AirAsia adds Penang-Yangon flights

AirAsia has introduced direct flights between Penang and Yangon, Myanmar, marking the 7th international destination from the airline’s northern hub. Other international connectivity available directly from Penang include flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya and Bangkok.

The new route will is thrice-weekly, and commences operations on 22 March 2016. The flight schedule for Penang, Malaysia (PEN) – Yangon, Myanmar (RGN):

Route	Flight No	Departure	Arrival	Flight Frequency
PEN - RGN	AK 1508	1200	1245	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
RGN - PEN	AK 1509	1310	1700	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Note: All times depicted are local time at respective destinations.

Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial for AirAsia Berhad says, “We are committed to grow our network and serve the ASEAN community better, apart from strengthening our secondary hubs in Malaysia. The introduction of this new route from Penang to another Indochina city reiterates that commitment, as we will also be celebrating the inaugural flight from Penang to Ho Chi Minh City at the end of this month.

“Yangon, which is Myanmar’s largest city is becoming an increasingly popular leisure destination among travellers in the region. We are confident that the direct connectivity between both cities will stimulate leisure and business activities, as this will be Malaysia’s second direct flight into Yangon.” 

Interested?

To celebrate the new route, AirAsia is offering promotional all-in fares from as low as RM99* one-way. Flight bookings can be made online at airasia.com from 13 January through 24 January 2016 and guests will be able to travel from 22 March 2016 until 5 February 2017. Bookings can also be made through AirAsia’s mobile apps on iPhone and Android devices, as well as AirAsia’s mobile site mobile.airasia.com.

*Promotional all-in fares quotes are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

AirAsia X to connect Kuala Lumpur, Auckland

Source: AirAsia. AirAsia X launches flights from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland.

AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group, commences its operations into Auckland, New Zealand from Kuala Lumpur via the Gold Coast, Australia on 22 March 2016.

Benyamin Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X says, “New Zealand is a world class destination that has always had a special place in our heart. We are excited to be back in this beautiful country to launch this service, allowing seamless connection for our guests from all over Asia to Auckland city. Similarly, New Zealanders will now have more flight options to Gold Coast as well as access to all the exciting destinations across our extensive flight network in Asia through the Kuala Lumpur hub. We are confident that our highly competitive fares will attract many new guests from the region, creating higher travel demand and in turn boosting tourism traffic for all sectors.

“Australia has always been a key market for us; this new route from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland via Gold Coast signifies our commitment to developing flight connectivity in the region and our continuous effort to expand our operations. We have all the confidence that this new route will thrive, riding on the success we achieved from our other Australian routes.

“At AirAsia X, our aim is to continue building an extensive list of exciting destinations to our guests and the introduction of this new route is in line with our turnaround initiatives that we believe will bring positive contribution to the bottom line.”

His Excellency Dr John Subritzky, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia says, “I am really happy to see another major airline like AirAsia X making its entry into New Zealand, offering all Kiwis competitive fares to visit Asia – and the broader Southeast Asia region - through the airline’s extensive flight network. I look forward to seeing a higher number of tourists visit New Zealand as a result of the new daily flights into Auckland, boosting our tourism sector and strengthening economic growth.”

Following this new route announcement, guests can now travel from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, New Zealand with a quick stopover in Gold Coast, Australia. An Australia visa is not required for this stopover and Malaysians can travel visa-free to New Zealand for up to 3 months. Guests can also make use of the Fly-Thru option to connect seamlessly to Auckland from other cities within AirAsia group’s extensive flight network; or the Multi-City option to spend a few days on the stopover in Gold Coast before travelling onward to Auckland.

Flight Schedule for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) – Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) via Gold Coast, Australia (OOL):

Route	Flight No.	Departs	Arrives	Flight Frequency
KUL - OOL	D7 206	2140	0750	Daily
OOL - AKL	D7 206	0905	1530	Daily
AKL- OOL	D7 207	1700	1725	Daily
OOL - KUL	D7 207	2140	0400	Daily

Note: All times are the local time at the destination.

Interested?

AirAsia X is offering promotional all-in-fares from RM499* one-way on economy seats and from RM1,499* one way on the Premium Flatbed seats. The Premium Flatbed seats on AirAsia X's flights feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in amenities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium Flatbed guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including unlimited flight change, choice of seats, priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage, immigration fast track at selected airports, 40kg baggage allowance, complimentary meal and drinks with pillow and duvet.

These promotional fares are available for booking online until 24 January 2016 for travel from 22 March until 5 February 2017. All promotional fares can be booked online as well as via AirAsia’s mobile apps on iPhone and Android services, and also from AirAsia’s mobile site.

*Promotional all-in-fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

Savour Asian flavours in Santan, Philippines AirAsia's new menu concept

Source: AirAsia. Santan is Philippines AirAsia's new
inflight menu concept.

Philippines AirAsia has begun serving hot meals from its newest inflight menu concept, Santan. Santan replaces AirAsia Café as part of the airline’s latest offerings to enhance customer experience while flying. The name refers to an essential ingredient in Malay cooking, the liquid obtained from pressing shredded coconut meat. Santan is thick, creamy and often use as a substitute for butter, cream or soup stock in ASEAN cooking.

New items include bangus sisig, a Filipino dish made of chunks of boneless milkfish sautéed in onions seasoned with salt, pepper and spices; buffalo chicken strips and barbeque cola beef, grilled meat with smoky sauce paired with tomato rice or roasted potatoes; and the low-calorie vegetarian chickpea curry and classic Maan’s pasta arabiata. The dishes are available for onboard and prebooked purchases on all Philippines AirAsia flights to/from Manila, Kalibo/Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea.

Other dishes on the menu also pay tribute to ASEAN flavours. These include nasi lemak, chicken rice, beef caldereta and adobo. Guests can also choose from sweets such as lemon torte, banoffee cake, sinful chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies from as low as P80 for onboard purchase.

Philippines AirAsia Commercial Head, Gerard Peñaflor said, “We value customer experience at all points of the journey – from the purchase of the ticket to leaving the airport, on board, and onto the destination. This latest enhancement in our inflight menu makes flying with us also a delightful dining experience.”

Interested?

AirAsia guests are encouraged to prebook their meals to save up to 20% as compared to purchasing their meals on board, with a guarantee that their preferred meals are available during their flights. Guests who have booked their flights without meals, meanwhile, can easily add them in via the ‘Manage My Booking’ option after logging in to www.airasia.com.

AirAsia to add direct flights between Penang and Ho Chi Minh from January 2016

Low-cost airline AirAsia is introducing direct flights from its international hub in Penang, Malaysia to the capital city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. The move strengthens the airline’s inter-ASEAN connectivity.

Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial for AirAsia said, “We strive to continue bringing Malaysia closer to our neighbouring cities by connecting more dots within ASEAN region. Penang is one of our important hubs, and we recognise its great tourism potential.. this new direct flight from Penang to Ho Chi Minh City signifies our commitment in establishing enhanced connectivity for the people from both cities.”

The Penang – Ho Chi Minh City route is flown four times a week and is scheduled to begin on 25 January 2016. AirAsia also flies direct to Ho Chi Minh City from Kuala Lumpur with five flights a day and three flights a week from Johor Bahru.

Flight Schedule for Penang (PEN) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) (commencing 25 January 2016):

Route	Flight No	Dep	Arr	Frequency
PEN - SGN	AK 1502	1220	1305	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
SGN - PEN	AK 1503	1335	1615	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Interested?

Bookings are open for the flights today online, via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as the mobile site. BIG members also will be able to redeem their flights for the Penang – Ho Chi Minh City route at airasiabig.com.

AirAsia Foundation explores the social enterprise

Source: AirAsia Foundation website.

This November 7, the AirAsia Foundation will be holding a social enterprise-related conference and marketplace at Nexus Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Destination: Good – ASEAN Social Enterprise 2015 is the first public event organised by AirAsia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AirAsia group, to kickstart a conversation on how big businesses and social enterprises can play a role in building equitable, sustainable and inclusive economies.

Panelists at the conference include AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandez as well as Richard Eu, Group CEO of Eu Yan Sang International, Vichien Phongsathorn, Group CEO of the Premier Group of Companies and Enrique Razon Jr, Chairman and CEO of Manila's International Container Services.

The marketplace will feature 30 top ASEAN social enterprises, such as Bettr Barista Coffee Academy, the Rags2Riches and traditional art performers from Cambodia Living Arts.

Interested?

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AirAsia and AirAsia X launch a new inflight menu concept

Source: AirAsia.

AirAsia and AirAsia X have launched a new inflight menu concept themed Santan, replacing AirAsia Café as part of the airline group’s move towards being a high value carrier and providing its guests with an enhanced gourmet experience while flying.

There are new items such as nasi dagang* and chicken curry, a Malaysian dish from the East Coast which is now available on for on-board purchase and pre-book on both AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. Other items available for on-board purchase on AirAsia flights include teriyaki chicken rice cake, smoked chicken pizza sandwich; while new pre-book meals are tomato rice with ayam percik*, chicken satay wrap and vegetable pasta with roast chicken.

AirAsia X has also included mee goreng mamak* in its pre-book selection as part of introducing more Malaysian and Asean dishes to its guests.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia commented, “Food is a big thing for us. Look at how we have made Pak Nasser nasi lemak* into a brand itself. We have people travelling from all across the region wanting to order our nasi lemak and this Malaysian dish is a standout in our inflight menu. 

"Our food is as good as restaurant food – it’s not just inflight food and this is what we want to achieve with Santan – introduce a new gourmet inflight dining experience which features cuisines from across ASEAN. We are starting with AirAsia and AirAsia X flights after the launch... but we will be implementing this across the whole group by October.”

Apart from the new pre-book meals on AirAsia Berhad (AK) flights, guests are now able to add a sweet ending to the meal of their choice with the introduction of the Maximise Your Meal option which includes a salted caramel cookie bar and a Kit Kat for RM7.

“While we continue to give low fares to our guests, we are increasing the value with new product offerings such as Premium Flex, Premium Flatbed, and the introduction of this new gourmet experience on board is part of us moving in that direction,” added Fernandes.

Interested?

All AirAsia and AirAsia X guests are encouraged to pre-book their meals to save up to 20% as compared to purchasing their meals on board, with a guarantee that their preferred meals are available. Guests who have booked their flights without meals can easily add them in via the Manage My Booking option after logging in to airasia.com.

*Food glossary
Ayam percik is grilled or roasted spiced chicken.
Mee goreng mamak is fried noodles, Indian style.
Nasi dagang consists of rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry, and other dishes.
Nasi lemak consists of rice steamed in coconut milk, fried fish or chicken, and other dishes.

AirAsia throws out fuel surcharges as of 26 January 2015

AirAsia will be abolishing fuel surcharge effective 26 January 2015 across all of its airlines in the group, as well as its low-cost long haul affiliates AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia X and Indonesia AirAsia X, in line with declining global oil prices.

Source: AirAsia eDM.

AirAsia was the first airline to abolish fuel surcharge for all its domestic and international flights back in 2008, though it had to reintroduce them in 2011 due to rocketing fuel prices at the time.

AirAsia’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes commented, “We are a high-value, low-fare airline and we will continue to strive to make flying as affordable as possible. This decision has been made in November 2014, which was in line with declining global oil prices.

"However, we are only able to implement it now, but we believe removing fuel surcharge and reducing travel costs will be a huge boost to the tourism industry. This will be a plus point for consumers, but the economy will also benefit from this as the tourism industry is a great job creator.”

With the removal of fuel surcharge from its fares, guests will be able to find flights within Malaysia from as low as RM19 one way all-in, and international flights from RM49 one way all-in.

AirAsia has moved Surabaya operations to the new Terminal 2 at Juanda

AirAsia has moved from its operations from Terminal 1 to the new Terminal 2 at Juanda International Airport.

All AirAsia’s domestic and international flights to and from Surabaya retain their original schedules and continue to operate as normal.

Terminal 2 at Juanda International Airport opened on February 14. The terminal is designed to be environmental friendly, and accommodates 6 million passengers per year. The terminal provides 40 check-in counters, a modern baggage handling system, six gates for domestic use and three gates for international flights, 12 avirobridges, as well as 14 parking stands for both narrow and wide-bodied aircraft.

AirAsia’s guests may take the DAMRI shuttle from Terminal 2 to the Bungurasih bus terminal downtown. Alternatively, taxis are also available outside of the terminal.
AirAsia Group currently serves a total of 148 flights weekly from Juanda International Airport to both domestic and international destinations. AirAsia flies from Surabaya to Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Denpasar, Medan, and Makassar. AirAsia also provides direct flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Bangkok.

Within Indonesia, AirAsia can be contacted at the national call centre at 021 2927 0999. Its sales office is at Grand Circle, Jl. Basuki Rahmat 08-12, Surabaya.

AirAsia announces three exclusive routes, 20% off all flights till 16 February

AirAsia is the exclusive operator of three new routes, Johor Bahru - Tawau, Singapore - Kota Bharu and Singapore - Terengganu, and has announced promotions for all three that expire on 16 February. The base fare is as low as RM69* from Johor Bahru to Tawau, available until 16 February 2014, for travel from 18 April 2014 to 31 January 2015.
 

Welcome banners at Changi Airport

The Singapore routes feature free seats* from Singapore to Kota Bharu or Terengganu if booked by 16 February 2014. The travel must be booked for the period from 21 April 2014 to 25 October 2014 for Singapore to Kota Bharu, and from 22 April 2014 to 25 October 2014 for Singapore - Terengganu. Guests are only required to pay for applicable fees and taxes from RM29 one-way.

Kenny Wong, Head of Commercial for AirAsia said, “The launch of these three new routes is another step we’re taking towards our aggressive expansion plans in Malaysia and in the region."
AirAsia is also currently offering 20% off for all seats and applicable for all AirAsia flights, available for booking until 16th February 2014, with applicable taxes and fees from RM29 one way and travel from 17th February to 18th May 2014. 

Logo for Air Asia's Windows app

Flights can be booked online at www.airasia.com and via AirAsia’s mobile apps which are available on iPhone, Android devices, the Blackberry Z10 and now on the Windows Phone platform. Simply search AirAsia on the respective app stores to download and start booking.

AirAsia has also launched three new routes connecting East and West Malaysia in January 2014, guests can fly directly from Kuching to Langkawi, and from Miri to Penang and Terengganu beginning 20th March 2014.


The airline’s route network spans the Asean countries, with domestic flights in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. 

  *not including fuel surcharge, applicable taxes & fees. For one way travel only.
 

Route	Flight No	Depart	Arrive	Date of commencement	Frequency
Johor Bahru – Tawau	AK 5596	1040hrs	1300hrs	18 April 2014	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Tawau – Johor Bahru	AK 5597	1325hrs	1545hrs	18 April 2014	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Singapore – Kota Bharu	AK 914	0910hrs	1035hrs	21 April 2014	Tue, Thurs, Sat
Kota Bharu - Singapore	AK 915	1135hrs	1300hrs	21 April 2014	Tue, Thurs, Sat
Singapore - Terengganu	AK 902	0910hrs	1035hrs	22 April 2014	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Terengganu – Singapore	AK 903	1135hrs	1300hrs	22 April 2014	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun