Asia News Desk » AirAsia

AirAsia sees strong demand despite crisis

Prahok — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:27:57 +0000

Reuters reports that AirAsia expects stronger passenger growth next year as it adds new routes and planes, saying the darkening economic outlook will boost demand for its budget flights. Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost airline plans to add nine new aircraft in 2009 to its existing fleet of 72 planes, said boss Tony Fernandes. “I am very optimistic. I mean you just saw easyJet came out with some very aggressive numbers on passenger growth, and Europe is in a much worse position than Asia,” he said. The airline said on Monday passenger volumes grew 20% in September despite the global credit crunch, but it also warned of slowing demand. “I am not saying that the market won’t shrink, but I am saying that AirAsia is in a strong position to capitalise on whatever economic situation,” said Fernandes.

AirAsia X cuts price to KL

Prahok — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:17:19 +0000

The Australian reports that AirAsia X has thrown down the gauntlet to Jetstar by offering a A$166 all-inclusive one-way fare between Australia and KL for travel next year. The airline’s decision to turn up the heat came as it sold out its four times weekly services between the Gold Coast and KL until early next month. AirAsia X GM Australia Darren Wright said the low fares were a sign of the kind of competition the carrier would offer when it moved into Jetstar’s home base of Victoria, probably towards the end of next year.

AirAsia orders 25 Airbus A320s

Prahok — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:52:00 +0000

Reuters reports that AirAsia has placed a firm order for an additional 25 Airbus A320 planes, Airbus said on Wednesday. Airbus said in a statement that the contract was signed at the Langkawi Airshow.

Subang only for turbo-props

Prahok — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:15:00 +0000

Bernama reports that the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport at Subang is only for turbo-prop aircraft according to MAS. “As far as I’m concerned, the govt has told us that Subang Airport is a turbo-prop airport,” said MAS MD and CEO Seri Idris Jala on Monday. “The govt has made a very clear statement, the last time when we were launching Firefly in Subang,” he said when asked to comment on AirAsia’s interest to operate from Subang Airport.

Sing to KL opens

Prahok — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 07:33:17 +0000

The Star reports that from Feb 2, 2008 , low-cost carriers from Singapore and Malaysia will be able to operate a total of four daily flights on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route. The Singapore govt also announced Friday that carriers from both countries would be able to operate an unlimited number of flights on the route starting from Dec 1, 2008.

Light-fingered baggage handlers arrested

Prahok — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:27:33 +0000

The Jakarta Post reports that a thieving ring at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) has been busted. Of the 25 people arrested, 21 were baggage handlers for Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Batavia Air. Now I know why those plastic wrap … Continue reading →

AirAsia opens direct flight from Aceh to KL

Prahok — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:44:11 +0000

Antara news reports that AirAsia has opened flights from Aceh to KL. Flights will run thrice weekly using an A320. This will save passengers from needing to go via Medan which was the old routing.

Cheap travel in Australia prepares for take off

Prahok — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:46:00 +0000

The Sunday Mail reports that an exciting new era in aviation takes off in Australia in August, when the first of Asia’s new discount air carriers, Viva Macau, lands in Sydney on August 15, offering a host of ultra-cheap international fares, including all-inclusive flights from Sydney to Macau for just A$305 one-way or $588 return. Viva Macau will be followed by AirAsia X, while Tiger Airways will hit the Australian domestic market with 50 new Airbus A320s. Hong Kong budget carrier Oasis and India’s Jet Airways have also expressed interest.

Another first for AirAsia

Prahok — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:42:58 +0000

Travel Daily News reports AirAsia will be the first airline in Asia to deploy OnAir mobile communications services as announced at the Paris Air Show. The service, to be deployed across the entire AirAsia fleet, will enable passengers to use their mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices to send and receive SMS text messages, emails, and to make and receive mobile phone calls during flight. The OnAir services will be introduced by Air Asia in early 2009.

Shin Corp bought out of Thai AirAsia

Prahok — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:18:40 +0000

The Bangkok Post reports that Thai AirAsia senior management acquired a 51% stake in the airline, after buying out the controversial Shin Corp as the main partner. “I hope that this acquisition will send a message to the public that Thai AirAsia is not linked to politics,” said Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of the airline.