansion, he said plans were in place for the carrier to fly to three routes in India – Coachin, Calcutta and Trivandrum – this year.

“Most of our growth is in new routes but these are not new destinations. It is how we link the dots once we go to a new destination,’’ he said.

Fernandes was recently named Team Principal of 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd, which will participate in the next season of Formula One via Lotus F1.

Asked if his involvement will see him paying more attention to F1, he said: “I am very much on top of things at AirAsia, that’s my baby.’’

AirAsia's great deals here again
Published: 2009/10/05

http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2009/091001-main.gif


LOW-COST airline AirAsia (5099) is once again offering great deals with its Low Fare Madness special promotion for seats and flights departing primarily from Malaysia.

The promotion, starting today, does not include sister long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X flights. The offer covers the travel period from October 12 to November 19 this year.

The promotion is available for flights departing from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi) to foreign destinations such as China, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and destinations within Malaysia from as low as RM49 (all-in fares) one way.

To make the deal sweeter, Go Holiday is offering attractive holiday packages within the same booking and travelling period in conjunction with this campaign, offering guests tour packages to attractive beaches, eco-tourism sites, heritage and trendy tourist destinations such as Langkawi, Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bali from as low as RM236 per passenger.
Guests can book their packages via www.goholiday.airasia.com.

"Following our recent success of AirAsia's 48 Hour's Sale regional campaign, we decided to reward our guests further," Kathleen Tan, regional head of commercial, AirAsia Group, said.

AirAsia charity flight tickets snapped up


PETALING JAYA: Anxious family members and rescue teams have snapped up all AirAsia’s free tickets for the Jakarta-Padang charity flight for today.

The 260 tickets were booked within 20 minutes after AirAsia put up the offer on its website at 9am on Friday, said AirAsia group regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan.

“AirAsia wants to do its bit during this critical moment in Padang. We want to reach out to the earthquake victims,” she said.

She said some travel agents had doubled the air fare for travel between the two cities.

“We are not doing it for money. We are the people’s airline. It is our social responsibility,” she said.

Tan added that AirAsia, which had discontinued flights between the two cities previously, managed to organise the charity fight within an hour on Wednesday.

“We also provide cargo services to those who want to send relief supply to Padang,” said Tan, adding that AirAsia also planned to have extra flights between the two cities during this period.

AirAsia sees opportunities lost with deferment of planes
Written by Isabelle Francis
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 10:31

KUALA LUMPUR: AIRASIA BHD will sacrifice some growth opportunities following the deferment of the delivery of 16 aircraft that were scheduled for 2010 and 2011, said its group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

He told The Edge Financial Daily that the budget carrier had no choice but to delay the delivery of eight aircraft each in 2010 and 2011 due to uncertainties over the completion of the new low-cost terminal (LCCT).

“Sure some growth opportunities are lost. But we will still grow, gearing will come down even more and that would make shareholders happy. We will still grow by adding on 16 planes a year, and no other airline is doing that,” he said in an SMS text reply yesterday.

AirAsia’s debt stood at RM6.96 billion as at June 30, 2009. Cash amounts to RM231 million and shareholder’s fund is at RM1.95 billion.

Fernandes said routes that were affected following the deferment of aircraft delivery were mainly regional destinations out of here.

“There will be no cutbacks in Thailand and Indonesia,” he said without giving details.

HwangDBS Vickers Research in a note yesterday said the deferment might also indicate potential overcapacity situation in the future. It noted that AirAsia had also agreed with GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) to return all of its nine B737s leased from GECAS in 2010.

The research house said AirAsia would also be selling two of its own B737s to Mexican-based VivaAerobus. It has another two B737s, which are also up for sale.

Fernandes said the proceeds from the sale were ‘‘negligible’’ to its profit and loss account, adding that its Thailand and Indonesia associates should see ‘‘huge’’ benefit by replacing their B737 fleet with Airbus planes.

AirAsia made its latest order of 25 firm orders in 2007, bringing its total orders of A320s to 175 with an option for 50 more, making it the largest customer for the A320 aircraft. It is understood that to date, it has taken delivery of 63 A320.

It is learnt that AirAsia must give an 18-month notice if it decides to defer the delivery of its aircraft with no penalties to be incurred.

AirAsia has decided to defer the aircraft despite the reassurance from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) that the new LCCT terminal would be completed by 3Q2011.

The low-cost carrier recently raised over RM500 million from a private placement exercise, which is in line with AirAsia’s plan to have RM1 billion in cash by year-end.

Air Asia can now fly to Paris
2009/10/08

Nuraina A Samad

PARIS: France has given the green light for Air Asia to land in Paris, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said here.

The Prime Minister said this was conveyed to him by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday during what he described as an "extremely good" between them at the presidential residence, Palais de l'Elysee near the Champs-Elysees in Western Paris.

Najib, who had called on Sarkozy at the end of his four-day visit to France, said further details on this will be discussed at the officers' level.

"What is important is that the President had agreed to a request that I raised during our meeting," he told Malaysian journalists at the Four Seasons Hotel George V late this evening before leaving for home.


On Tuesday, Najib raised Air Asia's application for landing rights at Orly Airport in Paris when he met with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

He impressed on the Fillon the fact that the airline is the Airbus A320 biggest customer in the world.

"It is therefore most appropriate that Air Asia's application be given consideration," Najib had told Malaysian journalists later.

Najib arrived in Paris on Oct 4, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, In his entourage were Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Malaysia mohon hak pendaratan AirAsia di Paris
Norhayati Md Said di Paris, Perancis

http://www.bharian.com.my/Thursday/Nasional/20091007225515/mainpix
PRESIDEN Perancis, Nicolas Sarkozy bersalaman dengan Najib dalam pertemuan antara kedua-dua pemimpin di Istana Elysee di Paris, malam tadi. Najib berada di Paris kerana menghadiri Perhimpunan Agung Unesco ke-38 bermula kelmarin.



Perancis mahu hubungan dua negara dikekal

DATUK Seri Najib Razak meminta Perancis memberi pertimbangan kepada permohonan AirAsia untuk mendapatkan hak pendaratan di Lapangan Terbang Orly, di sini berikutan syarikat itu adalah pembeli terbesar pesawat Airbus 320 buatan syarikat negara itu.

Perdana Menteri berkata, beliau menyampaikan permintaan itu dalam pertemuannya dengan Perdana Menteri Perancis, Francois Fillon di kediaman rasminya di sini, semalam.

"Fillon memaklumkan, AirAsia sudah ditawarkan hak pendaratan di luar Paris tetapi tetap akan mempertimbangkan permohonan itu," katanya pada sidang media bersama wartawan Malaysia di sini, semalam.

Dalam pertemuan itu Perancis menyatakan mahu hubungan dua negara dikekalkan di samping mencari bidang baru yang boleh diteroka bersama dan berharap Malaysia melihat kemampuan teknologi syarikat negara itu dalam bidang pengurusan sisa, pengangkutan darat dan tenaga nuklear.

Di samping itu, negara itu mahu hubungan sedia ada termasuk bidang pertahanan dan pelancongan yang sudah lama terjalin dikekalkan.

Kedua-dua pemimpin turut menyentuh isu global seperti kerangka kewangan baru dunia dan perubahan iklim. Selain itu, Fillon meminta penjelasan mengenai pendirian Malaysia dalam isu Myanmar dan nuklear Iran.

Mengenai pertemuannya dengan Setiausaha Agung Pertubuhan Kerjasama Ekonomi dan Pembangunan (OECD), Angel Gurria, sebelum itu, Najib berkata Gurria sudah mengambil maklum usaha Malaysia memperbaiki keadaan selepas Malaysia sebelum ini dilaporkan pernah 'disenarai hitam' oleh OEDC.

"Gurria juga meminta kita meneruskan proses itu supaya mereka dapat mengkaji semula kedudukan Malaysia tidak lama lagi," katanya.

Menurut satu laporan April lalu, Malaysia dan tiga negara lain disenarai hitam oleh OECD kerana dianggap tidak memberi kerjasama dalam menyediakan kemudahan cukai, digugurkan daripada senarai itu selepas masing-masing bersetuju akur dengan peraturan pertubuhan itu.

Katanya, Gurria juga mencadangkan Malaysia mengambil bahagian dalam kajian pencapaian bidang pendidikan yang kini disertai lebih 60 negara untuk menanda aras pencapaian pendidikan Malaysia dengan negara lain.

Mengenai penggunaan tenaga nuklear sebagai bahan bakar, Perdana Menteri berkata, ia satu pilihan jangka panjang dan sesuatu yang tidak mudah dilaksanakan.

"Jika pada satu peringkat kita membuat keputusan Malaysia perlu menjana elektrik menggunakan tenaga nuklear, kita akan berbuat demikian tetapi bukan sekarang," katanya.

Mengenai projek di Bakun, beliau berkata kerajaan masih mempertimbangkan sama ada untuk membekalkan tenaga elektrik dari empangan itu ke Semenanjung atau hanya Sarawak saja.

Menjelaskan penubuhan Dana Amanah Kerjasama Unesco-Malaysia yang diumumkan dalam ucapannya pada Persidangan Unesco ke-35 kelmarin, Najib berkata, ia bertujuan membantu negara kurang maju meningkatkan keupayaan dalam menyediakan pendidikan berkualiti.

Perdana Menteri juga menjelaskan mengenai konsep 1Rantau 1Dunia yang menurutnya 1Rantau sudah hampir menjadi kenyataan kerana pada 2015, Asean akan menjadi komuniti ekonomi Asean.

"Begitu juga jika kita mahu menangani beberapa masalah dunia seperti perubahan cuaca, kerjasama dan kesepaduan yang amat penting. Akhirnya dalam mengatasi pemasalahan itu, konsep 1Dunia itu amat berguna," katanya.

AirAsia, Fernandes menang anugerah TTG
9 Oktober 2009 / 20 Syawal 143

KUALA LUMPUR 8 Okt. - Bagi kali ketiga, AirAsia diiktiraf sebagai Syarikat Penerbangan Tambang Murah Terbaik Asia oleh penerbit berita pengembara, TTG manakala Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes (gambar) dipilih sebagai personaliti terbaik tahun ini.

Syarikat itu telah dinamakan sebagai syarikat penerbangan terbaik oleh para pembaca TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice dan TTG-Btmice dengan memperoleh undi sebanyak 43,000 dalam undian yang dijalankan pada bulan Jun hingga Ogos tahun ini.

Anugerah tersebut mewakili populariti yang diraih oleh AirAsia di kalangan pengembara yang terdiri daripada ahli perniagaan dan awam.

AirAsia menerima anugerah itu kerana syarikat berkenaan antara yang terbaik dari aspek perkhidmatan, rangkaian dan jadual.

Selain itu, syarikat tersebut juga terbaik dalam berurus niaga dengan agen-agen pengembaraan bagi tempahan, pengesahan dan pembayaran komisen dan kumpulan profesional dalam jualan dan pemasaran.

AirAsia telah memenangi pengiktirafan yang sama pada 2005 dan 2008.

Sementara itu, pengarang TTG memilih Fernandes sebagai Personaliti Pengembara Terbaik kerana menjadi individu cemerlang dengan mengambil langkah proaktif membangunkan industri pengembaraan dan memperkenalkan ciri-ciri inovatif dalam bidang tersebut.

Menurut TTG, Fernandes telah menjadi peneraju revolusi dalam pengembaraan udara dan mempopularkan tambang rendah bagi membolehkan semua orang terbang.

''Anugerah ini mengiktiraf organisasi cemerlang dalam pengembaraan setiap tahun bagi rantau Asia Pasifik yang telah menunjukkan komitmen kukuh ke arah perkhidmatan terbaik,'' kata TTG.

Sementara itu, Fernandes yang mengulas mengenai kejayaannya berkata: ''Anugerah yang diterima oleh AirAsia merupakan tanda komitmen syarikat dalam mengembangkan sektor pelancongan di rantau tersebut''.

Tambah beliau, meskipun kebanyakan syarikat penerbangan lain mengalami kemerosotan tetapi AirAsia terus berkembang dan ia penting sebagai tanda sokongan kepada ekonomi Asia, termasuk pertumbuhan dalam pelancongan.

''Kami juara dalam sektor pelancongan di Asia melalui tawaran penerbangan yang boleh digunakan oleh semua orang,'' ujar beliau.

Beliau menambah, AirAsia sering membuat pilihan terbaik penerbangan kepada orang ramai melalui kempen-kempennya yang inovatif yang dilancarkan melalui airasia.com dan media.

AirAsia, named Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier
Friday October 9, 2009

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/10/9/business/p6-airasia.JPG

File picture shows Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes
holding up a miniature AirAsia plane at a press conference in Colombo on August 18. - AFP

Ceo Tony named is Travel Personality of The Year

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd was named the “Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier” while chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes was named “Travel Personality of The Year” by leading Asia-Pacific travel news publisher TTG.

AirAsia received the award for being the best in service, network and schedules; in dealings with travel agents for reservations, confirmations and commission payments; and in sales and marketing team professionalism. It won the same award in 2005 and 2008.

“AirAsia was unanimously named ‘Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier’ by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice who cast 43,000 votes in a poll held from June to August this year,” the company said in a statement yesterday.

“The award reflects the airline’s popularity among travel trade insiders and the travelling public.”

Meanwhile, TTG’s editorial board named Fernandes the “Travel Personality of The Year” for being the “most outstanding individual for taking proactive steps to develop the travel industry and for demonstrating innovation in his field.”

“Tony has led the airline in revolutionising air travel and popularising low fares that now allow everyone to fly,” the company said.

In the same statement, Fernandes said the award reflected AirAsia’s commitment to growing tourism in the region.

“While other airlines are contracting, AirAsia is expanding, believing that it is vitally important for Asia to receive as much support as it can get for the sustenance of its economies, including through growth in tourism.

“We have championed tourism in Asia by offering flights that are truly accessible to everyone,” he said.

The awards were held at the 20th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2009 Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Bangkok yesterday. About 700 travel industry professionals attended the event.

^^cool...so powerfulla air asia dis dayz.....

Now, AirAsia can fly to Paris


PARIS: AirAsia, Malaysia’s low-cost airline, has been granted landing rights in Paris.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak said French President Nicolas Sarkozy had conveyed this to him during their meeting at Elysee Palace on Wednes-day.

“The details will be worked out later,” he told Malaysian journalists before flying home later that night.

The French leader had given his approval for the budget airline to land at Orly Airport in southern Paris, barely 24 hours after Najib raised the matter with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

He said the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company was prepared to turn Malaysia into a centre for maintenance, repair and overhaul of all types of Airbus aircraft.

Najib added that this came out during a breakfast meeting with French captains of the industry.

He said that Malaysia could definitely benefit from the spillover effects of the industry.

On reports about the sale of Plus Expressways Bhd and other toll expressway concessionaires, Najib said the Government had not made any decision.

“I have not seen the proposal yet,” he said.

Najib added that the Government was studying the toll expressway sector and he would make a statement when there was a final decision.

According to reports, Asas Serba Sdn Bhd, had in May, proposed to the Works Ministry to acquire all the 22 highway concessionaire companies for RM50bil.

AirAsia X sets aim on Orly next year
2009/10/09

By Jeeva Arulampalam

KUALA LUMPUR: Budget long-haul carrier AirAsia X hopes to mount flights to France as early as next year, after receiving the nod to land in France.

"We are extremely grateful that the prime minister pushed to get the approval. The (landing) rights into Paris will give us access to continental Europe," AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes told the New Straits Times in a telephone interview from Bangkok.

Fernandes said he hoped to carry out the necessary discussions with relevant officials in the coming weeks to iron out the details.

"Many low-cost carriers fly to Orly Airport and this will provide us with further growth opportunities."


The airport is located 14km from Paris and is used by low-cost airlines for domestic, international and transcontinental flights.

The only other European Union destination AirAsia X currently flies to is London. AirAsia X is the long-haul affiliate of AirAsia.

On the type of aircraft that would be utilised for flights to Paris, Fernandes said the airline was still considering its options.

"We are looking at utilising the A330s for a one-stop strategy."

AirAsia X, which placed an order for 25 Airbus A330-300 aircraft, took delivery of its first A330 aircraft last October.

AirAsia extends ‘Low Fare Madness’ until Oct 18
Monday October 12, 2009

PETALING JAYA: Air Asia has extended its “Low Fare Madness” special promotion until Oct 18.

This promotion, originally to end on Oct 11, is for the travel period from Oct 19 until Nov 19.

“The ‘Low Fare Madness’ deals have increased our sales tremendously over the past week, so we decided to reward our guests further by extending our offer for another week,” said AirAsia Group regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan in a press statement.

The promotion is available for destinations including China, Brunei, Philippines; as well as domestic destinations from as low as RM49 up to RM249, departing from various local departure points.

Promotional seats are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and are available online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.

Guests may also purchase seats during this promotional campaign at Air Asia’s sales offices and sales counters in Malaysia.

Guests can book their packages to beaches, eco-tourism sites, heritage and other tourist destinations via www.goholiday.airasia.com.

No plans to sell AirAsia X stake: Chief
Published: 2009/10/12

AL-AIN, United Arab Emirates: AirAsia’s long-haul, low-cost unit has no plans to sell an equity stake in the carrier, its head said today.

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani had said in August that the unit was in talks with Middle Eastern investors to help boost its equity base in 2010.

“We don’t have any plans to sell a stake and we’re not actively looking for investors. We don’t need cash at the moment,”

Osman-Rani told reporters on the sidelines of a conference.

Bahrain-based Manara Consortium took a 10-per cent stake in AirAsia X last year. The carrier was launched in 2007 and flies to destinations in China, Australia and the United Kingdom from its Kuala Lumpur base.

Last month, parent company AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s biggest budget carrier by fleet size, raised US$144.4 million in a new share placement.

Osman-Rani also said the airline did not expect to see a loss in the fourth quarter.

“In the fourth quarter, we’ll keep our heads above water,” he added, saying the carrier’s unit costs were lower than rival airlines.

“We don’t expect to be in a loss-making position. Yields are still going to be pressured.”

Osman-Rani said the second quarter was the most difficult for the carrier, in terms of pressure on yields and passenger load factors, but volumes picked up in the third quarter.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) trade group said last month that the outlook for global airlines this year had worsened, projecting $11 billion in losses amid weak passenger and cargo demand.

The industry lost US$8.5 billion in 2008, when record high oil prices weighed on results. IATA said it expects passenger traffic to fall 4 per cent in 2009.

Osman-Rani also said the carrier wanted to expand its destinations.

“In the three-year horizon, we probably expect to add a couple of airports in the Middle East,” for flights to Malaysia, Osman-Rani added. “Jeddah is a possibility. We would like to get Jeddah.” - Reuters

AirAsia low fare promo boosts sales by 60pc
Published: 2009/10/12

AIRASIA'S "Low Fare Madness" campaign has helped the low cost airline record a more than 60 per cent increase in sales.

Due to the good response, the promotion period from October 5-11, has been extended to October 18 for the travel period of October 19 to November 19 this year.

It applies to all seats and flights from Malaysia but excluding that of AirAsia X.

"Customers have also responded positively response to our GoHoliday packages with guests being offered exclusive last minute hot deals and fantastic options on ground tour arrangements including free rooms at over 180 Asia Pacific hotels online at goholiday.airasia.com," Kathleen Tan, the Regional Head of Commercial for AirAsia Group said in a statement, today.

AirAsia's Low Fare Madness promotion is to encourage guests to plan their travel on week days rather than weekends. - Bernama

AirAsia launches first-ever brand campaign
Written by The Edge Financial Daily
Monday, 12 October 2009 15:24

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia is launching what it calls an unprecedented move in a regional campaign this week that positions the world’s best low-cost airline as a high quality, sleek and cool brand.

In a statement, AirAsia said the campaign, themed Have You Flown AirAsia?, aimed at shifting consumers’ mindset of low-cost carriers by showcasing the airline’s innovation, high quality service and unique experience.

Spearheading the campaign will be the television commercial directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad. It will be rolled out across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand on Wednesday (Oct 14) supported by online, outdoor, print and social media presence.

It said a refreshing microsite had also been created (www.haveyouflownairasia.com) to keep the brand relevant and dynamic.

“To stay ahead of the competition, we need to keep our brand fresh. We want our guests to feel good about the AirAsia experience and keep them coming back for more,” AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said.

2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix Wildcard annoncement
From flickr

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AirAsia settles airport fees
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2009/10/13

Airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has confirmed that budget carrier AirAsia Bhd (5099) has paid its outstanding airport fees.

MAHB officials confirmed this yesterday when contacted.

It is understood that the issue, which has dragged on since early this year, was settled at the end of last month.

The budget carrier had withheld about RM110 million in payments to MAHB, claiming that it was being overcharged by the airport operator.

Although it is understood that AirAsia received a discount on the amount owed, the quantum of the discount is not known.
On September 10 2009, AirAsia's chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar, after attending an extraordinary general meeting to approve a private placement of up to 20 per cent of new shares in the budget carrier, said that it had paid more than half of the monies owing to MAHB.

He added that the carrier was still in talks for the remaining sum.

AirAsia's officials could not be reached for comment.

The payment of airport fees was one of the many issues outstanding between the budget carrier and MAHB.

AirAsia has deferred the delivery of 16 of its planes so far, citing doubts over the airport operator's ability to finish the new low-cost carrier terminal on time.

This is despite MAHB insisting that it would be able to meet the budget carrier's deadline, the third quarter of 2011, for the terminal.

The budget carrier successfully raised RM505.4 million in cash last month by selling 16 per cent of its new shares to investors via a private placement.

AirAsia X has no plans to sell equity stake
Published: 2009/10/13

AL-AIN (UAE): AirAsia's long-haul, low-cost unit has no plans to sell an equity stake in the carrier, its head said yesterday.

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani had said in August that the unit was in talks with Middle Eastern investors to help boost its equity base in 2010.

"We don't have any plans to sell a stake and we're not actively looking for investors. We don't need cash at the moment,"Azran told reporters on the sidelines of a conference.

Bahrain-based Manara Consortium took a 10 per cent stake in AirAsia X last year. The carrier was launched in 2007 and flies to destinations in China, Australia and the UK from its Kuala Lumpur base.

Last month, parent company AirAsia, Southeast Asia's biggest budget carrier by fleet size, raised US$144.4 million (RM491 million) in a new share placement.

Azran also said the airline did not expect to see a loss in the fourth quarter.

"In the fourth quarter, we'll keep our heads above water," he added, saying the carrier's unit costs were lower than rival airlines. "We don't expect to be in a loss-making position.

Yields are still going to be pressured." Azran said the second quarter was the most difficult for the carrier, in terms of pressure on yields and passenger load factors, but volumes picked up in the third quarter.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) trade group said last month that the outlook for global airlines this year had worsened, projecting US$11 billion (US$1 = RM3.41) in losses amid weak passenger and cargo demand.

The industry lost US$8.5 billion in 2008, when record high oil prices weighed on results. IATA said it expects passenger traffic to fall 4 per cent in 2009.

Azran also said the carrier wanted to expand its destinations.- Reuters

AirAsia launches regional blitz tomorrow
Published: 2009/10/13





AIRASIA Bhd (5099) has launched a regional campaign this week, positioning the region's largest low-cost airline (LCC) as a high quality, sleek and cool brand.

Themed "Have You Flown AirAsia?", the campaign aims to shift consumers' mindset of LCCs by showcasing the airline's innovation, high quality service and unique experience.

Spearheading the campaign will be the television commercial directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad.

It will be rolled out across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand tomorrow supported by online, outdoor, print and social media presence.
A refreshing microsite has also been created (www.haveyouflownairasia.com) to keep the brand relevant and dynamic. Guests can continue to look forward to exciting contests and promotions, treating winners to premium events and concerts.

"To stay ahead of the competition, we need to keep our brand fresh. We want our guests to feel good about the AirAsia experience and keep them coming back for more," AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said in a statement yesterday.

Within seven years AirAsia and its affiliates have carried over 75 million passengers and grown its fleet from two aircraft to 80.

AirAsia X in talks over KL-Oakland service
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2009/10/14

LONG-HAUL low-cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia X is in talks with the Americans to launch a Kuala Lumpur-Oakland service, possibly via Taipei or Incheon in Seoul, according to a Standard & Poor's report.

Aviation analyst Shukor Yusof wrote in his note to investors that the Oakland International Airport had confirmed that it was in talks with AirAsia X.

The report said that AirAsia's future forays into France and the US underscore its evolving business strategy of an LCC into a hybrid airline that blends traits of a budget carrier with those of a full- service airline.

Shukor said the Oakland airport was attracted to AirAsia as passengers would be able to connect easily to US LCCs.

"What that means, probably, is that US LCCs might get into the international act, too. JetBlue is one candidate. It has a deal with Lufthansa already. And, in recent weeks, Virgin America announced it had inked a deal with South African Airways," he said.

AirAsia Increases Frequency To Cater For Year End Holiday Demand


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd is increasing the frequency of flights from its Kuala Lumpur hub to Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching to cater to the higher demand during the upcoming year-end holdiay and festive season.

The extra flights will open for sale on Oct 14 and service will commence from Nov 16 to Jan 6, 2010, said AirAsia in a statement today.

AirAsia is also increasing flight frequencies permanently to Johor Bahru and Penang from the Kuala Lumpur hub, effective Nov 19.

To celebrate the added frequencies, AirAsia is offering an all-in-fare from Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru, from as low as RM9.It is also scheduling flights from Kuala Lumpur - Penang from as low as RM29.

The promotion is from Oct 14-18 for the travel period from Nov 19 to July 31, 2010.

Promotional seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and made exclusively online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.

"High loads and strong demand for these routes have encouraged us to add the extra flights," said the AirAsia's regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan.

AirAsia hopes to carry 24 million passengers by the year end.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/38ar1/pix_topright

AirAsia’s three new daily flights to India
Published: Wednesday October 14, 2009 MYT 2:07:00 PM

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia will start daily direct flights to Kolkata, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in India from Kuala Lumpur beginning November, the low-cost carrier said in a statement Wednesday.

It will be offering all-inclusive fares from as low as RM129 one-way for the booking period of Oct 15 to 20 to travel between Nov 12 and July 31, 2010 for Kochi; Nov 16 to July 31, 2010 for Thiruvananthapuram; and Nov 19 to July 31 for Kolkata.

AirAsia launched its first Indian route to Trichy, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Dec 1, 2008.

Thai AirAsia looks to profitable year
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2009/10/15

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pthai-2/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/tassapon.jpg

AIRASIA Bhd affiliate Thai AirAsia will be making a profit for financial year 2009, its chief says.

"We are definitely making a profit for the year. How much of a profit ... will depend on the load factor in the fourth quarter of the year," Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld told Business Times on the sidelines of the Frost & Sullivan Growth, Innovation and Leadership Congress 2009 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Both AirAsia's affiliates, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia, saw their cash flow dragged down by exceptional costs totalling RM429 million in the fiscal year ended December 31 2008 due to the unwinding of fuel hedges and interest rate swap contracts.

Thai AirAsia registered losses in the second quarter ended June 30 2009 at RM8.2 million.

It achieved an average load factor of 78 per cent for the last three quarters of the year.

Tassapon attributed this to the four new destinations it started servicing this year.

Thai Airasia expects a load factor of between 82 per cent and 85 per cent for the fourth quarter.

Tassapon also said that the airline was on track to meeting this year's target of 5.2 million passengers.

Thai AirAsia currently runs 16 planes, out of which six are B737-300s. It will have 18 planes by the year-end.

On AirAsia's plans to redeploy new A320s to its Thai and Indonesian affiliates, Tassapon said he was more than happy to receive them.

"AirAsia, being the parent, receives priority on aircraft deliveries. Since they have already got 42, it's our turn now," he said.

AirAsia terbang ke 3 bandar India

SEPANG 14 Okt. - AirAsia akan memulakan penerbangan terus ke Kolkata, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) di India dari Kuala Lumpur mulai November ini.

Syarikat penerbangan tambang murah dalam kenyataannya berkata, tempahan bagi penerbangan itu bermula 15 hingga 20 Oktober ini bagi penerbangan pada 12 November hingga 31 Julai 2010 bagi destinasi Kochi.

Penerbangan ke Thiruvananthapuram pula pada 16 November hingga 31 Julai 2010 dan destinasi ke Kolkata pula mulai 19 November sehingga 31 Julai 2010.

Promosi tempat duduk itu terhad dan hanya boleh didapati secara eksklusif melalui tempahan di laman web www.airasia.com dan mobile.airasia.com.

http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2009/20091015-main.jpg

Amazing Price to India!!

worth to visit india..

I just booked flights to Trivandrum for December and Cochin for March

Am thinking of making another booking into Trivandrum and out via Cochin for Apr or May. Both are only 250-300 km away.

That raise a question, how many Malaysians are travelling into Kerala and how many Keralites are travelling to KL, annually ? Trivandrum & Kochi are small cities under 1 million inhabitants but shockingly, Air Asia dares to fly daily to both, which abit strange.

I only know that Kerala is relatively rich state in India where large % of its male population work in the Gulf.

AirAsia offers ‘Low Fare Madness’


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is once again offering great deals for all seats and flight with its “Low Fare Madness” special promotion.

The promotion has started already and will last until Oct 18, for the travel period starting Oct 19 until Nov 19.

The promotion is available for flights departing from Malaysia to destinations including China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Brunei, as well as domestic destinations from as low as RM49 one way.

Go Holiday is also offering holiday packages within the same booking and travel periods with tour packages to attractive beaches, eco-tourism sites and trendy destinations like Langkawi, Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bali from as low as RM236 per pax.

Travellers will be able to find exclusive last minute deals and fantastic packages, including “Free Rooms” for over 180 Asia Pacific hotels online at www.goholiday.airasia.com.

“Following our recent success of AirAsia’s 48 Hour’s Sale regional campaign, we decided to reward our guests further with our Low Fare Madness offer from hubs primarily in Malaysia to further tease our guests travel appetite and entice travel demand further” said AirAsia Group regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan.

“We are also encouraging guests to travel more on week days with this Low Fare Madness Campaign and thus, in order to grab our low fare madness deals.

“Low Fare Madness is also timely for the busy working population who are now trying to clear their annual leave before year end, opting for last minute travel with their loved ones, families and friends” she added.

The promotional seats are available online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.

They are also available at AirAsia’s sales offices and sales counters in Malaysia.

Any news about airasia's proposed Coimbatore(southern India) link???????..... currently coimbatore has only silk air flight connecting coimbatore wid singapore in SEA..

AirAsia ke Perancis menjelang akhir 2010
Oleh Kamarulzaidi Kamis
kamarulzaidi@bharian.com.my

AIRASIA Bhd menjangka memulakan penerbangan ke Perancis menjelang suku ketiga tahun depan, dengan menawarkan kadar tambang 60 peratus lebih rendah daripada ditawarkan penerbangan biasa ketika ini.

Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulannya, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, perkhidmatan yang akan dikendalikan AirAsia X itu akan menyediakan penerbangan langsung antara Kuala Lumpur dan Lapangan Terbang Orly, kira-kira 14 kilometer dari Paris.

"Saya berharap ia dapat disediakan menjelang pertengahan tahun depan, mungkin pada suku ketiga. Kami bercadang menyediakan penerbangan setiap hari ke destinasi itu, bagaimanapun untuk permulaan ia mungkin sebanyak empat kali seminggu.

"Mengenai harga tiket, saya rasa ia adalah 60 peratus lebih rendah daripada harga tambang penerbangan biasa ke destinasi itu ketika ini," katanya ketika ditemui Berita Harian di Ibu Pejabat Tune Group di Petaling Jaya, baru-baru ini.

Harga tiket penerbangan dua hala beberapa syarikat seperti Penerbangan Malaysia, Air France, Thai International dan Singapore Airlines dari beberapa bandar raya Asia Tenggara ke Paris ketika ini adalah antara RM4,000 hingga RM5,000 seorang.

Pada 8 Oktober lalu, Presiden Perancis, Nicolas Sarkozy bersetuju membenarkan AirAsia mendarat di Paris selepas hasrat syarikat itu yang juga adalah pembeli utama pesawat Airbus A320 disampaikan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak ketika sesi lawatan rasminya ke negara berkenaan.

Fernandes berkata, beliau berterima kasih kepada Perdana Menteri atas inisiatif itu kerana ia membuka peluang kepada AirAsia memasuki pasaran berkenaan dan menyediakan pilihan tambang lebih murah kepada penumpang di rantau ini untuk ke Eropah dan sebaliknya.

"Ia membolehkan AirAsia memperluaskan jangkauan penerbangannya ke Eropah selepas London. Ia juga akan merangsang usaha kami menjadikan Kuala Lumpur pusat pengangkutan tambang murah.

"Lebih banyak laluan kami terbang, lebih banyak tetamu dapat dibawa ke negara ini dan Asean, justeru meningkatkan sektor pelancongan," katanya.

Paris adalah destinasi kedua AirAsia di Eropah selepas menyediakan penerbangan tujuh kali seminggu ke London menerusi AirAsia X.

Fernandes berkata, AirAsia kini mengadakan perbincangan lanjut dengan pihak berkuasa berkaitan berhubung destinasi terbarunya itu.

"Jika kita berhasrat menandingi Bangkok dan Singapura sebagai hab penerbangan antarabangsa, kita perlu ada jangkauan ke destinasi utama seperti London dan Paris. Ia juga penting untuk imej kami.

"Selain dua laluan itu, untuk menjadi syarikat penerbangan utama global, kami juga perlu terbang ke Amerika Syarikat serta beberapa destinasi penting lain di Eropah seperti Jerman, Sepanyol dan beberapa negara Eropah Timur," katanya.

Di Asia, Tony berkata, antara destinasi penting disasarkan adalah ke Jepun dan Korea, selain meluaskan jangkauan di India dan China.

"Tahun depan, kami menjangka mengumumkan lebih banyak destinasi penerbangan ke India, mungkin satu lagi laluan ke Eropah selain ke Korea dan Jepun," katanya.

Promosi baru AirAsia
Oleh Helmy Abd Rahman
helmy@hmetro.com.my

http://www.airasia.com/MB_templete/images/my_bm_banner1.jpg

AIRASIA Berhad (AirAsia), syarikat penerbangan tambang murah terbaik dunia, menyambut kedatangan 2010 dengan promosi terbaru, Big Regional Sale! membabitkan harga tambang terhebat iaitu serendah RM19 bagi penerbangan ke destinasi tempatan dan antarabangsa kecuali penerbangan dalam negara Thailand serta London.

Ketua Bahagian Komersial Serantau Kumpulan AirAsia, Kathleen Tan, berkata tiket bagi promosi itu mula dijual hari ini hingga 25 Oktober ini membabitkan tarikh perjalanan dari 11 Januari hingga 30 April 2010.

Menurutnya, harga tiket luar biasa ditawarkan itu terbuka untuk perjalanan ke semua destinasi penerbangan Asia termasuk Timur Tengah.

“Semua penerbangan ini membabitkan pelepasan dari hab di Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya dan Bali selain Pulau Pinang dan Johor,” katanya dalam kenyataan media yang dihantar kepada Bisnes Metro, semalam.

Katanya, AirAsia peka kepada keadaan ekonomi semasa dan sentiasa berusaha memastikan pelanggan memperoleh kadar tiket penerbangan pada harga serendah mungkin.

“Kos perbelanjaan menjadi isu penting bagi setiap orang, lebih-lebih lagi ketika ekonomi dunia mengalami kegawatan seperti sekarang.

“Oleh itu, AirAsia menganggap adalah penting untuk menyediakan tawaran harga tiket berpatutan bagi memastikan orang ramai mampu membelanjakan wang mereka secara minimum untuk terbang ke destinasi diingini,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, sepanjang tahun depan, pihaknya menawarkan pelbagai promosi jualan istimewa kepada pelanggan dengan kadar berpatutan serendah RM19 hingga RM199 ke atas bagi penerbangan domestik dan antarabangsa AirAsia.

“Dengan penerbangan ke lebih 130 laluan ditawarkan kini, AirAsia percaya mampu menawarkan kadar harga terbaik kepada pelanggan, tidak kira yang berhasrat bercuti mahupun urusan kerja atau perniagaan. Kami memberi pelanggan banyak pilihan fleksibel dengan tawaran harga rendah dan kekerapan jadual penerbangan,” katanya.

Menurutnya, Go Holiday, laman web pelancongan dimiliki AirAsia turut menawarkan pakej percutian menarik sempena promosi itu termasuk pakej percutian ke pantai indah, tempat bersejarah dan lokasi tumpuan ramai.

“Pelanggan boleh menempah pakej disediakan dengan melayari http://goholiday.airasia.com dan dengan bayaran serendah RM199 seorang bagi pakej antarabangsa, pelanggan boleh menikmati penginapan tiga hari dua malam di hotel terpilih termasuk bayaran penerbangan,” katanya.

Katanya, AirAsia akan terus melancarkan kempen promosi tiada tandingan, sekali gus memenuhi permintaan pelanggan.

“Kempen Jualan 48 Jam dan Low Fare Madness dilancarkan baru-baru ini menerima sambutan luar dugaan, sekali gus membolehkan pelanggan mendapat pulangan nilai bagi setiap ringgit dibelanjakan.

“Kami juga menggalakkan pelanggan untuk mendaftar sebagai ahli Red Alert AirAsia di laman web www.airasia.com. Pelanggan berdaftar akan dimaklumkan sehari lebih awal mengenai sebarang promosi ditawarkan sebelum dihebahkan kepada media,” katanya.

Pelanggan juga boleh mengikuti berita terkini mengenai promosi terbaru AirAsia dengan mengunjungi laman web sosial Facebook, Twitter dan Blog AirAsia.

Baby boy delivered on board AirAsia flight
Friday, October 23rd, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: A premature baby boy was delivered on board an AirAsia flight on Wednesday night, 30 minutes after the aircraft left Bayan Lepas Airport in Penang.The flight AK5606 was on its way to Kuching but had to reroute to the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang when a pregnant passenger told crew members she was in labour pains.

Liew Siaw Hsia, 31, gave birth through the normal delivery to a premature but healthy boy, who became the first born in an AirAsia aircraft.

Edd Razhe, the personal assistant to the AirAsia chairman, said when the pilot was informed of the emergency, he contacted the control tower requesting a reroute to LCCT.

“The ambulance was already at the airport to take the woman and her baby to Putrajaya Hospital,” he said when contacted here, yesterday.

Edd said a doctor only known as Ronald helped deliver the baby. He added although it was an emergency, situation in the aircraft was normal and under control.

AirAsia Berhad chief operating officer Datuk Tony Fernandes, who is in Bangkok, Thailand, would be back in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the arrival of the first born at Putrajaya Hospital.

AirAsia will provide a lifetime of free flights to both Liew and her son to all destinations. — Bernama

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/PixIndepend/pix_top_10228

FREE FLIGHTS FOR MAKING HISTORY: Proud mother Liew Siaw Hsia holds a sign that says she and her new-born son are entitled to free flights for life on AirAsia. They made history with the airline's first in-flight delivery last night.
- Picture by AFENDI MOHAMED

http://xtive.utusan.com.my/tools/utusan/update_gambar/PTJ000020686.jpg

Wanita yang melahirkan bayi dalam pesawat AirAsia dari Pulau Pinang ke Kuching, Liew Siaw Hsia (tengah) diraikan para pramugari selepas menerima replika kad penerbangan seumur hidup untuk beliau dan bayinya di Hospital Putrajaya, semalam. - Utusan

AirAsia: Q3 passenger traffic up 19pc
Published: 2009/10/26

MALAYSIA budget carrier AirAsia carried 19 per cent more passengers in the third quarter from a year earlier, the company said today.

Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost airline by fleet size said it carried a total of 3.6 million passengers during the quarter.

The airline’s passenger carrying capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, expanded by 13 per cent after it took delivery of new aircraft.

Third-quarter seat load factor, or the percentage of total seats fill, was unchanged at 75 per cent from a year ago, it said.

AirAsia said these figures are preliminary and have not been reviewed by its auditors. - Reuters

Baby born on plane named after AirAsia
Wednesday October 28, 2009

SEPANG: The baby boy, who created national headlines when he was born on an AirAsia plane, has been named Asia Liew Ya Hang.

His mother Liew Siaw Hsia said the Chinese name ‘Ya Hang’ means ‘AirAsia’ in Mandarin.

“It’s the best name I can give my son who was the first baby born on the airline’s plane,” she said in a statement yesterday.

The mother and baby are currently at the Putrajaya Hospital.

Asia Liew Ya Hang was safely delivered on board Flight AK 6506 on Oct 21 when the aircraft was about 800m in the air.

The flight from Penang to Kuching was diverted to the low-cost carrier terminal here when Liew went into premature labour.

The airline has presented Liew and the baby free flight tickets for life to celebrate the birth.

AirAsia and AirAsia X jointly named Capa’s Airline of the Year
October 28, 2009

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/images/stories/logomix/air-asia1.jpg http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/images/stories/logomix/airasia-x.jpg

BEIJING, Oct 28 – “Exceptional achievement, brilliant innovations and constant positive growth” despite the global economic crisis has won the AirAsia group acclaim.

AirAsia and AirAsiaX jointly won the prestigious Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) Airline of the Year Award for 2009 here Wednesday night.

The awards were presented at the Capa Aviation Awards for Excellence presentation ceremony here, while its Group CEO, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes was also conferred the Capa Legend Award (Aviation Hall of Fame) for 2009.

The Capa awards ceremony was held as part of this year's sixth annual Asia Aviation Outlook summit here. The two-day event showcased airline and airport CEOs from around the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.

“It is a big honour, we are very proud indeed, we beat Singapore Airline, China Airline, Cathay Pacific ... it shows that Malaysia can be the best," said Tony Fernandes when asked to comment on the company’s achievement. – Bernama

Air Asia revises delivery of A320S
October 29, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — AirAsia Bhd has signed an amendment agreement with European airplane maker Airbus to revise the delivery dates of eight A320 aircraft originally scheduled for delivery in 2011 to 2014 and 2015.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia today, the regional low-cost carrier said with the deferments, the original delivery of 23 aircraft in 2011 would be reduced to 15 aircraft.

The original number of deliveries in 2014 would also be increased to 24 aircraft from 18 aircraft while in 2015, the airline would take delivery of two aircraft as opposed to nil, it said.

No penalties are payable by AirAsia in revising the delivery schedule of the 2011 aircraft, it added. AirAsia said the deferral of the 2011 aircraft was due to forecast infrastructural constraints with the current airport facilities.

It said that until the new low-cost carrier terminal was constructed, the present infrastructure at the low-cost terminal would not be able to accommodate AirAsia’s fleet expansion in the number of aircraft originally scheduled to be delivered in 2010 and 2011.

The scaling down of the aircraft delivery in 2011 is to further enable AirAsia to optimise its fleet and avoid the costs associated with leaving idle or underutilised aircraft, thus avoiding incurring depreciation, interest expense and other costs without earning revenue. — Bernama

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/4067819676_fd03f940b5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4067819034_5be6ecfd61_b.jpg

Just to let you all know, AK will impose and RM5 1 way per-passenger convenience fee.

Take note!

Just to let you all know, AK will impose and RM5 1 way per-passenger convenience fee.

Take note!

what's a convenience fee?

can i not pay RM5 to be inconvenienced?

wat convenience fee?

Awards & Recognition-2009
so far!!!

http://www.airasia.com/amazing/en/images/logo_capa.gif
• AirAsia & AirAsia X - Airline Of The Year
By Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA)

http://www.airasia.com/amazing/en/images/logo_frost.gif
• Tony received the 2009 Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Leadership Award
by Frost & Sullivan

http://www.airasia.com/amazing/en/images/ttg_awards_2009.gif
• Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier
By TTG Travel Awards 2009

http://www.airasia.com/amazing/en/images/logo_skytrax2.gif
• World's Best Low Cost Airline
by Skytrax

so proud Airasia is Malaysian...

wat convenience fee?

the fee which is impose on using of payment gateway which is include
credit card payment, and direct debit from your bank account..

my personal opinion is they should respond on this payment gatway fee..or else when we go to office purchase the airticket they shouldn't charge on us..

Any news about airasia's proposed Coimbatore(southern India) link???????..... currently coimbatore has only silk air flight connecting coimbatore wid singapore in SEA..

Probably in the near future. If Trichy ( 4th largest city in Tamil Nadu ) could do it, why not places like Madurai and Coimbatore ? Though I heard that huge chunk of TRZ-KUL pax are actually based in Chennai.

I wonder on how Air Asia will survive its new Trivandrum and Kochi lines. How many Keralites are doing business/travelling into Malaysia and how many Malaysian business/travellers flocking Kerala every year ?

I hope it won't become another KL-Tianjin line which is canceled for Nov 23rd-Jan period due to low load.

Probably in the near future. If Trichy ( 4th largest city in Tamil Nadu ) could do it, why not places like Madurai and Coimbatore ? Though I heard that huge chunk of TRZ-KUL pax are actually based in Chennai.

I wonder on how Air Asia will survive its new Trivandrum and Kochi lines. How many Keralites are doing business/travelling into Malaysia and how many Malaysian business/travellers flocking Kerala every year ?

I hope it won't become another KL-Tianjin line which is canceled for Nov 23rd-Jan period due to low load.

thank you skyprince:)...and yeah very less travel from kerala to KL... for the convenience of the state they can have one service from trivandrum or kochi (not two , distance between them jus around 200 km) ,preferably kochi coz its commercial city and one flight can be changed to coimbatore(Second largest city of TN, major industrial & textile hub), which has very good potential for passenger and cargo.....

Tony, where is your heart?
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/jameschin/42758-tony-where-is-your-heart


NOV 9 — Dear Tony (if I may, or Dear Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes)

I have been meaning to write to you. I know you love getting notes from your AirAsia customers. You have a blog, several websites, wiki page and even Facebook, all for people to get in touch with you. I decided against writing you a direct email because I think what I have to say is widely shared by other people as well. So if you do reply to me, I can share your reply.

Let me congratulate you on your appointment as F1 boss and a trustee of 1 Malaysia Foundation. Second, congratulations on your titles after such a short career in aviation — I mean less than five years ago you were “call me Tony” then you became Datuk and now Datuk Seri. At the rate you are going, I suspect you will be Tan Sri by the end of next year!

The reason I am writing is because I keep reading how well your airline is doing— it’s making tons of money and ordering a massive number of Airbus planes. You have gone international with AA X, insurance, hotels and goodness what else!

Yet somehow I think you have lost your human touch and are now solely interested in making money, just like the blood-sucking Malaysian elite you joined recently. Yet you keep telling us, in your public interviews anyway, that making money is not your main aim but providing a “service” to the rakyat! How can we, the poor rakyat, not remember that before you descended from the mountain, we had to pay “sky high” prices just to fly. As you say, now “everyone can fly”. So, a big Terima Kasih from me and 28 million other Malaysians!

What I am talking about is your reluctance to use the passenger-bridge in all airports in Malaysia. You put the blame on MAHB’s high charges. I’m sure since yours is a volume business, MAHB will be happy to offer you a special deal since you must be their second biggest customer after MAS. I cannot believe that with the millions you are making, you cannot afford to use the bridge. Or if you are really desperate, I am sure you can add 50 sen to every ticket sold to cover part of the costs.

I say this because I took a flight recently from LCCT to East Malaysia. When we arrived, it was raining heavily. Several mothers with children, and old people, were reluctant to leave the plane. But alias, your crew literally pushed them off since they only have 25 minutes to fly out again. I felt so sorry for one of the old aunties who had to carry two bags (she was trying to save RM10 because of your no-free luggage policy) and there was no one from Air Asia to help her with an umbrella. One mummy with children fared even worse. She was carrying an infant and could not hold the umbrella properly. I asked one of the flight stewardesses to help her but she gave me a dirty look. I guess nobody wanted to be caught in a mini-typhoon. I tried my best my help her but she got soaked because the umbrella was designed for one person only.

I can go on and on, and described the scene at the staircase since we all had to walk up to the “arrival hall”. Let’s just say it was a heart-breaking scene. The old people had to climb up the stairs totally soaked, and I will not be surprised if they came down with pneumonia. One of the children slipped because the staircase was wet.

So, Tony, can you please show us your heart? Now that you travel first or business class, and no longer a member of the working class, can you just do this little favour for the rest of us? I am sure it can be counted as CSR and win you another award

Yours sincerely

James Chin



I sokong AirAsia use Aerobridge in their upcoming permanent LCCT !!

i recommend those wan to use airbridge, to take MAS better. If u wan cheap, tis is the disadvantages la.

I felt sorry for those passengers that have to suffer with their budget conscious schemes...

they can afford to buy Airbus birds but they can't afford to use aerobridge for just a couple of hour.. now that really sucks to know..

http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2009b/freeseat2009_pic.gif
Book from 11 – 15 Nov 2009 | Travel from 1 May – 30 Oct 2010

i recommend those wan to use airbridge, to take MAS better. If u wan cheap, tis is the disadvantages la.

peoples actually questioning why in KLIA (LCCT) only airasia using that lousy staircase, while in BKK, HK, and even in Saigon airport they are using aerobridge....

peoples actually questioning why in KLIA (LCCT) only airasia using that lousy staircase, while in BKK, HK, and even in Saigon airport they are using aerobridge....

That's the reason why airport tax in Thailand is pretty high for LCCs. Even TF is fighting for lower LCC tax for its Thai operations.

the fare for using aerobridge is part of airport tax price, which is considered low (who knows how many percent?), and even ignored by visitors....if the destination is BKK and the visitors really really want to go to BKK, i don't think they will cancel their trip just because of that....;)

i did a comparison between BKK and KUL on airport tax. BKK charges RM75 while LCCT RM25.

let say if aerobridge are used in LCCT, i don't think the price will jump up to RM75, isn't it?...maybe it will be adjusted for around RM50?

AirAsia, AirAsia X win CAPA Airline of the Year Award 2009
9th November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7360/0911_CAPA_Award.jpg?1257741595

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani (centre) with the award. On his right is
Tony while on his left is Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre
for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

KUALA LUMPUR: Exceptional achievement, brilliant innovations, and constant positive growth – these exceptional qualities made AirAsia and AirAsia X joint winners of the prestigious Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Airline of the Year Award for 2009 at the CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence presentation ceremony, held in Beijing, China.

AirAsia’s Group CEO, Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes was also conferred the CAPA Legend Award (Aviation Hall of Fame) for 2009 for shaping the way the aviation industry has evolved.

The awards ceremony was held as part of this year’s sixth annual Asia Aviation Outlook summit, showcasing airline and airport CEOs from around the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.

Tony said, “This is a dual celebration for the airline. We are greatly honoured to be bestowed the most prestigious award of the evening. I am also honoured to be part of the Aviation Hall of Fame which honours me a lifetime of strategic leadership, innovation and influence in the aviation industry.”

“Undoubtedly, our ceaseless dedication in providing premium services with low fares, incessant innovations and most significantly, the unbeatable synergy of our short-haul and long-haul networks has greatly contributed to this success.”

“From two planes to 80 and from 200,000 to over 75 million passengers in just a short 7 years marks unprecedented growth by any airline globally, let alone a low fare airline like AirAsia.

“We are deeply flattered to accept this award and this shall further bolster our pledge – to provide superior services coupled with our low fares plus diverse service options to our guests. This is our promise,” he said.

The CAPA Airline of the Year 2009 award is deemed the uppermost level of recognition given to airlines for excellent achievements in the aviation industry and outstanding strategic contribution over the course of the past year.

AirAsia had successfully proven to be the leader in the development of the airline industry with its constant innovations and rapid expansion of its operations across the region and internationally, regularly setting new standards of excellence for others to follow.

The CAPA Legend Award 2009 (Aviation Hall of Fame) recognizes outstanding individual figures for being a revolutionary force in the aviation industry.

Tony was recognized for his influential actions for directly shaping the way the aviation industry has evolved. He is recognized for his drive, creativity, enthusiasm of driving liberalization across the region, opening new markets for AirAsia by bringing air travel to millions of new travelers and high growth levels to countless tourism destinations in a remarkably short time.

The Group CEO’s venture into low cost long haul services with AirAsia X may further cause revolution in the way network air services are delivered.

http://www.airasia.com/nl/images/2009b/freeseat2009_pic.gif
Book from 11 – 15 Nov 2009 | Travel from 1 May – 30 Oct 2010


AirAsia offers 1m free seats in promotion
Published: 2009/11/10



BUDGET carrier AirAsia announced today that it is giving one million free seats to over 70 destinations in its latest "Free Seats" promotion from Nov 11, 2009.

The promotion, which ends on Nov 15, is for the travel period from May 1 to Oct 30, 2010, the airline said in a statement.

The destinations concerned, which include China, India and Taiwan, are from AirAsia's network of over 130 routes and 20 countries.

"When the economy is tough, people seek cheaper travelling options which offer them better value for money and there is no better option than flying for free," said AirAsia regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan.

The promotional seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com, the airline said.

BERNAMA

^^

yes free seat, but airport tax still kene bayar..

^^

yes free seat, but airport tax still kene bayar..

airport tax, luggage fees, meal (of coz i want to eat).... luckily we don't have to pay for using toilet and using water in the toilet. if not, i can't imagine those tight budget traveller kena tahan kenc until landing.:lol:

^^

yes free seat, but airport tax still kene bayar..

well wat do u xpect??


Airasia Doubles Server Capacity For 1 Million Free Seats Offer


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- In anticipation of strong demand to its "1 Million Free Seats" offer, AirAsia has doubled its server capacity to cope with the huge increase in demand.

Demand has vastly exceeded its expectations partly driven by its entry into new markets such as Australia, United Kingdom, India, China and the Middle East, resulting in congestion on airasia.com.

"For those who have not been able to make a booking, we urge them to be patient and keep trying as there are still 700,000 free seats available up to Nov 15," said regional head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan, in a statement here.

Tan noted that the offer has broken two new world records whereby the website registered a phenomenal 300,000,000 hits in the first 11 hours of the campaign, and sold over 300,000 seats in less than 24 hours.

The booking period is only for five days beginning Wednesday while the travelling period is between May 1 and Oct 30, 2010.

-- BERNAMA

i was one of those 300mil...... unfortunately always server out...

and I think I was around 20-30 out of those 300 million.

Have booked flights to Trichy and Dhaka!

can anyone give me a chance 2 book a ticket??? lol!!!!aiyo sudah 2 hari oooo.....tired already!!!

^^ Try at anytime between 4am and 7am. I only managed to book flights during this time period.

AirAsia X starts daily flights to Cochin
Published: 2009/11/12

AirAsia X today began daily direct flights to Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, following successful expansion to the South Indian city of Trichy last year, said chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

He said the low cost long-haul airline affiliate of AirAsia will also start flying to Trivandrum and Kolkata next week.

"We expect strong demand from customers, especially business travellers," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Third Kuala Lumpur International Trade Forum in Kuala Lumpur today, an event concurrently held with Intrade Malaysia.

He also confirmed AirAsia X's inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi was on Nov 23.

Azran said AirAsia X's business operations were on track despite the current global economic downturn which has affected many airlines' profit margin.

"We hope to register good financial performance this year and continue our route expansion programme," he added.

The AirAsia Group achieved RM288 million operating profit in the first half of this year, accounting for five times higher than the same period last year.

It also recorded 24 per cent passenger growth year-on-year. -- Bernama

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/7/business/5051818&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/7/business/5034223&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/7/business/5043189&sec=business

AirAsia sets world record for ticket sales
Saturday, November 14th, 2009

KUCHING: AirAsia set a new world record with its latest 1 Million Free Seats Campaign launched on Nov 11 and then broke it the next day.Navitaire, the host reservation provider that powers booking engines to an extensive number of airlines around the world, announced that AirAsia set a new international sales record with 402,222 seats snapped up in the 24-hour period after the campaign was launched.

But even before the ink was dry on the announcement, industry experts confirmed that AirAsia had broken its own new world record when another 489,000 seats were snapped up in the second 24-hour period.

AirAsia group deputy CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun lauded the achievement, saying: “This is amazing news. It’s remarkable that we are setting world records in just seven short years as a low-fare carrier, trumping established and renowned airlines. We are blazing new trails and our brand has gone global.”

Kamarudin said in a press statement: “It is an accomplishment not just for AirAsia, but for Malaysia and Asean. The region’s largest low-fare carrier is demonstrating that Asean companies can take on the best and beat them.

“And think of all those hundreds of thousands of people who will be flying AirAsia to Malaysia and elsewhere in Asean thanks to this campaign, spending their tourism dollars and boosting local economies across our extensive network of over 130 routes,” he said.

“We are also thankful for both the ‘Open Skies’ and ‘New Skies’ booking systems provided by Navitaire, which managed to handle the most demanding requirements of our flight booking operations.

“And, of course, all credit to our hard-working and dedicated staff for making this record-setting achievement possible.

“I am fully confident that the dedication they demonstrate every day will help us deliver on the brand promise we have made to our guests, low fares, high quality, premium service, unmatched route network and frequency of flights,” he added.

AirAsia awaits nod for flights to Jeddah
2009/11/18


PUTRAJAYA: Once the Saudi Arabian government sanctions AirAsia Bhd's proposal to fly to Jeddah, Muslims across Asia will be able to enjoy low fare flights to that city.

This was the reply from AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes to a question after he delivered a speech to almost 3,000 participants at the last day of the inaugural Youth Engagement Summit (YES) 2009.

"The Saudi Arabian government is very open and I'm sure by next year we will be seeing AirAsia flying passengers to Jeddah."

At the summit themed "Southeast Asia Youth for CHANGE", Fernandes told the youth to dream the impossible and never take no for an answer in working to achieve their goals.

He said AirAsia had come a long way from its inception in 2001 because it was constantly changing to suit current needs and was never static.

Much to the surprise of the crowd, Fernandes gave away two air tickets for free before he began speaking at the summit. The low-cost airline was recently ranked as one of the top 50 most innovative companies in the world by Fast Magazine.


The two-day event was later closed by organising chairman Harmandar Singh.


Air Asia Flying To Jeddah Starting 2010


PUTRAJAYA, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Air Asia Bhd will be flying to Jeddah starting next year, said its Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes at the Youth Engagement Summit 2009 (YES 2009) held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) Tuesday.

According to Fernandes, the low-cost carrier was now in the midst of waiting for approval from the Saudi government to start its operations for the route.

"The Saudi government has been very kind and I am pretty sure that everything will take place by next year," said Fernandes during the summit's economy roundtable session.

--BERNAMA

Now Lat's characters fly AirAsia
By Jeeva ArulampalamPublished: 2009/11/18


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

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia Bhd (5099) will retail merchandise bearing the artwork of popular local cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, or commonly known as Lat, starting next month.

AirAsia will produce a limited edition line of Lat merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, and disposal cameras, said Lat.

He was speaking to reporters after the AirAsia-Lat Livery plane launch in Sepang yesterday. This marks the second AirAsia plane to carry Lat's drawings on its body.

The first time both parties collaborated was five years ago, when one of AirAsia's Boeing 737 was painted with Lat's cartoons.
"When we go to foreign countries, we see that the cartoon characters there are representative of those countries and tell the identity of the people. It is the best medium to communicate," said Lat.

Likewise, it is important for local art and music to be shared abroad, and AirAsia is pivotal in facilitating this.

"I'm glad that these characters can go abroad and people can see the product of a different land," Lat said during his speech.

He added that he wanted the characters and storyboard to reflect the culture and the way of life of Asean people as what AirAsia has grown to become.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said Lat's artwork on its aircraft has helped it realise AirAsia's dream of becoming a true Asean airline. "With the aircraft flying all over Asean, we believe that his creativity will inspire other young artists to greater height."

The plane will be utilised on its Southeast Asian routes as well as China and India.

"Next, we would like to work with him on our aircraft safety cards. Maybe the Kampung Boy learning to use a life jacket," he added.

Fernandes said AirAsia would also like to showcase Lat's drawings on its A330 fleet.

Also present at the launch ceremony was rocker-activist Sir Bob Geldof, who praised AirAsia's efforts in promoting air travel by keeping air fares low.

Meanwhile, Fernandes said AirAsia has no plans to re-impose a fuel surcharge despite the rising oil prices.

Tony, where is your heart?
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/jameschin/42758-tony-where-is-your-heart


NOV 9 — Dear Tony (if I may, or Dear Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes)

I have been meaning to write to you. I know you love getting notes from your AirAsia customers. You have a blog, several websites, wiki page and even Facebook, all for people to get in touch with you. I decided against writing you a direct email because I think what I have to say is widely shared by other people as well. So if you do reply to me, I can share your reply.

Let me congratulate you on your appointment as F1 boss and a trustee of 1 Malaysia Foundation. Second, congratulations on your titles after such a short career in aviation — I mean less than five years ago you were “call me Tony” then you became Datuk and now Datuk Seri. At the rate you are going, I suspect you will be Tan Sri by the end of next year!

The reason I am writing is because I keep reading how well your airline is doing— it’s making tons of money and ordering a massive number of Airbus planes. You have gone international with AA X, insurance, hotels and goodness what else!

Yet somehow I think you have lost your human touch and are now solely interested in making money, just like the blood-sucking Malaysian elite you joined recently. Yet you keep telling us, in your public interviews anyway, that making money is not your main aim but providing a “service” to the rakyat! How can we, the poor rakyat, not remember that before you descended from the mountain, we had to pay “sky high” prices just to fly. As you say, now “everyone can fly”. So, a big Terima Kasih from me and 28 million other Malaysians!

What I am talking about is your reluctance to use the passenger-bridge in all airports in Malaysia. You put the blame on MAHB’s high charges. I’m sure since yours is a volume business, MAHB will be happy to offer you a special deal since you must be their second biggest customer after MAS. I cannot believe that with the millions you are making, you cannot afford to use the bridge. Or if you are really desperate, I am sure you can add 50 sen to every ticket sold to cover part of the costs.

I say this because I took a flight recently from LCCT to East Malaysia. When we arrived, it was raining heavily. Several mothers with children, and old people, were reluctant to leave the plane. But alias, your crew literally pushed them off since they only have 25 minutes to fly out again. I felt so sorry for one of the old aunties who had to carry two bags (she was trying to save RM10 because of your no-free luggage policy) and there was no one from Air Asia to help her with an umbrella. One mummy with children fared even worse. She was carrying an infant and could not hold the umbrella properly. I asked one of the flight stewardesses to help her but she gave me a dirty look. I guess nobody wanted to be caught in a mini-typhoon. I tried my best my help her but she got soaked because the umbrella was designed for one person only.

I can go on and on, and described the scene at the staircase since we all had to walk up to the “arrival hall”. Let’s just say it was a heart-breaking scene. The old people had to climb up the stairs totally soaked, and I will not be surprised if they came down with pneumonia. One of the children slipped because the staircase was wet.

So, Tony, can you please show us your heart? Now that you travel first or business class, and no longer a member of the working class, can you just do this little favour for the rest of us? I am sure it can be counted as CSR and win you another award

Yours sincerely

James Chin



I sokong AirAsia use Aerobridge in their upcoming permanent LCCT !!

This is something that I have talked about before. It's great that some people finally brought it up thru the media. I think if it is acceptable not to use the aerobridge if the weather is good. But, when it is raining, please use it, Mr. Fernandez, for the people's sake. Otherwise, I urge all the passengers to stay in the plane till the storm passes. That way AA will only know the seriousness of not using it.

Experienced twice this year at KT airport to KL. Flew with AA and Had to go through heavy rain...I supposed passenger walk/bridge for decoration only...not to use. Big headache and flu on the way back to London after that...but thanks God I was in A380 jumbo ( Dubai-Lon)...

Malaysia AirAsia swings to Q3 profit
Published: 2009/11/20

AirAsia says Q3 net profit 130 million ringgit versus 465.53 million Ringgit net loss a year ago.

Q3 revenue at 739.67 million Ringgit versus 707.91 million. On outlook, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Based on the forward booking trend, the underlying passenger demand in the fourth quarter is positive. We are on course to achieve the Group’s target of carrying 25 million guests for the full year 2009.”

On fuel prices, Fernandes said AirAsia has partially hedged fuel requirements in the fourth quarter. -- REUTERS

AirAsia Plans Flights To India Via Thailand
November 20, 2009 21:05 PM

SEPANG, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- AirAsia, Asia's leading low cost airline, plans to fly to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar via its Bangkok hub by the first half of next year, said group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

"The whole Indian sub-continent is going to be very exciting for AirAsia and the Malaysian tourism industry.

"By next year, (there will be) six routes from Malaysia to India while three via Thailand," he told reporters after the live video interview with the Indian media in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur-Kolkata route launch, here Friday.

Kuala Lumpur-Kolkata was AirAsia's fourth route launched this year. The airline currently flies to Trichy, Kochin and Trivandrum. With frequency of two flights a day, Trichy is AirAsia's top ten profitable routes.

Fernandes said India was a huge market with 1.1 billion people, US$3.1 trillion economy and 20 potential airports.

There is a still room for AirAsia to tap the market, he added.

AirAsia will fly the Kuala Lumpur-Chennai and Kuala Lumpur-Bangalore routes by May next year, Penang-Chennai in April and Kuala Lumpur-Hyderabad in July.

For the Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur-Delhi routes, he said the destinations will be operated by AirAsia's long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, by the end of next year.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia Records Pre-Tax Profit Of RM136.26 Million In Q3


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd on Friday recorded a pre-tax profit of RM136.26 million in the third quarter ended Sept 30 this year compared to a pre-tax loss of RM504.328 million in the same quarter of 2008.

Revenue was slightly better at RM739.668 million from RM707.909 million, the company said in its filing to Bursa Malaysia here Friday.

For the nine months ended Sept 30, the company registered pre-tax profit of RM398.538 million on the back of a turnover of RM2.285 billion.

The low cost carrier attributed the improved performance to higher passenger volume, higher contribution from ancillary income and from other operating income.

Passenger volume grew by 21 per cent in the nine months compared with the corresponding period of last year.

AirAsia said traditionally, the fourth quarter was the company's strongest quarter and based on current forward booking trend, the underlying passenger demand remained positive.

However, it said ticket prices are expected to be lower than the same period last year as challenging global economy made consumers sensitive, making it necessary for lower fares to stimulate demand.

-- BERNAMA


AirAsia launches new flights to three Indian cities
By SHAUN HO


SEPANG: AirAsia is set to be the most connected non-local airline in India with nine new destinations.

Three new flights to the Indian cities of Kochi, Kolkata and Trivandrum were launched in Kolkata yesterday, adding to AirAsia’s existing destination of Tiruchirappalli, which was launched last year.

“AirAsia is now operating in a market of 2.5 billion people and it is a nice position to be in,” said AirAsia CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes in a press conference yesterday.

The low-cost airline also operates flights to China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Singapore, Taiwan, Cambodia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, United Kingdom and the Middle-East.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/21/nation/n_24tony.jpg
CEO of the Year: Fernandes speaking at a press conference yesterday.

Fernandes was watching the launch via video conference at the AirAsia office in the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal here before the press conference.

Flights to Kochi and Kolkata will operate daily while there will be two flights to Trivandrum operating two or five times weekly.

Fernandes also announced three more flights to Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad starting from April next year.

The three cities would be connected to Kuala Lumpur, with an extra flight to Chennai from Penang.

Fernandes also said that there would be flights to Mumbai and Delhi towards the end of the year by AirAsia X.

“About eight to 10 aircraft will service the routes once a day,” Fernandes added, saying they were also looking to fly to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar from Bangkok.

“The Indian middle class is growing fast. With our low fares, we can offer them a lot,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes was also presented the Airline CEO of the Year award by Hong Kong- based commercial aviation magazine Orient Aviation.

This was the first time the award was presented to a non-member of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, whose members include MAS, SIA and Cathay Pacific, among 14 others.

AirAsia Sells 28,000 Seats For Kolkata Route
November 21, 2009 22:32 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier, has, to date, sold 28,000 seats for the Kuala Lumpur and Kolkata route.

Open for sale on Oct 15, the airline said the new route would unlock the potential of international air travel from Kuala Lumpur to eastern India and its surrounding areas.

"It's a significant achievement for this market. We are very committed to expanding and providing excellent opportunities for travellers to enjoy our unbelievable low fares and world class service," Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan said in a statement Saturday.

Kathleen Tan said the airline was also looking forward to add further capacity, better travel value options and comfort for travellers between India and Kuala Lumpur.

"We always strive hard to continue expanding our extensive network and there are plans to initiate services to other cities in India soon," she added.

-- BERNAMA

KL will be hub for flights to India, says AirAsia
By Jeeva Arulampalam Published: 2009/11/23

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia Bhd (5099) will concentrate on using Kuala Lumpur as its hub for flights to India, said its top official.

While the group plans to offer flights from Bangkok to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar next year, it does not plan to have flights from Indonesia to India for now.

"We will continue to use KL as a hub for our flights to India," group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes told reporters in Sepang last Friday.

With four Indian routes from Kuala Lumpur under its belt currently, the airline hopes to add additional routes like KL-Chennai, KL-Bangalore, and KL-Hyderabad by the middle of next year.
"We have 20 potential airports that we can go to in India. We are not just looking at tourists, but the small and medium enterprises such as the textile businesses that will benefit from these flights," Fernandes said after watching the launch of the Kuala Lumpur-Kolkata flights in India via video conference.

AirAsia presently has two daily Kuala Lumpur-Trichy flights and its latest additions are Kuala Lumpur-Kochi, Kuala Lumpur-Trivandrum and Kuala Lumpur-Kolkata.

Long-haul affiliate AirAsia X will launch its new Indian routes next, with flights to Mumbai and Delhi from Kuala Lumpur before the year-end.

Meanwhile, AirAsia's next new route will be Penang-Chennai, which should start by April next year.

The airline will utilise some eight to 10 aircraft for its Indian routes.

Fernandes said that with AirAsia now flying to Asean, China and India, it has the potential to reach some 2.5 billion people.

In another development, Fernandes also received the Orient Aviation Person of the Year for 2009 award last Friday, given by the Hong Kong-based aviation industry publication Orient Aviation.

Orient Aviation chief executive Barry Grindrod said Fernandes was the first person to receive the award whose airline is not affiliated with the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.

He pointed out how legacy airlines have followed AirAsia's lead and entered the low-cost travel market.

AirAsia plans listing on Thailand, Indonesia stock exchanges
2009/11/22

KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia’s biggest budget carrier AirAsia plans to list on the Thai and Indonesian stock exchanges in a bid to tap the region’s capital markets despite a turbulent year for airlines.

AirAsia has the most extensive network in Southeast Asia, with more than 70 destinations across 20 countries — and has grown dramatically from just two planes to its current fleet of 85 in just seven years.

Now the company, currently listed only in Malaysia, wants to list itself and its Thai affiliate in Thailand. It also wants to list its Indonesian affiliate in Indonesia.

Group chief executive Tony Fernandes said the moves would give it more of a Southeast Asian identity.

“We are an ASEAN company. We want many ASEAN investors to buy our shares,” he told AFP over the weekend in Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia is a big capital stock on the Malaysian bourse. “By listing on the three stock exchanges, it will boost AirAsia’s ASEAN identity,” he said.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s most-populated nation while Thailand and Malaysia are key members of regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Fernandes said he was unable to say when the listings would take place as the plan was still in its infancy, but was confident there would be demand for the shares, despite the industry’s problems during the global economic downturn.

“The timing is great in Asia. And Southeast Asia is a huge market,” he said of the region’s 550 million people.

Yeah Kim Leng, chief economist with ratings agency RAM Holdings, in Malaysia, told AFP that the listing of AirAsia on the Thai bourse would allow Fernandes to “raise capital and to reduce overall gearing.”

Listing the affiliates, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia, would also add fresh dynamism to the capital markets in Thailand and Indonesia and “will enable local investors to participate in the growth potential of the company,” he said.

Fernandes said AirAsia had picked CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, a unit of Malaysia’s second largest bank CIMB Group Holdings, as lead arranger for the stock listings.

AirAsia’s listing plans come just days after CIMB Group Holdings announced it plans to list on the Thai stock exchange in the first half of 2010.

On the outlook for the aviation industry, Fernandes said AirAsia was in better shape than many of its competitors.

“We will press ahead with our route expansion. For instance, we will continue to expand into India. The whole Indian subcontinent is an exciting region for AirAsia,” he said.



AirAsia, which services more than 130 routes, already flies to Kolkata, Trichy, Kochi and Trivandrum.

While premium carriers have suffered, Fernandes said low-cost carriers have been more resilient in weathering the economic downturn.

“Passenger demand for AirAsia seats remained strong. We will weather the storm very well. Our demand for fourth quarter is good,” he said.

AirAsia’s net profit in the three months to September climbed to RM130.07 million from a loss of RM465.53 million a year ago.

Andrew Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), said the first 10 months of 2009 “has been one of the most difficult and challenging for airlines in the history of aviation.”

During the period, AAPA international passenger numbers were down by 8.2 per cent, while air cargo experienced a 16.5 per cent decline.

Herdman said the industry has to steer a difficult course over the next year. - AFP

Tourism Minister Asks Airasia To Operate KL-Chengdu Direct Flights Daily


CHENGDU, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has asked AirAsia to consider daily direct flights between Chengdu and Kuala Lumpur following the good response to the four times a week direct flights between the two cities.

She said the low-cost carrier launched KL-Chengdu and Chengdu-KL direct flights on Oct 20 with four flights a week and the passenger load had achieved 80 per cent.

"I believe the tourists' flow between the two cities, visiting each other, will further increase. I hope AirAsia will operate one flight a day in the near future to allow more tourists from here to travel to Malaysia and vice-versa," she said after meeting Huang Yan Rong, the Vice-Governor of the Sichuan Province, Monday.

Dr Ng, who is on her working trip to China, said she was looking forward to enhance bilateral investments as well, as she saw the city had great potential for investments and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation had opened a representative office here for the same reason.

Currently, 17 Malaysian companies have invested in electronic manufacturing industries and the education sector here.

The Minister also encouraged investors here to invest in Malaysia as the economic sectors have been liberalised to allow 100 per cent foreign ownership.

Huang said the earthquake on May 12 last year brought great impact to the tourism industry here to the extent that tourism revenue declined by 68 per cent.

She, however, said the tourism industry recovered rapidly after the provincial government accelerated restoration projects here.

"The province's tourism revenue between January and October has touched 1.25 billion yuan, an increase of 43.4 per cent. It is even higher than in 2007 before the earthquake," she said.

Huang also expressed her appreciation to the Malaysian government's support and assistance extended when the tragedy occurred.

On tourism, she said Malaysia was one of the most popular destinations for locals here to go for vacation.

With the bilateral cooperation with the tourism authorities of both countries, the Kuala Lumpur-Chengdu tourism industry would further flourish, she said.

Huang also asked Dr Ng to forward her proposal to set up a Malaysian consulate here to enhance bilateral collaborations in the economic, trade, tourism and cultural sectors.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia X starts flying to Middle East
From Ahmad Fairuz OthmanPublished: 2009/11/25





ABU DHABI: Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X has started flying five times a week from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi, expanding its network into the Middle East.

The inaugural flight on its Airbus 340 culminated with a launch event at the Yas Island Rotana hotel here yesterday.

AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said Abu Dhabi has the potential to become a hub for the carrier to expand its network into the Middle East.

"I take it (Abu Dhabi ) as a priority market. We are now focusing on adding more capacity and working on the service's efficency. We will focus on Abu Dhabi first, before expanding our network further into this region," he said after the launch.

Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Arab Emirates Datuk Yahaya Abdul Jabar, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority deputy director-general Ahmad Hussein and AirAsia X chairman Datuk Kalimullah Hassan.

Abu Dhabi serves as a gateway to the Middle East, which has a population of about 300 million.

Abu Dhabi is the ninth destination offered by AirAsia X, after Chengdu, Hangzhou, Taipeh, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, London and Tienjin.

To celebrate its launch, AirAsia X is offering 1,100 free tickets under the AirAsia Go Holiday packages from now until Friday. The travel period is for December 1 until January 31 2010.

It is also offering an online promotional offer of a number of seats through its website at RM99 or 99 dirhams, for one-way travel between now and July 31 2010.

AirAsia plans daily flight between Kota Kinabalu and Taipei

By Ghim-Lay Yeo
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia plans to start a daily flight from Kota Kinabalu in east Malaysia to Taipei.

It will commence from 15 January and will be operated on an Airbus A320 aircraft, says the airline.

"The travelling trend to places such as Taipei is increasing and with growing potential household income in east Malaysia, we believe there will also be strong potential demand from east Malaysian travelers to fly directly to the city," says regional head of commercial AirAsia group Kathleen Tan.

Thai AirAsia flies between Taipei and Bangkok while AirAsia X flies between Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia will compete on the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route with Malaysia Airlines.

-flightglobal.com

Fernandes Wins 'Airline CEO Of The Year For 2009' Award


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd's group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, has been named the "Airline CEO of the Year for 2009" by Jane's Transport Finance magazine in London on Friday.

In a statement here on Saturday, the company said the award was presented to Fernandes for leading AirAsia to become the world's best low-cost airline and Asia's largest.

"Under Fernandes' leadership, the airline flew more than 75 million guests in less than eight years," it said.

Fernandes attributed the win to his staff and AirAsia's culture of innovation.

"I've come this far because of the support of the staff who inspire me and our culture of innovation in the workplace.

"We have grown AirAsia together, with everybody pitching in with ideas, actively finding new ways to increase efficiency, improving services by effectively combining technology and the personal touch, and aggressively and smartly marketing our brand," he said.

Jane's Transport Finance magazine is a UK-based provider of market intelligence and integrated solutions to the transport, public safety, defence, security and law enforcement sectors.

The publication gives awards annually to outstanding achievers in the airline, airport, rail, road and shipping sectors.

-- BERNAMA

Air Asia paid RM111million in airport tax
Tuesday December 01 2009
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/45115-air-asia-paid-rm111million-in-airport-tax

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — The transport ministry today confirmed that the low cost carrier AirAsia had paid a sum of RM111 million to Malaysian Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for airport tax arrears.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri told the Dewan Rakyat AirAsia owed the MAHB some RM132 million but the airline was given a discount for its efforts in encouraging tourist arrivals in the country.

He was responding to a question by Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong who had questioned why the airline was given a special privilege to owe airport tax.

The PKR man added that any incentive should be channeled to the people and not to AirAsia.

“They sold the ticket months in advance, I have nothing against this business model, but I am just worried that AirAsia is allowed to delay airport tax payment,” said Wee.

Early this year, the House was told that AirAsia owed MAHB RM65 million.

Last June, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the House that the airline was in negotiations with MAHB to resolve the airport tax issue.

Najib had said that MAHB did not take any drastic action to claim the arrears owed by AirAsia because it would only adversely affect the operation of the low-cost carrier terminal.

He added that it would also give a negative impact to MAHB as the operator and manager of airports.

AirAsia has also been pushing for reduction in airport tax at the low cost carrier terminal due to the limited facilities.

Any update from Air Asia when they will start using Melaka Batu berendam airport and come out a new route from Melaka.

Any update from Air Asia when they will start using Melaka Batu berendam airport and come out a new route from Melaka.

the runway also haven completed....its still very far away to think...lol
but the official opening of the airport is scheduled on 15jan2010 by PM.

AirAsia ups KL-HK flight frequency
Published: 2009/12/03

BUDGET carrier AirAsia Bhd will increase its Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong flights to three times a day, from two, effective January 21 next year.

In a statement issued yesterday, AirAsia said the route , sees an average load factor of 75 per cent.

In conjunction with the increased frequency, it is offering promotional all-in fares from RM129 (HK$398) one-way on the sector.

Bookings can be made from today to Monday for travel from January 21 to October 30 next year.

AirAsia likely big winner in MAHB cash incentive
By LEONG HUNG YEE


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd is likely to be the key beneficiary of the new cash incentive offered by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

Last week, MAHB said under its Airline Recovery Programme, new airlines flying into KL International Airport (KLIA), Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang would receive an incentive payment of RM10 per inbound pax for the first 12 months of operations.

MAHB said a higher incentive payment of RM25 per inbound passenger would be given to all new airlines flying international services to all the other airports in Malaysia.

“AirAsia a big winner,” OSK Research said, adding that the total number of passengers carried by the low-cost carrier for the first nine months had grown in the high teens year-on-year.

Assuming the strong numbers imply a similar trend for its international routes, AirAsia may immediately enjoy incentives of RM10 to RM15 for each additional international inbound passenger carried.

“Based on our back-of-envelope calculation, AirAsia may enjoy incentives of about RM3mil to RM10mil for the next three financial years from the new perks, assuming that it records 10% international passenger growth for financial year ending Dec 31, 2010 (FY10) and FY11,” OSK Research said.

Analysts said the new incentive was a win-win situation for both MAHB and the airlines. They said the Airline Recovery Programme would not only boost tourist arrival but also attract new airlines to fly into Malaysia.

OSK Research said any incentive was “definitely welcomed” by the airlines, including Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

However, the research house said MAS saw a 20.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) contraction in the number of international passengers carried up to the first six months this year and June’s figures were 6.5% lower y-o-y.

OSK believed that the national carrier was unlikely to enjoy the growth reward in 2009 as MAHB may use 2009 as the base year.

“Based on our assumption of 6.8 million, 7.3 million and 7.7 million international passengers carried by MAS from 2009 to 2011 respectively, the company may be rewarded merely RM2.5mil and RM4.8mil for FY10 and FY11 respectively,” it said.

The research house also said the perks for the new airlines could “invite competition” although the risk was nominal.

Commenting on MAHB, OSK said the airport operator would gain from the move.

“Given that MAHB is operating under the new operating agreement from February 2009 that clearly delineates its socio-economic role from commercial accountability, the Government may have to provide restitution to MAHB for the extent of the direct marginal financial loss arising from the new incentives,” it said.

Even if the move was initiated by the company, and thus not subject to any marginal cost support by the Government, OSK said, the bottomline impact may be below 4% of MAHB’s annual profit as the incentives were limited to inbound international passengers.

Meanwhile, Kenanga Research believes MAS and AirAsia would be the main beneficiaries of this incentive as AirAsia could save up to 7.4% in cost for FY10 and 1% for FY11. It expects the impact would be minimal to MAS earnings.

It said the new incentives would negatively impact MAHB’s FY10 and FY11 revenue by 3.5%, based on its FY09 traffic assumption as the base year.

“We are yet to quantify the impact to the bottomline as it could be mitigated by its expanding retail income especially if it brings in higher traffic flow,” Kenanga said.

RM8 flights as AirAsia celebrates eighth anniversary
Tuesday December 8, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/8/nation/n_10airasia.jpg

Happy Birthday: Fernandes cutting a cake with AirAsia chairman Datuk Aziz
Bakar and deputy group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun at the company’s
anniversary celebration at the LCCT concourse, Sepang, Monday.
Celebrating with them is Datuk Nicol David (left) .

SEPANG: AirAsia is offering all-in fares starting from as low as RM8 for domestic flights and from RM25 for international flights in conjunction with its eighth year anniversary celebrations and achievements.

The special fares are for flights to destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali, Phuket, Taipei, Hanoi, Trichy, Abu Dhabi, Macau, Hong Kong and others.

To enjoy the promotions, customers must book seats online from Dec 8 to Dec 18 and fly between July 5 and Oct 30 next year.

Guests may also book tour packages and make hotel bookings on goholiday.airasia.com.

Airline CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes also announced that AirAsia would be introducing Sydney and Seoul as its new routes in mid-2010 through the AirAsia X package, followed by 12 new routes in India.

On another matter, Fernandes said the airline’s website airasia.com had attracted 20 million unique visitors per month with its blogsite blog.airasia.com, ranking it as the world’s second most popular blog site by an airline.

“Tapping into the new media and social networking sites has given an advantage to AirAsia to keep its customers informed of the latest promotions and other updates.”

Announcing the recent success at its eighth year anniversary celebration here yesterday, he said: “AirAsia has attracted a large following using the Internet including those from places we don’t fly to yet, like the United States.”

The airline information dissemination system included updates in Twitter, Flickr and Facebook.

AirAsia’s facebook at facebook.airasia.com has a fan base of some 100,000 since it was launched nine months ago.

Air Asia Eyes The US Market
December 08, 2009 12:09 PM
By Manik Mehta

NEW YORK, Dec 8 (Bernama)- Malaysia and Asia's best-known low-cost carrier, Air Asia, has set its sights on the United States market.

Aviation experts here say that Air Asia could easily fill the vacuum left by the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which recently discontinued flights to the east coast and closed its office in the Big Apple.

MAS however, still maintains its operations on the west coast, with flights to Los Angeles.

Datuk Tony Fernandes, Air Asia's chief executive, told Bernama in an interview in New York recently - he was a member of the entourage accompanying the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to the city - that he was "working" towards establishing a regular service to the east coast.

"We are very keen to enter the US market which has good business potential," he disclosed.

He hoped to start flights to an east coast airport, either New York or New Jersey, in 2010.

Ever since MAS stopped its service to the east coast, Malaysia lost an important connectivity with that part of the world.

"There are many foreign national carriers, which despite losses, maintain operations to this part of the world which is an important international service point.

"It is that proverbial pennywise-pound-foolish decision, that is likely to haunt MAS, because by withdrawing it will find it extremely difficult to come back and re-establish its position," said a New York based aviation expert who wished to remain anonymous.

Although Air Asia is a low-cost, "no frills" carrier, its arrival here would provide relief to travellers particularly Malaysians, who endure a great deal of inconvenience flying to back home via a third country.

Tony also discussed plans for the acquisition of new aircraft.

"Over the next 24 months, we will be having 32 aircraft of the A-320 type, most of which is to be used for India and China.We have 120 routes which will be increased.

"Air Asia Express will have six aircraft of the A-330 type, mainly for Sydney, Jeddah, Seoul and cities in India," he explained.

According to Tony, the airline also plans to start services to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hawaii.

However, things need to be sorted out first, at the government-to-government level.

The New York service will be an extension of Air Asia's service from London's Stansead airport.

Tony described the US market as "very good". "There are many students here.

"I am confident, many Americans will also use Air Asia to visit Asia and Europe. They can also get connectivity to Australia," he said.

Asked whether the smaller seat configuration on Air Asia's aircraft, which is fine for passengers on shorter routes, would be suitable for long-haul flights, he said: "The airline plans to change and improve the seating configuration for the long-haul sectors."

On Air Asia's cargo business, though negligible and not fully tapped yet - it accounts for less than one percent of the airline's business - he said that it would further grow in future.

"We are also preparing for that," he said.

Air Asia's total fleet of aircraft, including Thai AirAsia, AirAsia X and Indonesia AirAsia, comprises 85 aircraft, the majority of which are of the A320-200 type.

The fleet also includes some B737-300, A330-300, A340-300 and A350-900 aircraft.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia Plans To Fly To Seoul And Sydney By Middle Of Next Year


SEPANG, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- AirAsia is in the midst of securing rights to land in Seoul and Sidney by the middle of next year.

The budget airline is also spreading its wings in India to 12 new routes in 2010, said its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

He said AirAsia received tremendous response from the South Korean's Government, and it is in the process of obtaining approval for flight to Seoul.

"South Korea is the new country and they are very excited about it. As for India, it has been a very successful destination so far and we are looking into 12 new routes including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai," he told reporters after celebrating AirAsia's eighth anniversary here Monday.

Todate, the budget airline flies to four destinations in India, Trichy, Trivandrum, Kolkata and Kochin, while its current destinations in Australia are Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne.

Tony said Thailand and Indonesia will also be two strong countries for AirAsia next year.

Commenting on the airline's outlook next year, he said AirAsia was confident it will be an "amazing year".

"For the past three quarters, we have recorded profit amid the sluggish economic environment, and the fourth quarter looks very strong," he said.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia brand best this year

KUALA LUMPUR 10 Dis. KUALA LUMPUR, 10 December

AirAsia continues to earn the award this year when once again chosen as the Best Brand Award in Media Agencies 2009.

This is a year-16 Media Agency Award recognizes leadership inspired brands, excellent management, business performance and best overall achievement in communication and advertising industry in Asia Pacific.

Budget airline was named as the Best Brand appreciate innovation and ideas in a consistent and advertising campaigns to ensure successful marketing.

Regional Head of Commercial AirAsia, Kathleen Tan said in her statement, the award was recognition of the important efforts to ensure the AirAsia brand continue to stay in front.

''In an effort to maintain competitiveness, we need to ensure that the AirAsia brand will always be interesting and competitive.

''We want to AirAsia customers comfortable with their experience with this company and they will certainly use our services more often,''he said.

Air Asia's Stewardess

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4168652709_ba4b1da343_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4168651319_fa0001759b_o.jpg

AirAsia lancar laluan baru ke Kochi

KUALA LUMPUR 15 Dis. - AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) hari ini melancarkan laluan terbaru mereka di India iaitu Kochi - Kuala Lumpur.

Kochi merupakan laluan terbaru selepas Kolkata dan Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Ketua Komersial Rantaunya, Kathleen Tan berkata, Kochi merupakan destinasi tambahan kepada rangkaian syarikat yang luas, AirAsia telah berjaya membuka potensi penerbangan antarabangsa antara Kuala Lumpur dan selatan India serta kawasan sekitar.

''Kami teruja untuk datang terus ke Kochi yang merupakan pasaran belum diteroka oleh syarikat penerbangan lain secara terus. Dengan penerbangan terus ke Kuala Lumpur ini, rakyat Kerala dan India boleh menggunakan Kochi sebagai gerbang perjalanan ke rangkaian AirAsia di ASEAN.

''Sejak pembukaan laluan itu, kami menyaksikan minat kukuh melebihi 82 peratus faktor muatan telah direkodkan. Kami telah menjual sehingga 35,000 tempat duduk bagi laluan ini menunjukkan ia telah lama dinantikan oleh penduduk kawasan ini,'' katanya dalam kenyataan dikeluarkan di sini hari ini.

Tambah Tan, AirAsia komited untuk berkembang di pasaran ini dan menyediakan peluang terbaik untuk pelanggan dari India bagi menikmati tambang murah mereka pada perkhidmatan lima bintang.

''Bergerak ke hadapan, AirAsia melihat untuk mengembangkan rangkaian laluan di India dan membuka pasaran. Antara destinasi yang berada dalam radar rangkaian kami termasuk Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore dan Mumbai,'' jelasnya.

AirAsia melancarkan laluan pertamanya ke Trichy, India yang terletak di India selatan pada 1 Disember 2008 dan merupakan syarikat penerbangan Asia Tenggara pertama untuk terbang ke bandar itu.

Tempahan boleh dibuat di www.airasia.com dan di mobile.airasia.com.

AirAsia pada masa ini menyediakan perkhidmatan di lebih 70 destinasi melibatkan 20 negara

http://twitter.com/airasiadotcom
http://www.flickr.com/photos/airasia
http://www.facebook.com/AirAsia?ref=s
http://blog.airasia.com/
http://www.youtube.com/amazingairasia
http://tonyfernandesblog.com/
http://twitter.com/tonyfernandes

AirAsia Plans More Routes In India


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Asia's leading low-cost airline AirAsia is planning to expand its route network in India, particularly in a market that no other airline is serving directly.

Its regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan, said destinations on the budget carrier's network radar included Chennai, Hyderabad, Banglore and Mumbai.

"Moving forward, we are looking into expanding our route network in India and opening up the market," Tan said in a statement here.

"AirAsia is very committed to expand this market and provide an excellent opportunity to travellers from India to enjoy our revolutionary low fares at 5-star service," she said.

Commenting on the successful launch of the Kochi-Kuala Lumpur route today, Tan said Kochi is one of AirAsia's latest Indian destinations alongside Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram.

She said since opening of the Kochi route two month ago, the airline recorded a strong pick-up with over 82 per cent load factor.

"We have sold approximately 35,000 seats for the route, an evident that the direct daily flights to this route has been long awaited by the general public," she added.

Tan also said that AirAsia was utilising a new modern fleet of comfortable and spacious Airbus A320 aircraft for all flights to India.

-- BERNAMA

F1 bosses in cross-dressing bet

KUALA LUMPUR - LOTUS F1 boss Tony Fernandes on Thursday accepted a challenge from Richard Branson that the loser of their two Formula One teams will dress up as a flight attendant on the winner's airline.

'Bring it on,' said a statement on the friendly bet from Mr Fernandes, the principal of the new Malaysian-backed Lotus team and group chief executive of AirAsia, South-east Asia's biggest budget carrier.

Lotus and Manor GP, to be rebranded Virgin Racing following this week's announcement of a sponsorship deal with Mr Branson's business empire, are among four new teams that will compete in the 2010 Formula One season.

Mr Fernandes has said recently that the Lotus team's only goal in the forthcoming season is to beat Virgin Racing otherwise he will 'retire or kill himself', according to the statement.

In response, the British businessman reportedly said this week that Mr Fernandes can work as a Virgin flight attendant should Virgin Racing finish ahead of the Lotus team.

Mr Fernandes reciprocated, saying 'our guests will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm'. His statement included a mock-up photograph of Mr Branson in the red outfit of an AirAsia flight attendant. -- AFP

:lol::lol::lol:

F1 side bet: Fernandez vs Branson
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=41448

Nikko Bali in talks with AirAsia on room sales
By Sharen KaurPublished: 2009/12/22




NIKKO Bali Resort and Spa, a five-star resort in Nusa Dua, Bali, is in talks with airlines including AirAsia to sell rooms and grow the hotel's occupancy and revenue.

"We are still discussing with AirAsia as certain conditions don't match what we want. (But) Malaysia is an important destination for us," its general manager Jean-Charles Le Coz said in an interview with Business Times.

"While business from Malaysia is still small, we expect it to grow as other airlines increase their flight frequency," he added.

Business Times reported recently that Indonesia's national carrier Garuda Indonesia is looking to reinstate its flights from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar in Bali by September 2010.

Le Coz said the financial meltdown has affected room sales in the first half of the year.

The resort, wholly-owned by Indonesia's PT Caterison Sukses, has revised its hotel occupancy rate and revenue target for 2009 to 60 per cent and US$14 million, (US$1 = RM3.44) respectively.

It had targeted for revenue to rise 30 per cent to US$17 million this year, helped by higher room rates, and closing at 70 per cent, similar to last year.

Nikko Bali, which has 389 rooms with garden, ocean and pool views, has raised room rates by 40 per cent this year.

The rates now start from US$160 per night for a standard room to US$2,000 per night for a presidential suite.

Le Coz said Nikko Bali will do better next year fuelled by its meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) and wedding packages.

He said four- and five-star hotels and resorts in Bali are performing above average currently with rising tourists arrivals from Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Russia, North Korea and Japan.

"We are looking for new markets and to grow our market from Western Europe and Southeast Asia," he said.

He said he is also planning to tap the Greater China market.

"Competition is stiffer now in Bali but what we can offer is an alternative," Le Coz said.

Nikko Bali sits on a 40-metre cliff and offers a stunning 180 degree view over the Indian Ocean. It is 25 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Among its facilities, those operating via third parties are Mandara Spa and a Camel Safari.

http://www.dailychilli.com/images/stories/2009/12/15_21/bransons.jpg

Branson to be 'stewardess' if he loses F1 dare

By Noorsila Abd Majid

Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes has accepted Sir Richard Branson’s challenge to dress up as a Virgin Airline stewardess if his Lotus F1 Racing team loses out in the 2010 Formula One race.

"Bring it on," challenges Fernandes, who is the Team Principal and also Group CEO of AirAsia, Asia’s largest low-cost carrier.

"Our guests will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm."

But Branson had better brace himself for the challenge because Fernandes wants the British rebel billionaire to dress as an Air Asia stewardess.

And in a super tight red skirt to boot, if his Virgin Racing loses out in the race.

"But knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests, ‘coffee, tea or me," teased Fernandes.

Branson’s Virgin Group owns Virgin Racing, which alongside Fernandes’ Lotus F1 Racing team, are among the four new teams making their debut at the 2010 F1 circuit.

CEO: AirAsia ends 2010 with record sales
By B.K. SIDHU


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia finished the last month of 2009 with “record sales” while forward bookings for the first two months of 2010 are looking very strong, said its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

“We cannot reveal our fourth quarter financial numbers yet but from a sales point, we have had record sales for December and it has been the best month ever in the history of the airline in all the three countries (Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand) that we operate in.

“January sales are better than what we have seen before and sales in February, with the Chinese New Year (coming), are looking very strong,’’ Fernandes told StarBiz yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/31/business/b_03airasia.jpg
December is traditionally a strong month for AirAsia.

Traditionally, December is a strong month for AirAsia and most other airlines.

At the end of today, the budget airline would have carried a total of 24 million passengers, and when combined with its sister airline AirAsia X, the total is over 25 million.

“That makes us one of the larger airlines in the region,’’ he said.

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd has forecast RM160mil in net profit for AirAsia for the last quarter of 2009 while consensus estimates by analysts compiled by Bloomberg indicate RM77.4mil.

For full-year net profit, the Bloomberg consensus estimate is RM500mil while Maybank Investment’s forecast is higher at RM580mil.

“We expect them to perform very well in the fourth quarter and this may not be (reflected) in the consensus estimates.

“But if you stick to the fundamentals of crude oil (pricing) and historical trend of passenger (loads) for AirAsia, we expect the airline to post a very strong fourth quarter,’’ Maybank Investment Bank senior analyst Khair Mirza said.

While other airlines were struggling through the economic downturn, AirAsia pushed ahead and expanded, strengthening its network and the “investment is now paying off as the economy recovers,’’ Fernandes said.

He added that “the real joy for me is to see AirAsia Thailand and AirAsia Indonesia both experiencing a strong turnaround’’.

Fernandes is bullish on 2010, saying it will be a “very promising year for us’’.

The airline’s operational cost is the lowest in the world while its flexible fare pricing allows it to deal with any fuel shocks. And as its routes mature, it is in a position to raise fares.

Fares will certainly go up as the economic recovery lifts demand for air travel. “Even a RM10 rise in airfares will be good for us as we fly more than 25 million passengers a year,’’ Fernandes said.

“We have a strong balance sheet, our cash is growing and all our airplanes for next year have been financed, so that is why we say 2010 could be an even better year for us.

“Even the contribution in passenger loads and profits from our Indonesian and Thai operations will be much in 2010,’’ he added.

Fernandes also expects AirAsia X to break even this year, with the airline increasing frequencies to existing destinations and ply new routes such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Paris.

But the US is certainly not on its radar screen for 2010.

“We are also modifying the seats for AirAsia X as we now have another supplier for the seats and this will make the planes more comfortable,’’ he said.

Industry-wise, he reckons that the “bottom has arrived and while we did well at the bottom, the economic recovery will be great for us’’.

Meanwhile, AirAsia will fly to Balik Papan and other routes in Indonesia, along with Hyderabad and Bangalore next year.

“Whatever skeptics have said over the past eight years, we will say we are in a good position now as all our investments made in terms of airplanes, people and branding are beginning to pay off,’’ Fernandes said.

AirAsia X may ply KL-Sydney route by July
By B.K. SIDHU


SYDNEY: AirAsia X expects to ply the controversial Kuala Lumpur-Sydney route in June or July even though it has yet to receive the nod from the authorities to do so.

“That is what we plan and we hope to be able to do so by then,’’ said AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes yesterday.

AirAsia X had applied to ply the Sydney and Seoul routes from Kuala Lumpur last year but could not get the required approvals due to several factors and was then told to pay its dues to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) instead.

It has since paid off its dues to MAHB and now wants to expand its base into Australia, with Sydney seen as a city where it can offer travellers an alternative carrier.


From left: Bruce Buchanan, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and Alan Joyce embrace after announcing the alliance in Sydney on Wednesday. — AFP

“AirAsia X is going through exactly what AirAsia went through with the incumbent airline and unfortunately, the incumbent has a huge say on where and how we fly.

“But let’s not forget that wherever we go, we grow the market significantly,’’ Fernandes said.

He added that “we have not got the rights yet to fly to Sydney and are working on it.”

Even Jetstar is keen to reinstate its flights from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur which it pulled back over a year ago.

Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan said the airline was looking at all options and could reinstate its flights this year as it was getting more new aircraft.

He also does not discount route-sharing with AirAsia.

But “with or without Jetstar, we want to fly to Sydney from Kuala Lumpur,’’ Fernandes said.

Buchanan said Jetstar pulled out of Kuala Lumpur so that it could redeploy its aircraft for its flight into Tokyo.

“We deployed the aircraft as Tokyo was an opportunity that we could not miss then.

“But now (the Kuala Lumpur-Sydney) route is an area we can discuss (with AirAsia) and see how we can work on that.

“This year could be the year, but we have to prioritise where the aircraft is needed most. There is a whole load of opportunities (everywhere),’’ he said.

The alliance that AirAsia and Jetstar forged yesterday would also possibly include rotational flights by both parties on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route, Buchanan said.

AirAsia, Jetstar form alliance
By Jeeva ArulampalamPublished: 2010/01/07

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

The first such alliance between two budget airlines will involve them buying planes and parts together and offering joint ground-handling services

Airasia Bhd (5099) and Australia's Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd have formed a cost-savings-driven alliance that could well change the region's low-cost carrier (LCC) landscape.

The first such alliance between two LCCs, it will involve both airlines buying planes and parts together and offering joint ground-handling services, a strategy that could result in annual cost-savings of some A$200 million to A$300 million (RM620 million to RM930 million) for both airlines.

The partnership could even lead to a code-share agreement in future for two of Asia-Pacific's leading LCCs, AirAsia group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said.

"The next logical step would be to look at a code-share agreement. It will not be your traditional code-share agreement, but for routes that we don't have the rights to fly to or if we don't have the (right) planes," Fernandes told Business Times in a telephone interview.
He was speaking after AirAsia, Jetstar and its parent airline Qantas Airways Ltd finalised the alliance agreement between both LCCs in Sydney, Australia, yesterday.

"This will be an exclusive partnership between both airlines. It's difficult to have two husbands," Fernandes said.

The alliance will help both airlines reduce costs, pool expertise and, ultimately, offer even cheaper fares.

Under the agreement, the airlines will look at opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320.

The goal is to reduce costs through large orders and work with aircraft manufacturers on the design of planes and specification that suit their operational needs as LCCs.

"We will have the economies of scale to help us cut cost," said Fernandes.

They will also jointly procure engineering and maintenance supplies and services and pool their inventory arrangements for aircraft parts.

"We have already started doing so for some parts like brakes, wheels and engines," Fernandes said, adding that AirAsia could see savings of some RM100 million this year from the alliance.

In addition, both airlines will have a cooperative arrangement for passenger and ground-handling in Australia and within Asia at overlapping airports.

"There won't be any duplication of staff because we are short-handed in some areas. So there will be no job cuts. Instead, we are interested in developing our own ground-handling unit through this alliance," Fernandes said.

The agreement also allows for reciprocal arrangements for passenger management, support for passenger disruptions and recovery onto the other airline's service across their networks.

Fernandes strongly believes the strategic tie-up will help AirAsia maintain its position as the lowest-cost airline in the world despite rising costs associated with the fledgling global economic recovery.

Asked when AirAsia would begin flights to Sydney, Fernandes said he was looking at July.

"It's difficult to answer that question because we are awaiting the approvals. We were asked the same question by journalists in Sydney (yesterday) given that we already fly to Perth, Melbourne and Gold Coast," he said.

Meanwhile, Qantas Airways CEO Alan Joyce said the historic non-equity alliance would give Jetstar and AirAsia a natural advantage in one of the world's most competitive aviation markets.

"Jetstar and AirAsia offer unmatched reach in the Asia-Pacific region, with more routes and lower fares than their main competitors, and this new alliance will enable them to maximise that scale," he said in a joint statement issued yesterday.

He said the aviation sector in Asia was a growth market and had been resilient over the past year despite the tough operating environment.

Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan said the cooperative approach was a result of both airlines' strong focus on costs.

He said Jetstar had reduced its controllable costs by up to 5 per cent annually and that the agreement would enable a further step-change in its cost position and ensure sustainable low fares.


AirAsia-Jet Star in world’s first budget airline tie-up
By B.K. SIDHU


SYDNEY: The world’s first budget airline alliance was forged yesterday between AirAsia and Australia’s Jetstar to pool resources and expertise, procure new aircraft and revenue-sharing deals which could lead to cost savings of between A$200mil and A$300mil annually.

It will initially take 16 months from the signing of the agreement to see these savings but that figure is achievable every year thereon. The immediate cost savings will be in fuel purchases, maintenance, sharing of aircraft engine spare parts and ground handling in the Asian markets both carriers operate.

“As we speak, our people are negotiating on how we can procure fuel in bulk for the needs of both carriers in markets that we operate in and this will lead to significant savings for us. We have also begun sharing spare parts and that is a big (area for cost savings),’’ AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said at a media conference in Sydney.

Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan added that the agreement was an important first step which would help save hundreds of millions of dollars over many years.


From left: Bruce Buchanan, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and Alan Joyce embrace after announcing the alliance in Sydney on Wednesday. — AFP
After a year of talks, the parties forged an alliance never seen before in the low-cost carrier (LCC) industry to reduce cost and pool resources aimed at making fares cheaper. Both parties could not say how low fares could drop with the alliance.

A key component of the agreement is its ability to influence aircraft makers to manufacture robust planes that suit the LCC specifications as most planes made today are more suited for full service carriers and remodification costs a lot more.

Qantas Airways Ltd CEO Alan Joyce, who was at the press conference, said the parties “have the purchasing power to influence aircraft makers’’ to design the next generaton of narrow body aircraft for the LCC industry.

Joint procurement of airplanes will help the parties save and Fernandes said AirAsia “will modify the current aircraft deliveries.’’

The parties have yet to tell the plane makers of the idea but Buchanan said they “will be doing so soon.’’

Qantas owns Jetstar group which has operations in Australia and joint ventures in Singapore (Jetstar Asia) and Vietnam. AirAsia has operations in Thailand and Indonesia and owns a stake in AirAsia X.

“This is a historic alliance and the world’s first and we hope to lead the way. This is the foundation to a beginning of a relationship that will lead to joint ventures and huge cost savings. This will reinforce Qantas group’s position in Asia as we continue to focus on Asia,’’ Joyce added.

He side-stepped worries of job cuts and said the alliance would have no impact on maintenance of the Qantas/Jetstar group aircraft. He stressed that it was a non-equity alliance and did not forsee Qantas taking a stake in AirAsia even in the longer term.

Jetstar is looking at building a new engineering facility in Asia but no details were disclosed.

The next step for the partners would be to look at joint venture on routes and other commercial actitivies including joint procurement of hotel inventory for holiday packages.

Joyce said both airlines would look at cooperating on routes but would bear in mind all the regulatory issues.

Asked if there would be other alliances, Fernandes said: “Let’s keep it simple and involve two partners; there is enough size.’’

Buchanan and Joyce echoed his view.

Fernandes also did not discount the parties forming a new leasing company for older Airbus A320 aircraft but did not elaborate.

AirAsia launches extra flights for CNY holidays
Written by Joseph Chin
Thursday, 07 January 2010 15:09

KUALA LUMPUR: AIRASIA BHD [] is launching extra flights to various destinations to meet additional travel demands during the forthcoming Chinese New Year holidays.

AirAsia's regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan said on Thursday, Jan 7 that due to high loads and strong demand during the festive period, AirAsia has added extra flights to cope with the overwhelming response for travel during the up coming Chinese New Year festivities

These extra flights are applicable between Feb 9 and 21. They will cater to AirAsia popular destinations which include Kuala Lumpur-Penang, KL-Singapore, KL-Sibu, KL-Kuching, Kuching-Sibu, Singapore-Kuching, KL-Johor Bahru and Johor Bahru-Sibu.

congrats AA. as a new 'alliance' has formed, MAS with their 'lone ranger' policy will go to a direction which no one knows....

congrats AA. as a new 'alliance' has formed, MAS with their 'lone ranger' policy will go to a direction which no one knows....

AirAsia has found long term sustainability with that alliance with another major LCC that is Jetstar (having Qantas as grandfather behind it).

Meanwhile Malaysia Airlines is sorting out when would be the best earliest possible time they would get the A380 superjumbos.

do they think getting A380 is that important? MAS should focus more on alliance possibility or at least extensive code sharing....

for the last 2009, not much good news from MAS....

do they think getting A380 is that important? MAS should focus more on alliance possibility or at least extensive code sharing....

for the last 2009, not much good news from MAS....

the 747 is one of the oldest after the 737 (starting to be replaced), and a330 (replacements just ordered).

a380 is important for flag carriers cause they can charge higher for business/first class seats while making up hefty profit through volume in the economy. that's why airlines which operate the kangaroo route (singapore, qantas, emirates) wanted to be the first to own this plane than the american/european airlines which is the traditional launch customers...

just think about it, which u rather fly with? brand spanking new plane or a plane that is older than your car?

the 747 is one of the oldest after the 737 (starting to be replaced), and a330 (replacements just ordered).

a380 is important for flag carriers cause they can charge higher for business/first class seats while making up hefty profit through volume in the economy. that's why airlines which operate the kangaroo route (singapore, qantas, emirates) wanted to be the first to own this plane than the american/european airlines which is the traditional launch customers...

just think about it, which u rather fly with? brand spanking new plane or a plane that is older than your car?

yes true that A380 is needed as 747 is already a granny. but i referring to patchay when he said, "Meanwhile Malaysia Airlines is sorting out when would be the best earliest possible time they would get the A380 superjumbos."

....as we all know that earliest MAS can get A380 is end of 2011. so, for the whole 2010 and 2011, a lot of things MAS can do either than just talking about their A380 purchase.(rebranding, refreshing, etc)

just look at how MAS has no choice than to opt for A330 instead of 787 bcoz they are always late in making decision on buying wide-body aircraft...

did u remember MAS has been making statement that they are 'going to buy' wide body since 2008 and people are making rumors that it might be 787....

it ends up MAS can only buy A330 as the aircraft could be delivered faster than 787....frustrating...

According to the good people at airliners.net (the largest aviation forum in the net), rumours has it that MAS has always keen to join Skyteam, but Air France keep on vetoing it.. The most puzzling fact is, Air France is actually supporting the inclusion of Vietnam Airlines into Skyteam despite of its limited capabilities. Vietnam Airlines european network is not as extensive as MAS, and neither Hanoi nor Ho Chi Minh is up on the par of KLIA. Plus, MAS already has a larger passenger volume in the Kangaroo network (the euro-aussie air link) compared to Vietnam Airline. And yet this airline is favoured over MAS?

As it is, MAS has a very extensive code-sharing with KLM and Alitalia, plus a range of Asian-based airlines and BMI in the UK. Their networking in the US is quite poor though, having only special rate agreement with the Continental, rather than a full-fledge code-sharing like it has with say, KLM.

Being in an alliance does not necessarily translate into good business - Thai Airways is bleeding financially despite being one of the core member of star alliance. On the other hand, membership in star alliance brings a steady stream of US and European passengers on SIA.

I think as long as MAS has a stable of reliable code-sharing partners, it can survive without an alliance.

Has anyone seen this site, http://www.flyous.com/ ?

it offers comparisons of Air Asia flights up to 4 months in advance...great for determining when the lowest prices can be found.

For example

KL - Melbourne (http://www.flyous.com/flights/cheapest/KUL/MEL)

KL to Bangkok (http://www.flyous.com/flights/cheapest/KUL/BKK)


Cheers, m

According to the good people at airliners.net (the largest aviation forum in the net), rumours has it that MAS has always keen to join Skyteam, but Air France keep on vetoing it.. The most puzzling fact is, Air France is actually supporting the inclusion of Vietnam Airlines into Skyteam despite of its limited capabilities. Vietnam Airlines european network is not as extensive as MAS, and neither Hanoi nor Ho Chi Minh is up on the par of KLIA. Plus, MAS already has a larger passenger volume in the Kangaroo network (the euro-aussie air link) compared to Vietnam Airline. And yet this airline is favoured over MAS?

As it is, MAS has a very extensive code-sharing with KLM and Alitalia, plus a range of Asian-based airlines and BMI in the UK. Their networking in the US is quite poor though, having only special rate agreement with the Continental, rather than a full-fledge code-sharing like it has with say, KLM.

Being in an alliance does not necessarily translate into good business - Thai Airways is bleeding financially despite being one of the core member of star alliance. On the other hand, membership in star alliance brings a steady stream of US and European passengers on SIA.

I think as long as MAS has a stable of reliable code-sharing partners, it can survive without an alliance.

the 'veto' from Air France is an old issue. MAS should consider OneWorld, unless if MAS can make sure OneWorld is dying and worth staying away from them...

and yes, THAI is bleeding and it's not bcoz of the alliance they join i believe. but more on management...

^^ I agree. Whatever reasons there might have been that prevented MH from joining SkyTeam, it is now not relevant.

SkyTeam, has chosen to go on a two-pronged strategy in Southeast Asia, similar to what Star Alliance had done with TG and SQ a decade earlier, choosing Vietnam Airlines and Garuda Indonesia, both of which have enormous potential and especially the latter, which is ascending the airline hierarchy really quick.

I think as long as MAS has a stable of reliable code-sharing partners, it can survive without an alliance.
In the short run, MH can survive without an alliance but I'm not too sure whether it'd be wise to remain status quo. The airline alliances are constantly expanding, and the pool of airlines which might offer codeshare may dwindle. Either that or the codeshare 'backfires', where the foreign airline cuts service to Malaysia altogether in favor of MH operating the route, doing absolutely nothing for the KUL hub at all as passenger numbers only maintain, instead of grow.

MH should consider joining getting close with oneworld, in particular Cathay Pacific and American Airlines, especially if Japan Airlines leaves the alliance. On the kangaroo route, BA and Qantas have a good thing going with the joint-service agreements but this is an alliance, you need not cooperate with all of your fellow members.

too many talk about MH which make me tired hearing...

1. MH said they have cash and looking to purchase an airline company (the currently bleeding and desperate)..
2. They said they want to separate domestic operation (under MASWings) and only focus for international route...
3. ......what else?

i really want to know what they have in their mind and what they are doing right now. remaining silent while keep launching same old campaign (Everyday Low Fare) is not a good thing to do consider MAS is a listed company in the Bursa. very bad for shareholder...

duhh...government really has to sell this company! such a burden....

From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3911938242_7c1e80fd22_b.jpg

AirAsia's maiden Kota Kinabalu-Taipei flight
Published: 2010/01/15





Low-cost airline AirAsia today celebrated its maiden flight to Kota Kinabalu (KK) from Taipei.

In a statement today, AirAsia said the new international destination would establish KK as its second largest hub in Malaysia with a total of seven international and nine domestic destinations.

"The route, which was opened for booking in November 2009, received excellent response. Over 32,000 seats were sold to date," it said.

Chairman of AirAsia Datuk Aziz Bakar said besides Taipei, KK would also connect guests to Brunei, Jakarta, Shenzhen, Macau, Clark and Singapore.

"To date, we have carried 129,000 guests both inbound and outbound from Taipei since April 2009 and the numbers are still growing," he said. -- Bernama

They will launch 5 new destinations to India soon, all currently served by MH...wow.

Great for Malaysia as more Indian tourists will land in our shores but that would be too harsh on MH. Why not AK launching new lines to places like these instead ?

Coimbatore
Madurai
Calicut
Ahmedabad
Pune

They will launch 5 new destinations to India soon, all currently served by MH...wow.

Great for Malaysia as more Indian tourists will land in our shores but that would be too harsh on MH. Why not AK launching new lines to places like these instead ?

Coimbatore
Madurai
Calicut
Ahmedabad
Pune

hopefully some of those tourist will not be M.I.A..:lol:....

They will launch 5 new destinations to India soon, all currently served by MH...wow.

Great for Malaysia as more Indian tourists will land in our shores but that would be too harsh on MH. Why not AK launching new lines to places like these instead ?

Coimbatore
Madurai
Calicut
Ahmedabad
Pune

Nice suggestion.
I am from Baramati near Pune.
I am sure, if Air Asia starts flights from Pune and Ahmedabad, those flights will have highest load factor.
Peoples like me from Pune area are travelling to Kochi and Trivendrum to fly with Air Asia.

They will launch 5 new destinations to India soon, all currently served by MH...wow.

Great for Malaysia as more Indian tourists will land in our shores but that would be too harsh on MH. Why not AK launching new lines to places like these instead ?

Coimbatore
Madurai
Calicut
Ahmedabad
Pune

I'll definitely fly to Mumbai if Air Asia goes there.Are there plans for AA to fly to northern India?

Their website says delhi...

where is the flights flying from Melaka....

AirAsia minta pesawat khas
18 Januari 2010 / 2 Safar 1431
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0118&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Korporat&pg=ko_01.htm

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2010/0118/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_01.1.jpg

TONY FERNANDES... Kami memerlukan pesawat yang lasak.

where is the flights flying from Melaka....

Yes, I also would like to know the Melaka airport status and when AA will use that airport. Anyone have an idea?

AirAsia X Undertakes Seat Refurbishment Exercise
January 19, 2010 14:50 PM

SEPANG, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- AirAsia X is undertaking a major refurbishment exercise to upgrade all economy and business class seats on board its long-haul aircraft.

Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said the first aircraft will be refurbished by Feb 1, 2010.

The entire exercise, to be done in stages, would be completed by June and provide a more valueble experience for our customers, he said.

Besides the economy seats being refurbished to a more comfortable level, business class travellers will also enjoy a pleasurable journey.

" AirAsia X will have lie flat beds for business class passengers, first of its kind for long-haul aircraft to replace XL seats. There will be 12 lie flat beds in A330 and 18 lie flat beds in A340.

"After taking into consideration complaints (on leg room), we believe the new seats will be more comfortable and relaxing to our customers," he added.

Azran told this to reporters after launching ExxonMobil's "Discover Travel @ Asia" promotion in conjuction with Esso and Mobil's latest Smiles Driver Rewards promotion here Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Esso Malaysia's Retail and Business Director Faridah Ali said the latest Smiles promotion with AirAsia, which began in December, was a way of rewarding and thanking some 1.5 million Smiles members for their loyalty.

The first batch of eight winners awarded today will fly to Abu Dhabi with RM10,000 cash. The three-month promotion ends in February.

"For the final two months, there are 16 grand prizes up for grabs which includes trips to Ho Chi Minh and Hangzhou with RM10,000 cash," she said.

Smiles members who own an AirAsia co-branded credit card will automatically be entitled to five entries when they charge their fuel purchases to the card.

Esso Malaysia Bhd, ExxonMobil Malaysia Sdn Bhd and ExxonMobil Borneo Sdn Bhd operate 560 service stations throughout Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia X premium fares to go up after refurbishing
By B.K. SIDHU and SHARIDAN M. ALI


Replacing of seats to cost US$10mil

starbiz@thestar.com.my

SEPANG: AirAsia X Sdn Bhd will spend up to US$10mil to refurbish all its eight aircraft with the first plane to be grounded for the fitting on Jan 28, said chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

To be completed by June, the refurbishment which would entail replacing the seats with new ones has been entrusted to BE Aerospace, a global manufacturer of aircraft passenger cabin interior products for commercial aircraft and business jets.


Azran Osman-Rani ... ‘This improvement will provide our customers more value for money.’
Fares will go up after the refurbishment but only for the premium class, which will have flat beds, similar to those offered by full service carriers for their business class. After the fitting, the economy class on AirAsia X will have more comfortable seats with bigger leg room from the current configuration.

How much the fares will increase is not clear but Azran told StarBiz it will be “a third of what full service carriers are charging for business class or at par with non-low cost carrier’s economy class fare.’’

“The fare for the upgraded (economy) seats will be the same. This improvement is to provide our customers more value for their money,” Azran said at an event earlier yesterday.

An analyst said AirAsia X would be among the first low cost carriers to offer flat beds and that was an huge improvement in its product offering. He reckoned the fare difference could be minimal but the comfort provided following the seat refurbishment exercise could improve the carrier’s market positioning where it operated.

At the event, Azran announced that AirAsia X would undertake a massive refurbishment of its seats in stages to provide a more valuable experience for its customers.

“We will introduce 12 new lie-flat beds in our A330 and 18 beds in A340. The seats will also be upgraded to provide more comfort with spacious leg room,” he told reporters after the launch of a three-month partnership between AirAsia Bhd, Esso Malaysia Bhd and ExxonMobil Malaysia Sdn Bhd to be part of Esso and Mobil’s latest “Discover@Asia” promotion.

Azran said the airline was adding by year-end four new aircraft that would be fully fitted with the new seats. This would bring AirAsia X’s fleet to 12 aircraft.

The Esso and Mobil partnership, which is in conjunction with Esso and Mobil’s latest Smiles Driver Reward promotion, offers members of the loyalty programme the chance to win AirAsia holiday packages and e-gift vouchers.

Smiles members were also recently given an exclusive opportunity to purchase AirAsia flight tickets to Yogyakarta at a special promotional price.

Esso Malaysia retail business director Faridah Ali said the partnership between the companies reflected a common passion in providing their customers with the best travel experience.

The eight December grand prize winners were also revealed yesterday. They each received a four-day and three-night trip to Abu Dhabi with RM10,000 spending money.

The second and third months of the promotion offer 16 grand prizes and 500 consolation prizes.

AirAsia introduces self-check in
Published: 2010/01/20





Low cost carrier, AirAsia, is now offering a convenient self check-in service at several airports in Malaysia and regional countries.

The service is available at the Low Cost carrier Terminal (LCCT)-Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai.

For added comfort and convenience, customers can also utilise its web-based check-in service, the carrier said in a statement today.

AirAsia said the initiative was part of its on-going mission of using the information, communication and technology (ICT) forefront to exploit technology and practice cost efficiency.

By adopting a cost effective service and liberating the traveling experience for customers, the innovative service will also avoid airport congestion, long queues and reduce waiting time at no extra cost, it said.

According to AirAsia, customers can still opt to check-in the conventional way, at its airport counters.

"We have invested quite a significant amount to develop our ICT facilities in order to keep-up with global standards.

"Now, we have equipped ourselves to fully exploit the benefits of it and achieve a competitive excellence in the market," AirAsia Bhd's group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said. -- BERNAMA

Oakland Raiders becomes AirAsia strategy
Published: 2010/01/21




On a sultry June night, Kuala Lumpur’s rooftop Luna Bar is throbbing with dance music as an overflow crowd takes in the view of the Malaysian capital’s Petronas Twin Towers. Champagne corks pop as men in suits mingle with women in little black dresses, joined by American football players and cheerleaders.

The scene is a party for AirAsia X Sdn Bhd, the long-haul unit of low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd, a company that in eight years has grown from a two-plane startup to Southeast Asia’s biggest budget airline, Bloomberg Markets magazine reported in its February issue.

In the midst of the hubbub, AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes toasts his company’s sponsorship of the Oakland Raiders, three-time National Football League Super Bowl champions. Next to the outdoor pool, Fernandes -- dressed in a black Raiders T-shirt and his trademark red AirAsia cap -- dances with three Raiderette cheerleaders.

“This is what AirAsia is all about,” Fernandes, 45, says, sipping a glass of rum and Coca-Cola.

AirAsia X doesn’t even fly to Oakland, California, and few Malaysians follow US football. “We always disrupt, innovate and do something that no one ever thought of -- and sponsoring an NFL team is all about becoming a global brand,” Fernandes says. He declines to say how much the airline will spend on the multiyear sponsorship.

The British-educated Fernandes is following in the footsteps of Virgin Group Ltd. founder Richard Branson and EasyJet Plc’s Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the UK aviation entrepreneurs who built underdog empires to compete with state- run rivals. AirAsia and its subsidiaries flew more than 24 million passengers in 2009, compared with 20,000 in 2001, mostly to destinations that are within a few hours’ flight time from Kuala Lumpur, such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Branson, 59, who founded Virgin Atlantic Airways and once employed Fernandes in the 1980s, holds a 16 per cent stake in AirAsia X and says he’s proud of his protege.

“I am flattered that people should call him the Richard Branson of Asia,” Branson says. “He’s built a great airline that has transformed millions of people’s lives by enabling them to travel affordably.”

In 2007, Fernandes started privately held long-haul carrier AirAsia X, which flies from its Kuala Lumpur hub to Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the U.K.

Fernandes says AirAsia X will probably begin flying to Mumbai, New Delhi and Seoul in the second half of 2010, and the company is negotiating with authorities in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Oakland to add services to the US as early as 2011.

AirAsia’s dreams to become a global, no-frills, long-haul brand may be difficult to fulfill.

“What Mr Fernandes has in mind is something for which no precedent exists,” says Douglas McNeill, an airline analyst at Astaire Group Plc in London. “Building a genuinely global brand is something that a lot of airlines talk about, but it’s not something anyone has really managed to do.”

Fernandes uses a mountain bike to get around AirAsia’s headquarters at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal outside of Kuala Lumpur. Pilots and cabin-crew members greet Fernandes with high- fives as he makes his rounds dressed in a white open-necked shirt and jeans. Ground staffers in orange jumpsuits mingle with office workers who wear slacks and T-shirts in the cafeteria.

“It’s the corporate culture,” Fernandes says. “It’s about breaking down invisible walls.”

Fernandes embraces social network sites, such as Facebook (where he had 16,722 fans as of mid-January) and Twitter, to promote his airline and list available jobs. A recent Facebook wall posting: “In nyc. Full day. Lots asking when airasia is flying here.” He also writes the Tony Fernandes CEO Blog, where he posted details of his first trip aboard rival Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 jumbo jet.

Fernandes is emulating Branson and Haji-Ioannou’s business plans by expanding the AirAsia brand through travel insurance and prepaid debit cards, and operates a budget hotel and a mobile-phone company under his privately held Tune Group.

Before AirAsia’s arrival on the scene, local flag carriers Malaysian Airline and Singapore Airlines dominated the 55- minute, 307-kilometer (191-mile) route from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. A round-trip ticket on either carrier typically cost about S$400 ($290), according to OSK Research’s Ng. This month, AirAsia customers can buy tickets in advance and make the same round trip in July for as low as S$42.

In 2003, Singapore turned down Fernandes’s application to provide a bus service between the city-state and Malaysia’s Senai International Airport. Fernandes responded with a poster showing the company’s logo and a pack of chewing gum, both labeled as “banned in Singapore.” When AirAsia won the right to fly to Singapore’s Changi Airport in 2008, he ran a new ad boasting: “There’s a new girl in town. She’s twice the fun and half the price,” poking fun at rival Singapore Airlines’ “Singapore girl” campaign.

“Seven years ago, we could never have dreamed of sponsoring an NFL team,” Fernandes says. “So it goes to say: Dare to dream, dream the impossible and never take ‘no’ for an answer.” -- Bloomberg

MAHB Hopes AirAsia Pay Airport Tax Promptly
January 20, 2010 14:40 PM

SEPANG, Jan 20 (Bernama)-- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) hoped that low-cost carrier, AirAsia Bhd, pay the airport tax it owed more promptly, said its chairman, Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman.

"They are paying but we will encourage them to be prompt. The trouble is, it is a continuous thing," he told reporters at the launch of Safety, Health and Environment Campaign here Wednesday.

Aris said this when asked on the progress of the payment.

It was reported that AirAsia has chalked up arrears of RM65 million up to February last year.

On the amount of the latest outstanding arrears, Aris said: "You catch me without the figures."

He said when AirAsia did not pay, the amount of the new one would definitely go up.

"It affects our cash flow," he said.

It was earlier reported that MAHB did not take any drastic action to claim the arrears because it would affect the operation of the low-cost carrier terminal.

-- BERNAMA

No Problems With AirAsia Payment, Says MAHB
January 20, 2010 21:06 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says there are no problems in the payment of airport charges by low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd.

MAHB chief financial officer, Faizal Mansor, said airlines operating out of airports in Malaysia would pay up their charges between 45-60 days.

However, he told Bernama that ideally, MAHB would like to see airlines pay up within 30 days.

He said there was no issue as regards to the progress of the payments to MAHB by AirAsia.

"We have a good relationship with AirAsia," he said.

-- BERNAMA

From flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4286197805_9ce598091d_b.jpg

AirAsia X undertakes major seat refurbishment exercise
20th January, 2010

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7710/2001-AirAsia_X.jpg?1263963971

Azran (background left) and Esso Malaysia’s Retail and Business Director
Faridah Ali in a group photo with winners of “Discover Asia With Smiles”
Programme Partnership” programme held at the LCCT in Sepang.

SEPANG: AirAsia X is undertaking a major refurbishment exercise to upgrade all economy and business class seats on board its long-haul aircraft.

Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said the first aircraft will be refurbished by Feb 1, 2010.

The entire exercise, to be done in stages, would be completed by June and provide a more valuable experience for our customers, he said.

Besides the economy seats being refurbished to a more comfortable level, business class travellers will also enjoy a pleasurable journey.

“AirAsia X will have lie flat beds for business class passengers, first of its kind for long-haul aircraft to replace XL seats. There will be 12 lie flat beds in A330 and 18 lie flat beds in A340.

“After taking into consideration complaints (on leg room), we believe the new seats will be more comfortable and relaxing to our customers,” he added.

Azran told this to reporters after launching ExxonMobil’s “Discover Travel @ Asia” promotion in conjuction with Esso and Mobil’s latest Smiles Driver Rewards promotion here yesterday.

AirAsia expects RM48m F&B sales
Published: 2010/01/25

AirAsia Bhd expects its food and beverage (F&B) sales to increase to RM48 million this year following the addition of 100PLUS and Coca-Cola.

Its chairman, Datuk Aziz Bakar, said it recorded RM38 million in sales last year.

"AirAsia expects to sell 24,000 cans per month of each brand," he told reporters after the signing of strategic partnership agreement with F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd in Petaling Jaya today.

He said AirAsia would serve the drinks on all its flights departing from Malaysia next month.
"The distribution agreement, which takes effect on Feb 1, includes the sales of Coca-Cola," he said.

Aziz said the agreement was for more than one year with options for more and the selling price for each can would be RM5.

He said the airline would continue to innovate and enhance its products and services to meet its guests'' expectations.

F&N Beverages Marketing, the soft drinks arm of Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd,

is the largest beverages distributor in Malaysia, distributing products like 100PLUS, F&N Fun Flavours, SEASONS, Fruit Tree and F&N Cordials. -- Bernama

Air Asia Flight @Trivandrum International Airport
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6181/img2775oh.jpg

Shot Using Canon PowerShot S5 IS (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s5is.asp) on 23.01.2009

^^dats cool!! thx

AirAsia expects RM48m F&B sales
Published: 2010/01/25

AirAsia Bhd expects its food and beverage (F&B) sales to increase to RM48 million this year following the addition of 100PLUS and Coca-Cola.

Its chairman, Datuk Aziz Bakar, said it recorded RM38 million in sales last year.

"AirAsia expects to sell 24,000 cans per month of each brand," he told reporters after the signing of strategic partnership agreement with F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd in Petaling Jaya today.

He said AirAsia would serve the drinks on all its flights departing from Malaysia next month.

"The distribution agreement, which takes effect on Feb 1, includes the sales of Coca-Cola," he said.

Aziz said the agreement was for more than one year with options for more and the selling price for each can would be RM5.

He said the airline would continue to innovate and enhance its products and services to meet its guests'' expectations.

F&N Beverages Marketing, the soft drinks arm of Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd,

is the largest beverages distributor in Malaysia, distributing products like 100PLUS, F&N Fun Flavours, SEASONS, Fruit Tree and F&N Cordials. -- Bernama

>> http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/26/business/5543750&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/1/26/business/b_p7airAsia.jpg

today's thestar got big adv on airasia
hmm history in the making?? find out 2morow...hmm wats dat??

AirAsia to fly to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi

KUALA LUMPUR: Low cost carrier AirAsia says it will fly to the Indian cities of Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

To mark the opening for sale of the new routes, it is offering fares as low as RM199 for the booking period from Wednesday to Sunday.

In a statement, AirAsia said the Penang-Chennai route would commence on April 28 while the Kuala Lumpur-Chennai route would start on May 17.

It will fly to Bangalore and Mumbai in May, to Hyderabad in July and Delhi in August.

AirAsia Berhad CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said that it was “a timely effort in response to our Prime Minister’s call to strengthen Malaysia-India bilateral relations.”

“We are proud to position Kuala Lumpur as the gateway to India. At the same time, it is India’s gateway to ASEAN,” he said.

AirAsia Targets Two Million Passenger To India By 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Budget carrier AirAsia, which will start services to five more Indian cities starting April, has targeted two million passengers to India by 2011, its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes on Tuesday.

"We are proud to position Kuala Lumpur as the gateway to India and at the same time it is India's gateway to Asean," Fernandes said after the launch of the new services by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

The airline will start daily flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai in the second and third quarters of this year.

It will fly from Penang to Chennai on April 28 and from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai (May 6), Chennai (May 17), Bangalore (May 20), Hyderabad (July 20) and New Delhi (August 4).

Ong said with the new routes, Air Asia and and its long-haul carrier Air Asia X would be able to leverage on the fast economic growth of India.

"I hope that AirAsia and AirAsia X will continue to go forward and open up even more destinations in India and across the world to give Malaysians the oppportunity to visit new places and more importantly providing Malaysia's companies and businesses an avenue to go into new markets and explore new economic opportunities," he said.

The flights to India will become more important as Malaysia has longstanding relations to India that are expected to improve further after the recent visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to India, Ong said.

"Both Malaysia and India have agreed for the contentious problem of visas to be reviewed thoroughly in order not to be an impediment to bona fide tourists," he said, adding that in 2009, the total number of tourists from India to Malaysia was 589,838.

Ong said AirAsia had carried 237,367 passengers to the four India cities of Trichy, Kochi, Trivandrum and Kolkata, the first cities it flew to.

"In this regard, the government will continue to facilitate the industry in its efforts to achieve its vision," he said.

Sales for the new routes have started from as low as RM199 for bookings from Jan 27 to 31 to travel between April 28 and Oct 30 this year.

-- BERNAMA

^^2mil passengers?? waaa...so ambitious..but surely airasia boleh!!!

AirAsia aiming for Indonesia next
Wednesday, 27 January 2010

KUALA LUMPUR - After India, it’s hello Indonesia.

http://www.malaysianmirror.com/images/stories/FrontImages/air-asia.png

Fresh from announcing AirAsia’s foray to India yesterday, Tony Fernandes is now setting his sights on the sprawling Indonesian archipelago.

“ Indonesia has vast tourism potential,” said the budget carrier’s maverick boss.

“ There can always be a flight to Indonesian routes. The country has many natural and historical attractions.”

Think Bandung and Medan

Bali may be the main attraction but other Indonesian gems are waiting to be discovered.

“Bandung is catching up fast. So are Medan and Surabaya,” said Fernandes.

And just like India, there are more than economic reasons that tie Malaysia to Indonesia.

“AirAsia is just scratching the surface. There is a lot more to unearth.”

He said one of his goals is to have a direct flight from Medan to India and making the Sumatran city the hub for AirAsia in Indonesia.

“We are as much Indonesian as we are Malaysian.

Bullish

“ I am very bullish about the prospects for the Indonesian routes. It would be wonderful if we could dominate the Asian niche, especially now that we have flights to China and are set to fly to India.”

AirAsia yesterday announced that the Penang-Chennai route on April 28 would mark its entry into the Indian subcontinent.

This would be followed by the Kuala Lumpur-Chennai route from May 17. It will also fly to Bangalore and Mumbai in May, and to Hyderabad in July and Delhi in August

Fernandes said he has set a target of two million passengers annually for the India market.

The carrier has waethered the worst of the global economic storm and its outlook is brighter from hereon, he said.

“In fact we are hiring more people when others are terminating their staff.”

Talking India

Indian authorities have allowed Air Asia to offer 10,402 seats per direction per week for the time being and Fernandes is confident the passenger volume would grow further.

“India is a burgeoning market just like China. It has one of the highest populations in Asia and is said to be one of the economic giants.

“The potential for growth is immense. Besides the economy, many Malaysians have a religious or family ties with India.”

By May 2008, the airline had flown 55 million cumulative passengers. AirAsia is currently the largest single customer for the Airbus A320

AirAsia’s entry may reduce airfares to India
By B.K. SIDHU
bksidhu@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: A decline in airfares is a given with the entry of AirAsia and AirAsia X on the major routes to India, some of which were once tightly held by the incumbent.

Previously, Indian Airlines operated certain routes but it ceased over a year ago, following which Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has been the sole carrier for some of the points.

Now things will change and it is “normal to expect a drastic drop in airfares” with competition coming from the low-cost carrier, said an analyst.

How low fares could go is not clear but as a promotional offer, AirAsia is offering a one-way fare of RM199 and analysts believe the incumbent will also drop fares very soon in response to the RM199 offering.

A check on the respective airlines’ websites revealed that a round trip from KLIA to New Delhi on August 5 to 15 is RM719 on a low-cost carrier; AirAsia X is more than 50% lower than MAS, whose online fare was RM1,592, but MAS is a full service carrier.

“The incumbent will not drop fares to RM199 but a reasonable discount can be expected as it would want to safeguard its market share. Initially, the drop will be bigger but in the longer term and prices will stabilise. However, yields will come under pressure,” an industry source said.

The RM199 offer is for a limited period only.

The cutting of airfares to combat competition is nothing new as this was seen when AirAsia X began mounting flights to Melbourne and Perth.

It has became a trend and initially the incumbent may lose some market share but over some months there would be stability and “MAS would have to adjust its pricing and marketing strategy for this market now that it has competition,” the source said.

AirAsia and its sister airline, AirAsia X, finally got the nod to fly to New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai beginning April.

This will set a new wave of competition which is necessary for the Indian routes and gives more choices to consumers.

The low-cost carrier will fly from Penang to Chennai on April 28 and from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai (May 6), Chennai (May 17), Bangalore (May 20), Hyderabad (July 20) and New Delhi (Aug 4).

Unlike the other sectors, fares are very competitive on the Chennai and Hyderabad routes as the routes are currently serviced by MAS, Jet Airways and Indian Airlines.

India is not a new market for AirAsia as it has carried 237,367 passengers to the four India cities of Trichy, Kochi, Trivandrum and Kolkata, but the major routes are the busiest and airlines need to be on the main trunk routes if they want to penetrate a particular market.

“The opportunities are out there for AirAsia and AirAsia X to provide connectivity for the 1.3 billion Indian and 600 million Asean population.

“AirAsia X will also gain by carrying passengers from Australia to India and vice versa and once its opens new routes, there is opportunity for greater connectivity,” a source said.

While fares will come under pressure on the flights to India, Middle Eastern airline Emirates will add more competition to the already competitive KLIA-Melbourne route by mounting direct flights from KL to Melbourne beginning Feb 1, offering fares of RM1,880 for an all inclusive return flight.

Wow AirAsia is really aggresively expanding...

Where is MAS??? What are you guys doing???

Shall we say that AirAsia is not national fleet then? hehe

air asia is currently more than 50% owned by foreigners which means technically it's majority owned by foreigners...
...it's like a malaysian brand..but certainly not a national fleet...no surprise that it's aggresively expanding...and it's doing a good job..whereas mas doing just an average job and it's still having problems in terms of service...

read this one blogger experince-http://remgold.blogspot.com/2010/01/saya-dah-pulang-marah-dengan-mas-klia.html

AirAsia X suspending Abu Dhabi service
Published: 2010/02/01

DUBAI: Long-haul budget airline AirAsia X is suspending
its Kuala Lumpur-Abu Dhabi service after Feb 21 for commercial reasons.

"We'll resume it later once we're able to have a more economical aircraft to service this route," the carrier said in response to queries about its Abu Dhabi flights posted on the Facebook social networking website.

The airline, nonetheless, said "we remain optimistic about the potential of Abu Dhabi".

"And we believe (that) with the right aircraft, the economic upside can be very promising, especially if we can pair up Abu Dhabi with another onroute destination," said AirAsia X.

The company deploys the four-engine Airbus A340 for the service which started in November 2009 with five flights per week.

Meanwhile, The National daily quoted a spokesman for Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) as saying that AirAsia X had confirmed that from late February 2010, the airline would temporarily suspend its current service to Abu Dhabi.

"Adac looks forward to the airline recommencing its service to Abu Dhabi International Airport in the near future," he said.

Adac advised passengers to contact AirAsiaX directly for further details.

AirAsia X said affected passengers could request for a full refund of their flight tickets.

They could also opt to re-route to other AirAsia X destinations. - BERNAMA



Air Asia X not successful yet as Air Asia?...

^^ Or something to do with wrong customer match ? Gulf Arabs and professional expats in the UAE generally have this mindset of travelling in style and would most likely avoid travelling by LCC.

i think the current fleet is not economical to sustain that long journey.....

It's about AirAsia not getting enough planes yet to compromise with their demand or rather East Asian routes are much more profitable so highest priority

^^ Or something to do with wrong customer match ? Gulf Arabs and professional expats in the UAE generally have this mindset of travelling in style and would most likely avoid travelling by LCC.

maybe the target is not the arabs, but rather malaysian travellers or foreign construction workers in UAE who want to visit malaysia for holiday :lol: jk

but if you see there's also arabian LCC, Air Arabia. which means there is a demand for LCC in that region. maybe the destination should be Beirut/Damascus instead of Abu Dhabi....they are far much touristic.

AirAsia launches cheap fare promotion to London
Written by Melody Song
Monday, 01 February 2010 19:05

KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AIRASIA BHD [] has announced the commencement of its latest flight promotion for "all-in" fares from Kuala Lumpur to London for RM899 for the travel period from May 4 to Oct 30, 2010.WOW!!

"The Great British Sale" started today, and will last for two weeks until Feb 14, 2010.

"Guests from Malaysia may connect from London (Stansted Airport) to many other European cities like Edinburgh in Scotland, Dublin in Ireland, Madrid in Spain, Berlin in Germany and not forgetting romantic Paris in France," said AirAsia Group regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan.

"With AirAsia's strong network, the Europeans may use Kuala Lumpur as a gateway hub to experience beautiful locations like Penang, Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak and tap on AirAsia's incredible network to Asean destinations including India, Australia, China, Taiwan and many more."

She added that over 50,000 hotel lodgings and tours deals were also offered under AirAsiaGo.

As a special Valentine's Day "Big on Love" promotion, the carrier is also offering fares from RM299 to popular domestic and international destinations such as Penang, Jakarta, Bangkok and Phuket.

The booking period for this promotion is from Feb 1 to Feb 16, 2010 and the travel period is from Feb 22 to May 31, 2010.

AA @ PV
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4327301110_3b9e25da61_o.jpg

AirAsia X confident of landing maiden profit
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2010/02/04

AirAsia X is upbeat about making a small profit for the year 2009 after being in operations for almost three years

AIRASIA X (5099) chief is optimistic that the airline will make a small profit for the year 2009.

"We tripled our business in the first nine months of 2009, a few routes saw 75 per cent growth despite numbers of other airlines shrinking, and we had a phenomenal December. We are happy we survived," Azran Osman-Rani said.

This will be the first time the airline will make a profit after being in operations for almost three years.

Azran said its numbers are yet to be audited, but the performance of the carrier in the first three quarters was promising.
"I believe that once the numbers are tallied, we will prove that we really do have the lowest unit cost per available seat kilometre at three US cents in 2008 and 2009 ..., even with fuel being what it was," Azran said.

Its low unit cost has been key to the airline's ability to survive, with all the challenges airlines have been facing in filling up planes.

The year 2009 is seen as a growth expansionary year, with AirAsia X growing its fleet size to eight planes and nine destinations by the end of the year.

On his plans for this year, Azran said one thing the turbulence in 2009 had taught him was to be flexible.

"We started the year (2009) with many plans, but what 2009 taught us was we really needed to be nimble and flexible. Which is why we now have not only plan A, but also B and C," he said.

The long-haul budget carrier is expecting another four A330s this year, bringing its fleet up to 12 by the end of 2010.

The deliveries for the planes are expected to start in June.

On financing for the four planes coming in this year, some proposals have been received and the airline is looking at a mix of financing possibilities, Azran said.

Besides export credit agency-backed financing, airlines can also finance aircraft purchases via conventional loans, and sale and leaseback of planes.

While Azran declined to reveal the amount of financing the airline would need, earlier reports had put the price of three planes at RM2.16 billion.

Recently, AirAsia X announced that it will be suspending its KL-Abu Dhabi route this month as it is realigning its fleet and adding another five destinations in India from May 2010.

-delete-

AirAsia resumes flight to Tianjin
Published: 2010/02/06

BUDGET airline AirAsia Bhd resumed its Kuala Lumpur-Tianjin flight on Monday, following the temporary suspension of its services in November last year due to adverse weather conditions in north China.

The five times weekly flights use the A330, with two-class configuration of 28 premium seats and 355 economy seats.

Foreigners hold 49.83pc of AirAsia
Published: 2010/02/09

AIRASIA Bhd says foreigners held 49.83 per cent, or 2.76 billion shares, in the company as of February 5 this year.



:ohno:

AirAsia X Increases Frequency To Hangzhou

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- AirAsia's long haul affiliate, AirAsia X, will increase its frequency to Hangzhou, the gateway of Shanghai, with direct daily flights starting March 28, 2010.

"The response has been extremely good as we are running past 70 per cent load factor for the Hangzhou-Kuala Lumpur routes," said AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan.

In a statement Wednesday, she said the airline always positioned Hangzhou as its eastern gateway into the Yangtze Delta region as it took only 75 minutes to Shanghai by bullet train.

Hangzhou is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China, famed for its West Lake, Longjing Tea Fields and Six Harmonies Pagoda.

The AirAsia X flight to Hangzhou is serviced by Airbus A330-300 with 383 economy seats including 28 premium seats.

AirAsia X will depart from Kuala Lumpur at 8.10am and arrive in Hangzhou at 1.10pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and at 5.20pm to reach its destination at 10.20pm every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.

The flight from Hangzhou will depart at 2.10pm and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 7.10pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 11.20pm to arrive here 4.20am every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.

AirAsia has 198 flights weekly flying from various destinations in Asean to nine destinations in China including Hong Kong and Macau.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia To Establish Joint Venture Airline In Vietnam


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd through its fully owned subsidiary, AA International Ltd, is set to establish a joint venture airline in Vietnam.

The venture will see the Malaysian and Vietnamese parties establishing a low cost airline in Vietnam based on the successful AirAsia business model.

The main Vietnamese party will be SOVICO Holdings, an established corporation with interests in banking and finance, real estate, plantation and power plants.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, AirAsia said the venture would enhance the company's ASEAN regional expansion by providing AirAsia with additional routes and destinations.

"Vietnam will be a gateway which connects the travel markets of Asean with mainland China and potentially the regions of South Asia, North and East Asia including possibly Japan, Korea and Taiwan," it stated.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the joint-venture is expected to commence operations either in April or June this year.

--BERNAMA

AirAsia is British MotoGP's title sponsor
Published: 2010/02/11

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia on Wednesday became the title sponsor for the British Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) in a three-year deal starting this year.

Its chief executive officer (CEO), Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, said the British MotoGP would be held at the prestigious Silverstone circuit in June.

He, however, did not want to disclose the allocation for the sponsorship.

"I decided to sponsor the Silverstone circuit because it was a special comeback for the circuit since 1986 (last race held at the circuit), thus it was available for us to approach.

"For AirAsia, this sponsorship will bring a lot of attention from all over the world and we must admit that Malaysia is closea with England compared with other European countries," he told reporters here.

Fernandes earlier signed the agreements between AirAsia and Dorna Sports S.L. at the British Racing Drivers Club at the Silverstone circuit.

Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta signed on behalf of the company which was established in 1988 as an international sports management and marketing company.

Dorna Sports S.L. has been the exclusive holder of all commercial and TV rights of the MotoGP since 1992.

The 2010 MotoGP World Championship calendars will kick off in April as the action at the Silverstone circuit is scheduled for June 18-20.

"It's a huge thing for me and it's great that we have a brand, AirAsia, from Malaysia that Dorna S.L. wants to cooperate with," he said.

Fernandes said it was a dream comes true and a big step for him because at the Sepang circuit last year two Malaysia riders representing AirAsia racing team made their debut by wildcards.

"We had our first taste when we sponsored the entries of Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahimi Khairuddin. It was a magnificent experience.

"The boys did Malaysia proud and we were thrilled to have helped make their dream a reality. We are proud and excited to be back in the MotoGP this year, with a bigger role by being the title sponsor," he said.

Fernandes said it had always been his dreams to establish a MotoGP team from Malaysia and although it was a long journey, it is must start from now.

"Maybe five or 10 years from now we can dream to have our own Valentino Rossi (the eight-time world champion)," he added. - BERNAMA

AirAsia offers 20pc discount
Published: 2010/02/17

AIRASIA Bhd will be offering a 20 per cent price slash for all seats to all destinations during a four-day promotion from Feb 18-21.

In a statement today, AirAsia said the promotion will be available exclusively online via its website at www.airasia.com during the promotion period for a travel period from March 23-31 this year.

The discounts for its domestic and international destinations will be available for AirAsia's nine regional hubs namely Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Bangkok, Phuket, Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Bandung stretching across 20 countries to over 130 routes.

The promotion excludes domestic destinations within Thailand and the new routes to India (Banglore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai from Kuala Lumpur and to Chennai from Penang) for which sales were opened recently, where promotional fares are still available online until February 21.
Its regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan said guests will be able to book flights to favourite destinations such as London, Australia, China as well as regional favourites like Siem Reap, Bali, Phuket, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City during the four-day promotion.

Those planning on domestic travel in Malaysia will also benefit from the promotion as domestic destinations are included, she said.

BERNAMA

Congratulation to AA, bags the world's best Low Cost airline company title!

From flickr
by ameland1732

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4367827771_12da7c379e_b.jpg

AirAsia X: Seoul, Sydney routes crucial to business model
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2010/02/18

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/aap2/pix_topright

BUDGET airline AirAsia X Sdn Bhd (5099) needs to win rights to fly to high traffic destinations such as Seoul and Sydney because it is crucial for its long-haul business model.

"It is critical for our own business, for us to sustain our business model. We are committing huge amount of capital - and we do need the routes," AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani told Business Times recently.

AirAsia X has equal share of profitable and non-profitable routes now.

As an airline that grows through the introduction of new routes, it is crucial that it also has established routes which help "subsidise" the investments made into new routes.
Azran said the break-even point of new routes varies, with some needing a surprisingly short time, while others need longer.

"Taipei exceeded our expectations, in barely six months it broke even. London, for example, will probably need between 12 and 18 months," Azran said.

In July last year, it was reported that the government was putting the award of rights for Seoul and Sydney to AirAsia X on hold, in a move to get its sister company AirAsia Bhd to pay around RM110 million owed to government-linked company Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd for services rendered.

After settling the bill late last year, however, it is understood that the rights are further delayed by a need to appease the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which is currently servicing the routes.

Azran is confident, however, that the carrier will eventually be given the rights to fly into the two cities.

"I am confident that the government will see that it's in the national interest for us (Malaysia) to have more flights (into Sydney and Seoul)," Azran said.

He said government studies and methodology show that the country is losing RM1 billion in opportunity cost from each route alone.

The amount includes potential spending by tourists on airlines and hotels.

Azran said currently the gap of flights to the two city-states between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and Bangkok are huge.

MAS is doing 14 flights to Sydney, while Singapore is doing 52. For Seoul, MAS is doing less than half that of the other airlines.

"If the country wants the KL International Airport to be a priority, we need more flights. The number of flights a country has is proportionate with the tourists it has, that's a proven fact. We do not have enough direct flights and this is of grave critical importance," Azran said.

AirAsia's flight suspension due to 'commercial reason'. huh, interesting that those destinations are doubtful in the first place.

Manado-KL, Palembang-KL, Miri-Singapore, Tawau-Singapore....:sleepy:

favourite indonesian destinations for malaysians are Medan, Bandung and Bali!! you can't promote tourism by introducing flight to 'unknown' destinations. tourism cannot be forced. same like those lesser known destinations in india and china.

Kuala Lumpur – Abu Dhabi – Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur – Manado – Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur – Palembang – Kuala Lumpur
Miri – Singapore – Miri
Tawau – Singapore – Tawau
Kuala Lumpur – Guilin – Kuala Lumpur

some potential destinations for AirAsia to consider:

Kathmandu, Nepal
Manila, Philippines (not the far far away Clark!)
Cebu, Philippines
Male, Maldives
Cape Town, South Africa
Karachi, Pakistan
Kaohsiung, Taiwan

When AA introduce this new, exotic route like Solo, Manado, Palembang and Banda Acheh, I think it is more about bringing in the Indonesian to our country, rather than the other way around.

Their target markets are probably all the Indonesian domestic helpers and construction workers (either on their way in, or way back for their holiday), and not to forget, the newly emerging Indonesian middle class who can now afford short-haul vacation to neighbouring country (Singapore, KL, Bangkok...).

i don't understand the reason why AA more interested in introducing new destinations than increasing frequency...

Taipei, Bali, HK, (even Siem Reap!) are popular destinations which i always hard to find date for cheaper ticket. and coming Mumbai, it is not enough for just a daily flight.

come on, introducing indonesian destinations bcoz they think domestic helpers would return to their place once a month? even a lot of maids coming here are from Lombok! also we must know that KL is not that famous for indonesian middle-class families and youngsters as they are 'too excited' with singapore, singapore and singapore only. KL for them is just 'underdog'.

2 cents.

Wonder if Tiger might consider a Miri/Tawau run? Obviously their overheads at Singapore are shorter and they are cheaper from the Budget Terminal in terms of their fare structure. But mabye they will put their focus on China.

New lie-flat bed seats!:cheers:

http://blog.airasia.com/index.php/finally-new-seats-for-airasia-x-includin

Great! Sad to hear that the tvs in seats have gone :(

AirAsia announces RM639.3mil pre-tax profit

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd announced a pre-tax profit of RM639.317mil for the year ended Dec 31, 2009, a turnaround from a pre-tax loss of RM869.198mil in 2008.

In contrast to the aviation industry gloom, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said the budget airlines’ revenue for the year was higher by 11.5% to RM3.179bil against RM2.851bil previously.

In a statement, AirAsia said its passenger growth registered a healthy 21% increase to 14.2 million in the Malaysian operations.

The combined Malaysian, Thailand and Indonesian operations carried 24% more passengers, totalling 22.7 million, it said.:cheers:

Fernandes said: “We have successfully grown our market share in every market we served, opened up four new bases (Penang, Bandung, Phuket and Surabaya), launched new routes and amassed RM748mil cash in the balance sheet as a bulwark against any contingencies that may arise.”

On the operations in Thailand, Fernandes said AirAsia Thailand has captured a substantial market share and delivered a core operating profit of 334 million baht (RM34.1mil).

The Thai operation is enjoying the cost benefits of the increased number of Airbus A320 aircraft in its fleet, he said.

On AirAsia Indonesia, he said: “Indonesia is in the final stage of its aircraft renewal programme and this will help enhance operational reliability, increase capacity and substantially reduce operational cost.”

As Indonesia received more Airbus A320 aircraft, it would replicate the cost advantages in Malaysia and was on course to deliver sustainable profits for the full year 2010, he said.

Fernandes was optimistic on AirAsia’s prospects in 2010, saying: “There are early signs that the global economy is stabilising and the benefits are already visible in the aviation industry.”

The supply-demand conditions are favourable for an upward fare revision in certain sectors, he said.

”We have identified nine new routes to be launched and this will support passenger growth of 11-14% in 2010,” he said.

Based on the forward-booking trend, the underlying passenger demand in the first quarter 2010 was positive, said Fernandes.

The group is also determined to increase its penetration in the Asean region.

While it was already operating through its hubs in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, AirAsia has also entered into a joint venture with VietJet in Vietnam with the goal of launching operations out of that country this year.

On fuel, Fernandes said AirAsia has partially hedged fuel requirements up to December this year.

“This will help mitigate some of the oil price volatility and we are monitoring the market and constantly assessing the feasibility of hedging further our fuel exposure in 2010 and beyond,” he added. -- Bernama

AirAsia posts Q4 net profit of RM76.7mil on currency gains


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd recorded a net profit of RM76.7mil for the fourth quarter (Q4) ended Dec 31, 2009, from a net loss of RM201.7mil a year earlier.

However, the group’s core operating profit for the period fell 44% to RM119.2mil, and core operating profit margin was at 13.3%, lower than the 23.6% achieved in Q4 2008.


Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes
“The group has unwound currency hedges for a net gain of RM29mil in the period under review,” the low-cost carrier announced to Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

“The ringgit has strengthened against the US dollar and this has resulted in a translation gain of RM100mil during the quarter. The group has disposed of Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the quarter at a loss of RM7mil.”

AirAsia’s revenue for the quarter, however, fell slightly to RM894.1mil from RM905.0mil previously.

For the full year, the group posted revenue of RM3.2bil, 11% higher than the preceding year, while after-tax profit was RM549.1mil compared with a loss of RM496.6mil in 2008.

Passenger volume grew by 21% in 2009, while average fare was lower by 17% at RM168. Seat load factor was constant at 75%.

“We’ve successfully grown market share in every market we serve,” AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said in the statement. “There are early signs that the global economy is stabilising and the benefits are already visible in the aviation industry.”

Ten out of 18 analysts tracked by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S have either a “buy” or “strong buy” rating on AirAsia. Three called it an “underperform”, one rating it a “sell” and four calling it a “hold”.

AirAsia raih anugerah Taiwan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 26 Feb. - AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) telah memenangi anugerah Sumbangan Pelancongan Taiwan pada Majlis Anugerah Pelancongan Taiwan.

Anugerah itu telah diberikan kepada syarikat penerbangan itu oleh Biro Pelancongan Taiwan ekoran sumbangan berterusan terhadap pertumbuhan industri pelancongan negara itu.

Ketua Komersial Serantaunya, Kathleen Tan berkata, mereka menerima anugerah ini dengan penuh bangga kerana ia mencerminkan usaha AirAsia dalam membangunkan dan mempromosi Taiwan sebagai syurga percutian.

''Ia merupakan penghargaan tinggi untuk diiktiraf oleh badan pelancongan Taiwan, kerana sumbangan kami dalam industri pelancongan negara itu.

''Taiwan merupakan salah satu laluan penting AirAsia dan ia kekal komited kepada pertumbuhan sebagai destinasi pelancongan utama,'' katanya dalam kenyataan dikeluarkan di sini hari ini.

Tambah Kathleen, AirAsia berharap dapat membawa lebih banyak tetamu ke Taiwan dari hab mereka di Kuala Lumpur dan Kota Kinabalu di Malaysia dan Bangkok, Thailand.

''Ia dapat dicapai kerana negara itu mempunyai tarikan unik, kemudahan mesra pelancong, tempat membeli belah murah dan pelbagai tarikan lain yang menjadi pilihan tetamu.

''Kami percaya, aliran pelancong daripada Taiwan dan kawasan serantau ke ASEAN akan meningkatkan tawaran tambang murah. Penumpang boleh menggunakan rangkaian AirAsia yang luas sebagai pintu gerbang ke 70 destinasi,'' katanya.

Sementara itu, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Biro Pelancongan Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Komunikasi Taiwan, Steven Hsieh berkata, AirAsia diberikan anugerah itu kerana sumbangan hebat mereka dalam industri pelancongan Taiwan.

''Sejak AirAsia melancarkan penerbangan terus ke Taipei, jumlah ketibaan pelancong meningkat secara mendadak yang dapat membantu meningkatkan aktiviti pelancongan.

''Kami ingin mengucapkan tahniah untuk kemenangan anugerah tersebut dan penghargaan diberikan kepada syarikat penerbangan itu di atas usaha mereka,'' katanya.

Operasi harian AirAsia ke Taiwan dari pusatnya di Kuala Lumpur sejak 1 Julai 2009 dan Kota Kinabalu sejak 15 Januari 2010 dengan jumlah keseluruhan 28 penerbangan mingguan.

Dari Kuala Lumpur, penerbangan dikendalikan oleh AirAsia X manakala dari Kota Kinabalu dikendalikan oleh AirAsia.

Sementara itu, dari pusatnya di Bangkok, Thai AirAsia mengendalikan penerbangan harian dengan 14 penerbangan mingguan.

New website:)

www.airasia.com

AirAsia urged to continue Tawau-Singapore sector
February 27, 2010, Saturday

TAWAU: The decision by AirAsia to discontinue its direct flight from Tawau to Singapore end of this month has made many passengers here unhappy.Tawau member of parliament Datuk Chua Soon Bui said the low-cost airline would lose its credibility if it continued to cancel its routes with prepaid bookings until the second half of the year.

Chua said she had received many complaints from the public who were not dissatisfied with the cancellation of the Tawau-Singapore route as they had already bought their tickets.

AirAsia launched the direct flight at the beginning of September last year.

Chua said AirAsia had not given any reason for discontinuing the flight but she hoped the airline could work closely with the Sabah Tourism Ministry and the tourism industry players to relaunch it.

A former senior reporter, Thong Lee Fun, said the least AirAsia could do was to reduce the number of weekly flights rather than stopping them altogether.

Another alternative is to re-route passengers through Kota Kinabalu at no extra cost.

“AirAsia should ‘by default’ absorb whatever extra cost incurred.

“These passengers bought their tickers early at an offered cheap choice by AirAsia and should not be penalised as ‘early birds’.

“When AirAsia started its new destination, it should at least sustain certain risk factors for a year and not close the route once it faced low passenger load.

“Otherwise, AirAsia will surely lose its credibility. The slogan that ‘Now everyone can fly’ might become ‘Now everyone can fly if it flies’,” she pointed out.

Thong also hoped the Sabah Tourism Ministry and Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation would focus on promoting the east coast of Sabah, especially Tawau.

More KL-Taipeh AirAsia flights

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is increasing its Kuala Lumpur-Taipeh flights from seven a week to nine beginning April 15.

AirAsia is also introducing all-in-fares from as low as RM99 (TWD990) from Kuala Lumpur to Taipeh, AirAsia regional commercial head Kathleen Tan said in a statement.

Prices are for one-way travel only.

Booking period is from March 1 to March 5, while the travel period is from April 15 to Oct 30.

Promotional seats are available on a first-come first-served basis and exclusively on its website.

AirAsia urged to continue Tawau-Singapore sector

Chua said she had received many complaints from the public who were not dissatisfied with the cancellation of the Tawau-Singapore route as they had already bought their tickets.



Meaning they were satisfied??? :nuts::nuts:

AirAsia Sale

AirAsia offers 'big sale' promotion
Published: 2010/03/02



AIRASIA is offering one-way tickets from as low as RM9 across its extensive network in conjunction with its 'Big Sale' promotion.

The sale runs for one week from March 3 to March 7 for the travel period from Sept 25, 2010 to Feb 13, 2011 via its website www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com, the airline said in a statement today.

Travellers, it said can get the low-fare bargains from as low as RM9 one-way to Johor Baharu, Kota Baharu, Langkawi, Penang and Kuala Terengganu.

For international routes, it is offering as low as RM29 for one-way travel, with Australian routes such as Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth available from RM149.

In addition, other bargains include RM131 for travel to Hong Kong and RM699 to London.

The airline is also concurrently running "March Mardness" campaign online within the same booking period of March 3 to March 7 for guests to enjoy immediate travel between March 23 and May 31. -- BERNAMA

From flickr
by zulu alpha mike

air asia & mas
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4405574667_e4e9a9a124_b.jpg

It’s about time AirAsia X flies to Sydney, Seoul
Friday Reflections - By B.K. Sidhu



SYDNEY and Seoul are two hot routes that AirAsia X (AAX) is raring to fly to by mid-year.

Can it do it?

The chances are slim as up to now there is no nod from the Government to land in the two cities and it needs time to plan, open the flights for booking and do the rest of the stuff before it can begin flying.

It has been waiting for about a year for a decision to be made on this, negotiations are under way and it will be good if competition is introduced on the Sydney route.

The Sydney route is currently monopolised by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) that operates 12 weekly flights. The last time there was any competition on this route was in 2008 when Australia’s Jetstar mounted flights on the Sydney-KL-Sydney route. Then round trips only cost RM1,000.

Unfortunately, Jetstar had to abruptly halt flights as it needed the aircraft to fly to Tokyo. Despite its short stay it did shake up the market a bit with its one-way fares of RM88 and round trip inclusive of taxes and surcharges at RM996.27.

Twelve flights per week pales in comparison with the 45 and 42 weekly flights from neighbouring Singapore and Bangkok respectively to Sydney.

From the republic to Sydney, Singapore Airlines operates 21 flights, Qantas 17 and British Airways seven.

Thai Airways International mounts 21 weekly Bangkok-Sydney-Bangkok flights, and seven each are operated by Qantas, British Airways and Emirates.

MAS and Korean Air ply the KL-Seoul-KL route with 12 weekly flights each. In contrast, 58 weekly flights are mounted by four carriers on the Bangkok-Seoul-Bangkok route, and on the Singapore-Seoul-Singapore route, three carriers ply 31 weekly flights.

The question to ask is should travellers in Malaysia be at a disadvantage as there is virtually no competition on the Sydney route when the traffic volumes are said to be high? Are we allowing passengers who could potentially land in Malaysia to go to Singapore and Bangkok due to the lack of linkages?

Some people are of the view that the Government should encourage competition and not block one airline to protect the other, be it AirAsia or MAS or vice versa. A point to remember is that both the airlines cater to different market segments as one is a low-cost carrier, the other a full-service airline.

Both should be given equal chances to operate any route that they want so that they can work towards building Malaysia as a hub, bringing in tourists and tourism dollars instead of allowing Bangkok and Singapore to get the better of us with their wider linkages.

The irony of it all is that Malaysia goes all out to get foreign carriers to fly out of KL International Airport and that means our carriers, be it MAS, AirAsia or AAX, have to compete with these carriers but here AAX is still struggling to get core routes and has to be satisfied with secondary points.

In all the major aviation hubs such as in South Korea, Japan, Britain or even Australia, there are more than one national long-haul carriers and route overlap among the two is high. But why is AAX still struggling to get core routes and has to operate more on secondary routes?

The decision on routes has wider implications on the Malaysian economy, the aviation sector and consumers and it should be based on what’s best for the country. It is time to make that hard decision so that travellers can enjoy better fares on these routes.


B.K. SIDHU is deputy news editor and she loves travelling but hates flight delays.

AirAsia unveils concert ticketing website

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia has launched its new online global ticketing service, AirAsiaRedTix, by being the exclusive ticketing agent for Malaysian singing sensation Zee Avi’s March 20 concert.

There will also be an instant 50% discount for tickets purchased online.

According to a press statement yesterday, it said the website was aimed at providing the smartest new way to discover and book tickets to an international line-up of world-class concerts and more.

The venue of the Zee Avi Live concert is at KL Live, Life Centre in Kuala Lumpur and begins at 8pm.

Tickets to the concert can be purchased via AirAsiaRedTix.com from now till midnight of March 18.

The online concert tickets are priced at RM55 for main hall and RM105 for upper deck while tickets sold at KL Live from March 18 to March 20 are priced at RM105 and RM205 respectively.

Online bookings through the website are processed instantly, using the same secure payment gateway as AirAsia to process online credit card payments, and electronic tickets are sent to customers via e-mail.

Air Asia of Malaysia has moved to establish a new Vietnamese low-cost airline. The new carrier, which will be branded as VietJet AirAsia and is due to be launched in May 2010. AirAsia has acquired a 30% equity stake in VietJet Aviation JSC (VietJet Air) to create a Vietnam-based joint venture low-fare airline named VietJet AirAsia which will operate under the AirAsia brand.

http://cdn.wn.com/ph/img/13/9d/307c439701160633b6ccd36ec87e-grande.jpg

From flickr
by kentaro lemoto@tokyo

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4440241395_a0d5584543_b.jpg

From flickr
by kentaro lemoto@tokyo

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4440241395_a0d5584543_b.jpg

:cheers:I think all malaysia airlines aircraft vertical tail should look just like that:cheers:

AirAsia Miri-S’pore flight to be restored next week
by Georgette Tan March 18, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=17633

KUCHING: AirAsia has agreed to reinstate the Miri-Singapore flight by next week, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said yesterday.Dr Chan, who is also Tourism and Heritage Minister, disclosed this after a discussion with AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandez over the route, which was suspended earlier this month.

“People are used to the route. Employees of oil companies are used to travelling on that flight,” he said during a press conference at Kuching International Airport VIP lounge upon his return from Kuala Lumpur.

“I promised Fernandez that we will do our part in promoting Sarawak to Singaporeans,” he said.

Dr Chan added that he would be embarking on a roadshow to promote Sarawak in Singapore either end of this month or early April.

“On my part, I want to sell Sarawak to Singaporeans and get more people to come.

“People should know about the good tourism products available in Sarawak. We must work on a win-win situation. Tour operators can also help by getting as many people as possible to visit,” he added.

The status of other suspended international routes, like the Kuching-Jakarta flight, remains unchanged.

Dr Chan said Fernandez asked him to speak to Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAB) about offering the low-cost carrier a lower rate for airport charges.

“I hope MAB will be able to help us there, until we build up a volume where the low-cost carrier can absorb a higher cost.”

He said Sarawak tourism was behind when compared to Sabah, Penang and Melaka, and appealed for MAB to reconsider its charges.

AirAsia expects 27m passengers this year
By Jeeva ArulampalamPublished: 2010/03/20



LOW-COST carrier (LCC) AirAsia Group (5099) expects to carry some 27 million passengers this year, up from the 24 million passengers achieved last year.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said AirAsia, together with its long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X will be able to achieve 27 million passengers as load factors remain strong and signs of economic recovery are underway.

"We will use the new plane deliveries this year to continue driving our initiative of becoming a full-fledged Asean carrier this year," Fernandes told reporters at an AirAsia event in Sepang, Selangor, yesterday.

Despite AirAsia deferring the delivery of eight new A320s this year, it will still be taking in 16 new A320s, with most planes being utilised by its associates, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia.
Fernandes also said that flights to Thailand are continuing as per normal with healthy load factors despite the current political turbulence in Bangkok.

"We've not cancelled any of our flights. I think people have become used to (the ongoing political disputes) there," he said.

AirAsia is also working on increasing its ancillary revenue base by promoting local events such as upcoming concerts by artists Zee Avi and Lionel Richie, as well as international concerts.

Meanwhile, AirAsia paid tribute yesterday to two individuals who have contributed to the airline's growth and propagated the AirAsia AllStar culture by unveiling two aircraft with special liveries bearing images of both individuals.

Both brand new Airbus A320 planes bear images of the former AirAsia chairman Datuk Pahamin Ab. Rajab and AirAsia chief operating officer Bo Lingam's imagery.

"The aircraft with the special liveries shows our gratitude to their contributions in growing the airline from a fledgling Malaysian LCC to the Asean airline that it is now," said Fernandes before unveiling the planes in Sepang.

Both Pahamin and Bo joined AirAsia in 2001 and were instrumental in the development of the low-cost carrier into an internationally recognised brand.

From flickr
by zulu alpha mike

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4464656678_403c9218b9_b.jpg

Anugerah yang amat bermakna - Tony Fernandes

JOHOR BAHRU 27 Mac - Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Air Asia Bhd (AirAsia), Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes menganggap Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Inovasi Perniagaan yang dianugerahkan kepadanya sempena Konvokesyen ke-44 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hari ini sebagai anugerah paling bermakna dalam kerjayanya.

Menurut beliau, penganugerahan itu secara tidak langsung memberi impak besar dan akan membantunya merencanakan lembaran baru untuk syarikat penerbangan tambang murah itu.

"Melalui penganugerahan tersebut, kita akan terus meningkatkan inovasi dalam bidang perniagaan bagi membolehkan syarikat ini terus berkembang pada masa akan datang," katanya pada sidang akhbar di Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM Skudai dekat sini hari ini.

Anugerah tersebut disampaikan oleh Pro Canselor UTM, Raja Zarith Sofiah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris.

Tony berkata, kejayaan AirAsia juga banyak bergantung kepada tenaga mahir tempatan yang kebanyakannya terdiri daripada lulusan UTM.

Beliau berkata, lulusan UTM kebanyakannya mempunyai kemahiran dan kebolehan setaraf dengan tenaga profesional dari luar negara.

"UTM memiliki ramai pelajar cemerlang yang berkebolehan dan mempunyai kreativiti serta inovasi tersendiri dalam bidang masing-masing.

"Selain itu UTM juga sering melakukan sesuatu yang berbeza dan menggunakan teknologi terkini dan secara tidak langsung ia mendorong pihak saya untuk melatih lebih ramai pelajar tempatan," katanya.

Pengasas pasukan lumba kereta formula satu negara Lotus F1 Racing itu berkata, sejajar dengan itu pihaknya akan mengambil lebih ramai pelatih dan tenaga kerja di kalangan UTM.

Beliau berkata, sebelum ini banyak pihak beranggapan pelajar lulusan universiti tempatan tidak mempunyai kemahiran setanding dengan pelajar lulusan luar negara.

"Pelajar UTM merupakan pemikir yang kreatif dan berinovasi. Sebagai bukti UTM berjaya menghasilkan terowong angin bagi menguji kereta F1 yang bertaraf dunia.

"Saya ingin membuktikan kepada dunia bahawa pelajar Malaysia juga mempunyai kemahiran serta kreativiti tersendiri dan mereka berkebolehan untuk bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa," katanya.

p/s : Tahniah Datuk :)

AirAsia X to expand flights
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2010/04/06

Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X will focus on growing flight frequencies to existing destinations in India, Melbourne and Perth this year.

"It has been challenging, (trying to get) new routes, so we are adding even more flights to destinations such as Melbourne and Perth," AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said.

AirAsia X has been lobbying for the Sydney and Seoul routes for more than a year now.

According to a news report, the low-cost carrier (LCC)'s plan to fly to both capitals by June this year were dashed when it did not get a formal word on the issue from the government.

"We have asked for the rights to fly to Jeddah too, due to demands by our customers, but that has also been held back," Azran said.

AirAsia X, which will accept delivery of three more A330s this year, will deploy them to the two Australian cities, with the absence of the new routes.

One of the airline's top priorities this year will be to get more rights to fly into Mumbai.

"In order for it to make economic sense, we need at least daily flights to Mumbai. We will wait for the next bilateral meeting to bring the matter up with the Indian government," Azran said.

AirAsia X will start flying to Mumbai in May, and is allowed to fly four times a week.

Azran was speaking after launching AirAsia X's new seat configuration for its aircraft, which involves the introduction of flatbed premium seats, which is said to be a first for a low-cost carrier.:banana:

AirAsia X will spend RM10 million for the refurbishment of each plane. The refurbishment will allow the airline's A330 to have a seat configuration of 12 flatbed premium and 365 economy seats.

The new configurations for the airline's A340 is 18 flatbed seats and 309 economy seats. The airline currently owns eight Airbus aircraft.

In conjunction with the launch, AirAsia X is offering a "Premium Seat Promotion" to all Citibank credit card holders in Malaysia.

On offer are flights from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, from RM999 one way, and Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne from RM1,499 one way.

The offer is available exclusively online for booking from April 6 to April 8 2010, for the travel period between April 12 2010 and February 13 2011.

- Delete - repetition

AirAsia tawar laluan baru

SEPANG 7 April - AirAsia, syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, akan memperkenalkan laluan baru dari Pulau Pinang ke Langkawi mulai 13 Mei ini.

Dengan laluan terbaru itu, AirAsia menawarkan tambang serendah RM9.

AirAsia dalam kenyataannya di sini berkata, tawaran bagi tempoh empat hari mulai 8 hingga 11 April itu, hanya boleh dibeli secara eksklusif dalam talian www.airasia.com bagi penerbangan mulai 13 Mei hingga 13 Februari 2011.

Sebagai tambahan, airasiago.com turut menawarkan hotel dari serendah RM100 semalam untuk hotel bertaraf tiga hingga lima bintang yang mengambil bahagian dalam promosi berkenaan.

Hotel-hotel tersebut adalah Hotel Eagle Bay, Hotel Grand Continental Langkawi, Bayview Hotel Langkawi dan Rebak Island Resort Langkawi.

Buat masa ini, Pulau Pinang menerima 123 penerbangan domestik dan antarabangsa seminggu termasuk dari negeri itu ke Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu dan Johor Bahru.

Manakala penerbangan antarabangsa pula Bangkok, Jakarta, Medan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapura dan Chennai.

AirAsia to start Vietnam flights in August
Published: 2010/04/08




AirAsia Bhd, Southeast Asia’s biggest discount carrier, plans to operate its first flights in Vietnam in August with three planes, chief executive officer Tony Fernandes told reporters in Hanoi today.

Vietnam’s market of almost 90 million people has “huge tourist potential,” he told reporters. The company said information on destinations was not yet available. -- Bloomberg

[QUOTE=rizalhakim;54755593]AirAsia tawar laluan baru

SEPANG 7 April - AirAsia, syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, akan memperkenalkan laluan baru dari Pulau Pinang ke Langkawi mulai 13 Mei ini.

Dengan laluan terbaru itu, AirAsia menawarkan tambang serendah RM9.

But why???Remember they cancelled Kota kinabalu to labuan!:bash:Infact i think firefly should be doing this sector doing the island hoping from penang to langkawi then phuket or kok samui.:cheers:The ATRss perfect aircraft for this route not the A320 wear and tear for a short trip or may be it a good for the training pilots to do take off and landing practise ha.

AirAsia X tipped to get Seoul rights soon
By Jeeva ArulampalamPublished: 2010/04/15

AirAsia X chief executive officer says the long-haul budget carrier can help redress the shrinkage of tourist arrivals from Seoul into Malaysia

Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X (5099) is tipped to receive the rights to fly the Kuala Lumpur-Seoul route soon.

A source indicated that the airline had been given a verbal approval by the government last week.

When contacted by Business Times on Tuesday, AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said he had not received a written approval from the Malaysian Transport Ministry but welcomed the news.

"We can help to redress the shrinkage of tourist arrivals from Seoul into Malaysia, which shrank by some 15 per cent last year over 2008," he said in a phone interview.
The airline has requested daily flights to Seoul and will look to utilise one of its brand new Airbus A330s to ply the route.

As AirAsia X looks forward to expanding to South Korea, Azran said it was equally important for the airline to receive approval for other trunk routes such as KL-Sydney and KL-Jeddah to build its network.

It is seeking daily flights to Sydney, while the Saudi government is willing to grant between five and six flights per week for the KL-Jeddah route, said Azran.

"We are continuing to take new aircraft (three A330s this year), with another 17 coming in from 2011 to 2015, but don't have the right places to deploy them," he said.

He added that neighbouring governments such as Singapore and Indonesia have expressed their support for the airline to use their airports to widen its network.

Although the airline has not received an official notification on why there has been a delay in receiving approvals for these trunk routes, several suggestions have been floated to the airline.

"One of the reasons cited was since MAS (Malaysia Airlines) was asked to buy the A380 (superjumbo) jets by the government, they need the Sydney route to be protected," said Azran.

MAS, which will start receiving the first of its six A380s starting August next year, has said that it will use two of these planes for its KL-Sydney route.

Concerns have been raised previously by aviation analysts that MAS may not be able to fully maximise the yields on its A380, as A380 launch customer Singapore Airlines has struggled to do so.

"Allegedly, we are also only bringing in transit passengers. However, tourist arrivals from Australia grew by 25 per cent last year in comparison to the previous year based on the Tourism Ministry data.

"MAS did not add a single flight into Australia last year but instead cut capacity. So how do you get such a stellar growth?" said Azran.

He also said comments made that AirAsia X could fly to 34 other cities, of which it received some approvals, would not see the same amount of tourist arrivals in Malaysia.

Among the destinations suggested include Zurich in Switzerland, Vienna in Austria, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Peshawar in Pakistan.

For instance, if AirAsia X were to fly to either Zurich or Vienna, it could do flights three times a week bringing in some 44,000 passengers per destination yearly.

In comparison, daily flights to Sydney would bring in 110,000 passengers yearly, said Azran.

"This also results in the poor use of aircraft capacity when you fly to a destination with limited tourist appeal," he said, adding that it takes roughly one to one-and-a-half years for AirAsia X to turn a route profitable.

Azran also claimed that with AirAsia X not flying into Sydney and Seoul, the country was losing some RM3 billion in revenues based on the aviation sector multiplier effect of 12 times to the overall national economy.

When asked why AirAsia X did not redeploy its A330s to routes it has already received approvals such as Manchester, Azran said the planes are unsuitable for long-haul routes.

"The plan is to do Europe when the A350s start arriving in 2015," said Azran.