Tourism Malaysia And AirAsia Move Strengthen Partnership To Inspire More Travel To Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) have launched the Oh Sem Malaysia! campaign aimed at boosting travel across the country, highlighting its secondary cities and hidden gems. The initiative expands the public-private strategic partnership, which offers curated travel experiences, destination-led promotions, and exclusive deals, in line with the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026– 2027 campaign.

The strategic partnership will focus on campaigns and travel promotions that encourage domestic travel for Malaysians, as well as inspiring travellers to explore and venture beyond the usual hotspots. This will further strengthen Malaysia’ s appeal in various tourism segments, including cultural heritage, gastronomy, hospitality, eco-tourism, and more.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, said, “Our collaboration with AirAsia MOVE provides us with a great opportunity to reach more Malaysians and inspire them to discover the many destinations and experiences available across the country during the Visit Malaysia 2026– 2027 campaign. Domestic tourism continues to play an important role in supporting local tourism businesses and communities, and through active joint campaigns and promotions, we hope to encourage more Malaysians to travel locally and experience Malaysia’ s abundance of offerings, ranging from gastronomy to natural landscapes and more.”

-Tourism Malaysia.

VM2026 Strengthens Regional Connectivity: As Inaugural AirAsia Service Connects Jakarta Directly To Kelantan

 

KOTA BHARU – Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with AirAsia, Tourism Kelantan, the State Government of Kelantan, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), today welcomed the inaugural direct flight connecting Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) and Kota Bharu, Kelantan (KBR), marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The inaugural AirAsia service, flight AK2354, arrived at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP), Kota Bharu, at 15:50 local time. Operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats, the new route provides greater accessibility between Indonesia and Malaysia's East Coast, while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and economic cooperation.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by YB Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor, Chairman of the Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee; YBrs. Mrs. Baizuri Baharum, Director of International Promotional Division Southeast Asia Tourism Malaysia; Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB); and Mr. Zamani Rafique, Director of Global & Government Affairs, AirAsia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Bolsters Visit Malaysia 2026 Through New Airasia Service From Batam To Kuala Lumpur

 

SEPANG —Tourism Malaysia is delighted to welcome the inaugural flight of AirAsia Malaysia, AK471, from Batam, Indonesia, which arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 today at 11.15 a.m. The arrival was officially received by representatives from Tourism Malaysia alongside partners from AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). 

The launch of this new route marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity between Indonesia’s emerging second-tier cities and Malaysia. This strategic expansion not only enhances AirAsia’s regional network but also serves as a vital platform to boost visitor arrivals from the Riau Archipelago. Indonesia remains one of Malaysia’s primary tourism markets, alongside other priority markets such as China, India, and Australia. 

The inaugural flight carried 180 passengers, achieving a strong full load factor on the 180-seat capacity Airbus A320 on their first arrival. The passengers comprised a diverse mix of travellers, predominantly from Indonesia, along with visitors from other nations including China and Singapore. The route operates daily, with flights departing Kuala Lumpur for Batam at 8.05 a.m. and return flights departing Batam at 8.45 a.m. (WIB). 

Welcoming this new chapter in regional connectivity, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, commended the aviation industry for its continued commitment to strengthening travel links. 

“As we build momentum towards VM2026, every new flight route serves as a gateway to our collective success. Our partnership with the aviation industry reflects strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism attractions. Improved accessibility remains a key component of our strategy to position Malaysia as a preferred destination for visitors from Southeast Asia,” he said. 

“We are pleased to launch this new route connecting Batam and Kuala Lumpur, which further reinforces our commitment to enhancing regional connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia. Batam is an important gateway within the Riau Islands, and this new service will provide affordable connectivity for both leisure and business travellers while supporting tourism growth in line with VM2026,” said Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia. 

In 2025, visitor arrivals from Indonesia to Malaysia reached 4.3 million representing a 2.9 per cent increase compared to 2024. Today’s launch of this new route is expected to further boost visitor arrivals to Malaysia throughout 2026. This new direct connection highlights the robust collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and the aviation sector. Both organisations remain committed to ensuring the success of the VM2026 campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

New Kunming-Johor Bahru Flight Strengthens Southern Connectivity

 

JOHOR BAHRU, 15 December 2025 — Tourism Malaysia warmly welcomed the arrival of the inaugural AirAsia flight AK1381 from Kunming, China, to Johor Bahru at approximately 6:45 AM today, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between the two regions.

Using an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180, the new scheduled service operates three times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. This direct service is the second route with direct

access to Johor after Guangzhou, providing travellers from Kunming and surrounding regions with convenient access to Johor’s key attractions, including Desaru Coast, LEGOLAND Malaysia and the vibrant city of Johor Bahru.

Passengers on the maiden flight were personally welcomed by Mr. Awang Shawal bin Awang Sulaiman, Regional Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia (Southern Region), alongside representatives from AirAsia and officials from Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn. Bhd.

As Kunming stands as a major economic and tourist hub, this direct connection will undoubtedly make Johor and Malaysia a prominent holiday destination. Aligned with the efforts to attract more visitors from the growing and affluent regions in southern and western China, the launch of this direct route by AirAsia is a strategic development of China-Malaysia air connectivity, stimulating visitor arrivals and strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia to receive 11 new aircraft in 2026, eyes Bahrain launch in 2H26

 

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Aviation Group expects to receive 11 new aircraft next year, alongside an additional 15 to 30 planes from the lease market, as it ramps up its network expansion plan. 

Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam said the new jets will include four Airbus A321LRs (long-range) and seven A321neos (new engine option), while the additional aircraft will be classic A320ceos (current engine option). 

"In 2026, 11 new aircraft with an additional 15 to 30 classic A320ceos to fill up the gap. We need to grow in Indonesia, the Philippines and all," he told Business Times. 

Bo added that the airline group received five new A321neos in 2025. 

The fleet expansion comes as AirAsia prepares to launch a new Middle East gateway in Bahrain, targeting a launch after June 2026. 

Bo said AirAsia plans to operate Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain flights as the first step, with Bangkok also under consideration. Bahrain could then serve as a springboard for longer-haul routes.

"I'm looking at flying from KL and probably even from Bangkok, and then from there we will go beyond. We have not identified where we want to go from Bahrain. It could be the UK; it could be other parts of Europe. That's not confirmed yet. We're working on it now," he said. 

He added that the airline is coordinating with Bahrain's Tourism Ministry and other agencies to build awareness and position the Kingdom as a Middle Eastern hub. 

"Because it's a new route, we have to create awareness. But we are working with the Bahrain Tourism Ministry and all the relevant agencies on how we make it a hub for us in the Middle East," he said. 

Bo said Bahrain was chosen over larger hubs such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi due to competitive advantages and strong support. 

"Competition and Bahrain can give us very good support in terms of rates, the airport is not congested, and so forth. Infrastructure is there. It's easy. You get a first-mover advantage as well. And they are hungry. They're very hungry," he said. 

On the possibility of using Bahrain to resume flights to London, Bo said it remains under consideration depending on aircraft availability, particularly the A330 fleet. 

He added that AirAsia plans to expand beyond Bahrain soon after launching the new service. 

"We could also start KL–Bahrain–London or Paris or Spain, I'm not sure. We'll start at one go. We just don't stop there," Bo said. 

AirAsia Aviation Group, which operates airlines in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines, is set to be acquired by AirAsia X Bhd and consolidated into a single, unified AirAsia Group. 

The move is part of a broader strategy to simplify the group's corporate structure, streamline operations, and strengthen financial resilience.

-nst online.

AirAsia Launches Banjarmasin-Kuala Lumpur Flights Ahead of Deepavali

 

KLIA 2, 20 October 2025 - AirAsia Malaysia (AK) today celebrated the inaugural flight connecting  Banjarmasin (BDJ) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) , marking another milestone in enhancing air connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. The new service operates four times weekly, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Ms. Salinda Sany, Senior Director of International Promotion Division (ASEAN), Tourism Malaysia, together with the AirAsia team, welcomed the inaugural flight at KLIA Terminal 2.

Launched just in time for the Deepavali season, this new route is expected to boost the arrival of Indonesian travellers to Malaysia, further enhancing travel and cultural exchanges and supporting Tourism Malaysia’s efforts as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Visit Tourism Malaysia Booth At AirAsia Travel Fair 2025 @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil ( 22 ~ 24 August 2025 )

 

Please visit Tourism Malaysia Booth for attractive tour packages, hotel packages and entrance tickets for touristic attractions... 

> Canopy Villa 

> Farm In the City 

> Golden Point Leisure  & MICE Holiday 

> Wetworld Shah Alam & Jungle Gym 

-Pelancongan Kini.

AirAsia Sambung Semula Laluan Palembang – Kuala Lumpur

 

AirAsia Malaysia (AK461) telah menyambung semula laluan dari Palembang, Indonesia ke Kuala Lumpur bermula 18 Julai 2025. Laluan ini kini beroperasi setiap hari menggunakan pesawat A320 berkapasiti 186 tempat duduk.

Penyambungan semula laluan ini dijangka merancakkan lagi sektor pelancongan negara dengan menarik lebih ramai pelancong dari Indonesia ke Malaysia.

Penerbangan ini berlepas dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II pada jam 11:00 pagi (waktu Indonesia) dan tiba di KLIA Terminal 2 pada jam 1:30 petang (waktu Malaysia).

Majlis sambutan ketibaan telah diketuai oleh Cik Jesslyne Heng, Ketua Pemasaran AirAsia dan Cik Jamilah Abdul Halim, Timbalan Pengarah Kanan, Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa Asia Tenggara, Tourism Malaysia, sebagai tanda sokongan terhadap penyambungan semula laluan ini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Welcomes Inaugural AirAsia Flight From Darwin To Kuala Lumpur Ahead Of Visit Malaysia 2026

 

SEPANG, 27 June 2025 – Tourism Malaysia today celebrated the arrival of AirAsia’s inaugural flight from Darwin, Australia, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, marking a significant step in enhancing connectivity and opening a new gateway for tourists and business travellers between Malaysia and Australia’s Northern Territory. 

Passengers and crew on flight AK 613 were greeted with a warm welcome upon their arrival by Mr Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, alongside representatives from Tourism Malaysia, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). 

Operating on an Airbus A320neo aircraft, the new direct route will operate four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) with a 180-seating capacity. This service is expected to boost arrivals and strengthen connectivity between the two destinations ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

“The vital Darwin-Kuala Lumpur route is a testament to Australia’s standing as one of Malaysia’s top visitor-generating markets. The launch is perfectly timed as we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025 and build momentum towards VM2026. Hence, we look forward to welcoming more Australian visitors to experience our unique cultural diversity and commitment to sustainable tourism,” said Mr Chua Choon Hwa. 

In 2024, Malaysia recorded 447,785 visitor arrivals from Australia, an 11.7% increase from 2023 and 6.3% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. For the year 2025, Malaysia targets to welcome 43 million international visitor arrivals, generating RM283.8 billion in visitor receipts.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia X targets Central Asia in expansion push

 

SEPANG: Medium-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X Bhd plans to focus its flight network expansion on Central Asia, citing strong market potential and the region's status as relatively underserved by commercial airlines. 

Chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the airline began flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in March last year and will launch a new route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, this October. Another new destination is expected to be announced soon. 

"The Central Asian market is still underserved. Not many airlines fly there. For example, without AirAsia X, getting to Almaty could take up to 18 hours — with AirAsia X, it's just eight hours on a direct flight. 

"We're focusing on this region. We've started with Almaty, and another route is in development. We're also eyeing Turkiye, Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries. Hopefully, this will eventually serve as a platform for expansion into Europe," he told reporters after launching the Kuala Lumpur–Tashkent route today.

Benyamin said Central Asia not only offers lower tourism costs but also rich historical and Islamic cultural value, making it attractive to Malaysian travellers.

He said the Tashkent route launch marked a strategic milestone in the airline's ongoing expansion across Asia and beyond.

"Central Asia holds great potential, with Uzbekistan's economy growing rapidly and a rising middle class keen to explore new destinations. 

"We've seen strong demand for Central Asia travel following the success of the Almaty route. 

"Our vision is to build a comprehensive network to support regional development, connect travellers to new destinations, and deliver unforgettable travel experiences," he said. 

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Karomidin Gadoev, said the launch of AirAsia X's direct flight to Tashkent was a significant development in Malaysia–Uzbekistan relations. 

"With Uzbekistan's rapidly growing tourism sector and Malaysia's strong position as a tourism and business hub in Southeast Asia, this route will enhance connectivity, boost tourism exchanges, and offer new investment opportunities. 

"We are delighted to welcome AirAsia X to this promising market and hope this collaboration yields positive results," he said. 

According to AirAsia X, promotional fares for the new route start from RM99 for economy seats, available for booking between June 23 and 29, for travel from Oct 15, 2025, to Sept 14, 2026. 

Located in the heart of Uzbekistan, the capital city of Tashkent is a rapidly developing destination known for its stunning Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars and lush green parks.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Welcomes AirAsia’s Network Expansion From Da Lat, Vietnam & Chiang Rai, Thailand To Kuala Lumpur

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to welcome the resumption of AirAsia’s direct flights connecting Da Lat, Vietnam (DLI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) starting 1 November 2024, coupled with the launch of a brand-new route from Chiang Rai, Thailand (CEI) to Kuala Lumpur, commencing on 2 November 2024. These new services demonstrate AirAsia’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity, making it easier for travellers to explore Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

To commemorate the launch, Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Tourism Malaysia will host a special welcome reception at Terminal 2, KLIA, where guests and passengers will enjoy a celebratory event upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur. This welcoming gesture further reflects Malaysian hospitality and the ongoing collaboration between AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a prime travel destination within the ASEAN region.

The resumed AK 572 Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur service will operate four times weekly, departing Da Lat at 12:40 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 3:55 p.m. This route, ideal for both leisure and business travellers, will be operated on an A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats.

Meanwhile, the new AK 872 Chiang Rai to Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times weekly, departing Chiang Rai at 1:45 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 5:55 p.m. This route provides a convenient link for travellers between northern Thailand and Malaysia, served by an A320 aircraft with a 180-seat capacity.

As of September 2024, Malaysia logged 1,216,809 and 265,068 tourist arrivals from Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. Tickets are available now through AirAsia’s website and mobile app. For more information, kindly contact AirAsia’s Customer Service team or visit AirAsia’s official website.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Welcomes New AirAsia Direct Flights From India

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 August 2024 – Tourism Malaysia welcomes new AirAsia direct flights connecting Guwahati and Kozhikode (Calicut) to Kuala Lumpur. This expansion strengthens air connectivity between India and Malaysia, offering greater convenience for tourists and fostering closer ties between the two nations.

The new routes, commencing on 2 August 2024, will operate thrice weekly. Travellers from Guwahati and Kozhikode can now enjoy direct access to Kuala Lumpur without visa or flight transfers. This seamless travel experience allows visitors to explore Malaysia's diverse attractions, from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to the beaches of Langkawi and the cultural heritage of Penang.

Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, stated: "We are excited to partner with AirAsia to enhance accessibility for travellers from Guwahati and Kozhikode. These direct flights underscore our commitment to promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral relations. We are confident these routes will boost tourist arrivals and provide visitors with unforgettable experiences in Malaysia."

India is a key tourism market for Malaysia. With the introduction of these new flights, Tourism Malaysia aims to welcome 1 million Indian tourists by the end of 2024. In April 2024, Indian tourist arrivals increased by 80.2% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 295,000 visitors.

For more information on these new direct flights and to plan your Malaysian adventure, visit www.airasia.com or contact your preferred travel agent.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Lawatan Fam Trip Agen Pelancongan Kazakhstan

 

Tourism Malaysia melalui Bahagian AERO telah berkerjasama dengan AirAsia X melalui GSPC bagi laluan Almaty ke Kuala Lumpur bermula pada akhir Jun sehingga November 2024.

AirAsia X telah menawarkan 4 kali penerbangan seminggu sektor KUL/ALA/KUL menggunakan pesawat jenis A330 dengan kapasiti sebanyak 285 penumpang dan mensasarkan penjualan tiket pernerbangan sebanyak 25,800 pax.

Dalam usaha untuk mencapai sasaran tersebut satu Lawatan Fam Trip telah diadakan pada 24 Jun 2024 melibatkan 13 orang Agen Pelancongan dari Kazakhstan. Destinasi yang terlibat adalah Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu dan Desaru.

Satu sesi B2B juga telah diadakan di Kota Kinabalu dengan kerjasama Sabah Tourism Board dan ianya mendapat sambutan yang baik dari pemain industri di Sabah memandangkan pejabat TM Almaty sedang berusaha untuk memperkenalkan destinasi baru yang berpotensi untuk diketengahkan selain Pulau Langkawi bagi pasaran ini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah Tourism Board, AirAsia ink MoU to boost tourism

 

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board and AirAsia Group signed a memorandum of understanding to enter into a strategic partnership to boost tourism for the next five years.

The partnership will bolster the Land Below the Wind's status as a top-tier tourist hotspot by enhancing air connectivity between Sabah and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), as well as the larger Asean region, North Asia and Oceania for the period of 2024-2028.

AirAsia Group aims to enhance overall connectivity in Sabah by launching 14 new domestic and international routes, including Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Sri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu-Perth, Tawau-Guangzhou and Sandakan-Hong Kong.

The partnership includes greater collaboration between the airline and the tourism board to develop the Kota Kinabalu International Airport into a regional aviation hub.

-nst online.

AirAsia resumes direct flights between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

 

KUCHING: AirAsia has resumed direct flights between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu beginning today.

The first flight from Penang to Kuching, operating as flight AK5432 with 160 passengers on board, touched down at the Kuching International Airport at 3.40pm.

On hand to accord them a special welcome are Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus and AirAsia head of Sarawak Affairs Hamdan Mohamad.

The service was axed a year ago on March 1 due to shortage of aircraft.

It was reported that half of AirAsia's aircraft were scheduled for maintenance. The carrier will continue with its once daily frequency with the flight from Kuching to Penang departing at 11.50am and the Penang to Kuching flight departing 2.15pm.

The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Penang will depart at 8am with the returning aircraft departing Penang at 11.05am.

Nurul Ain said the resumption of the direct flights should be significant to the tourism industry in Penang and Sarawak. "Each state has its own uniqueness and appeal. They will foster the two states tourism industry," she said.

Nurul Ain said in a statement that by bolstering the air connectivity of these states, "we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak's tourism growth." "Leveraging the diverse travellers from Penang, we aim to showcase Sarawak's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes and unique experiences.

"This renewed connectivity opens up exciting opportunities to attract more visitors and further enhance Sarawak's position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia," she said.

AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam said the airline is proud to strengthen its connectivity within Malaysia and at the same time boost its Sabah and Sarawak hubs. "As a homegrown airline, this route resumption reflects our commitment to expanding connectivity in Malaysia.

"By reintroducing this route, we aim to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Penang, and Sabah and Sarawak while further supporting economic growth and tourism development in the country," he said.

-nst online.

Malaysia Welcomes Inaugural AirAsia X Flight From Almaty To Kuala Lumpur

 

SEPANG, 15th March 2024 – Dr. Yasmeen Yasim, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) welcomed passengers and cabin crew of flight D7 601, the inaugural AirAsia X flight arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) from Almaty, Kazakhstan, alongside Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and representatives from AirAsia X and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

This new four-times-weekly direct flight operates with an Airbus A330-300 with a seating capacity of 285, and departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. It signifies a significant milestone in enhancing tourist traffic between the two destinations and improving connectivity from other international continents via Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan.

According to Tourism Malaysia, Kazakhstan is the third Central Asian country to offer direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, following Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which have also initiated direct flight services from Tashkent and Ashgabat respectively.

From January to December 2023, Malaysia welcomed 8,298 arrivals from Kazakhstan, reflecting a 37.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2019, which saw 18,138 arrivals. However, with the newly commenced direct flights by AirAsia X, a positive trend in traffic is forecasted, simultaneously contributing to an increase in tourist arrivals.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia enhances connectivity between Singapore and 12 cities in India

 

Velaitham: through our Fly-Thru service, we seamlessly connect travellers from Singapore to India and vice versa, bolstering arrivals into Changi Airport

AirAsia is expanding its network to 12 cities in India, facilitated by its seamless Fly-Thru connecting service.

To commemorate 20 years of operations in Singapore, AirAsia is offering competitive low fares for travel between Singapore and India.

AirAsia operates an extensive network flying to 12 cities in India. Customers can now fly from Singapore to Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, New Delhi, Amritsar, Trivandrum, Jaipur (commencing April 21), Visakhapatnam (commencing April 26) and Ahmedabad (commencing May 1) via its seamless Fly-Thru service in Kuala Lumpur. Through its Bangkok (Don Mueang) hub, passengers can also fly to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Jaipur, Chennai, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Gaya, Guwahati and Visakhapatnam.

In addition, the airline has introduced its free seats promotion, highlighting four cities in India –Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Trivandrum and Ahmedabad – with promotional fares from as low as SG$173 (US$128) from now till February 25, for travel between September 1, 2024 and June 18, 2025.

Logan Velaitham, CEO of AirAsia Singapore, said: “Through our Fly-Thru service, we seamlessly connect travellers from Singapore to India and vice versa, bolstering arrivals into Changi Airport. This enables access to AirAsia’s extensive network of over 130 destinations with a convenient short-stop in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok (Don Mueang), without the need to collect or re-check in baggage during transit.”

-TTG Asia.

Majlis Sambutan Penerbangan Semula Air Asia X dari Macau ke Kota Kinabalu

 

16 Julai 2023 - YBhg. Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, menghadiri Majlis Sambutan Penerbangan Semula Air Asia X dari Macau ke Kota Kinabalu di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KK, Sabah.

Penerbangan ini dijadualkan 4 kali seminggu, dengan jumlah 744 tempat duduk seminggu dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Macau. Majlis sambutan ini turut dihadiri Puan Mary Malangking, Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap, Kementerian Pelancongan, Kebudayaan & Alam Sekitar, Sabah (KEPTAS) yang mewakili Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan & Alam Sekitar Sabah.

Majlis ini dihadiri bersama rakan strategik Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board. YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ketua Pengarah dalam rangka lawatan rasmi ke Sabah bagi Program Sail Passage to Malaysia & Sabah Park dari 15-17 Julai 2023.

 Seramai 177 pelancong Macau turut disambut dan diraikan dalam majlis ini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia wins World's Best Low-Cost Airline for 14th consecutive time at Skytrax

 

21 June 2023, PARIS: Celebrations are in the air once again for AirAsia that has been voted the World's Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023 (Skytrax) for a record- breaking 14th consecutive year.

The airline also emerged as a leading carrier in Asia when it took home the Best Low-Cost Airlines in Asia during the award ceremony held at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget here yesterday.

AirAsia emerged top in its category as a global benchmark of airline quality and excellence in the final results from a list of more than 325 airlines.

Capital A chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who went on stage to collect the award, described the award this year as a significant milestone to mark a remarkable comeback after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I have been attending the awards in Paris and London for a long time but this one probably means the most to me. I do not think any brand in the world has won awards for 14 times in a row...it is amazing for a country like Malaysia to come to this global stage and walk away with the awards 14 times.

"I would say winning the award 14 times out of 21 years is quite something. Many wrote us off and others were upset with us over the refunds but people voted for us as we have been consistent.

"It is tough to run an airline during Covid-19 and we have come out of it. Of all the awards won over the past 21 years, this is the most important one for me because we are coming back from Covid-19 and winning is vital as we have proved to the world that we are the best despite the issues out there....I think moving forward, we will get better," he told reporters after the award ceremony.

Fernandes said they were immensely proud and grateful for the meaningful award given by the Skytrax organisers, voters, and the incredible supporters of AirAsia.

"Receiving an award of excellence for 14 consecutive years is a remarkable achievement, one that fills our hearts with joy and humility. This is an extraordinary feat for any company in any industry, even more so for our proudly Asean brand.

"People will always remain the airline's biggest asset and we are thrilled to confirm that all of our 22,000 Allstars who tirelessly strive to provide the best service and experience to millions of our guests, both on the ground and in the air are now back. This award is dedicated to Allstars and all 800 million guests and counting who have voted for AirAsia time and time again, for being a part of its incredible journey," he said.

Meanwhile, Skytrax chief executive officer Edward Plaisted said AirAsia is a survey passenger favourite and have delivered a remarkable degree of consistency every year since the World's Best Low-Cost Airline category was introduced to the awards programme in 2010.

"The recognition from customers should be a great source of pride for the airline management and staff in what has been a difficult period as travel returns after the Covid pandemic," he said, describing the award as an exceptional recognition when a Malaysian brand won the 'World Best' on 14 occasions.

Dubbed the "Oscars of the Aviation Industry", the Skytrax is the global benchmark of airline excellence with over 20.23 million customer surveys completed worldwide between September last year and March this year, a period when AirAsia had steadily increased its network back to over 130 destinations, by more than 100 nationalities.

-nst online.

AirAsia X returns to Gold Coast, its first international route launched in 2007

 

GOLD COAST, Australia: AirAsia X Bhd is set to strengthen its position as the leading low-cost airline connecting Australia to Asia's key destinations.

Chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said AirAsia X would be the only carrier flying direct between Malaysia and the state of Queensland.

Benyamin said this marked an important milestone for AirAsia X as it returned to the Gold Coast - its first ever route which was launched in November 2007.

"What makes this announcement a major milestone is that we are now the only airline connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to the Gold Coast and to Queensland on the whole. 

"We will be a beneficiary for bringing not just Malaysians but the region like Asean. I hope that we can benefit from that and then we can put in more flights and increase frequency," he said at a media press conference of AirAsia X celebrating its return to the Gold Coast.

AirAsia X today launched the long-awaited resumption of services to its first-ever route to Gold Coast, Australia, after a hiatus of more than two years due to the pandemic.

The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 11.25pm on Friday and landed at Gold Coast International Airport at 9.25am local time. 

In celebration of the newly-resumed services to the coastal city, all guests on the inaugural flight were treated to a special send off ceremony before boarding and a welcoming event on arrival.

The Gold Coast is the airline's fourth destination in Australia. 

According to Benjamin, the newest route provided the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore Australia.

He said the resumption would not only attract a significant number of visitors from Malaysia and other Asian countries but also strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Australia.

"We look forward to working closely with all of our key airport and tourism stakeholders, especially Queensland Airports and Destination Gold Coast to make the Gold Coast a preferred tourism destination of choice for the many millions of leisure seekers across Asia," he said. 

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said AirAsia X was predicted to generate A$45.6 million for the Gold Coast's visitor economy.

Hinchliffe said these direct services from Kuala Lumpur had been secured by the Palaszczuk government's A$200 million aviation war chest in partnership with Gold Coast Airport.

"We're backing AirAsia X because of the airline's commitment to increasing its Gold Coast flight schedule to five days a week by the end of the year.

"AirAsia X is a terrific investment in the Gold Coast's visitor economy and the 450 good Queensland jobs these services will support," he said. 

Meanwhile, Queensland Airports Ltd chief executive officer Amelia Evans said the return of AirAsia X to the Gold Coast would provide three return flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast each week.

Evans said this would bring 58,000 additional seats into the region each year.

"Since the first AirAsia X flight took off from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast in 2007 more than two million travellers have flown between the two cities.

"The return of this service re-establishes an important connection between two major tourism and economic hubs at a competitive price for international travel, and an important partnership with AirAsia X for the future.

"We are also excited to have been able to welcome AirAsia X back to our new International Terminal, providing visitors with an elevated experience from the moment they touch down into the Gold Coast and the region," she added.

To celebrate the return to one of its most popular destinations, AirAsia X offers great value all-in fares between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast from RM699 all-in one-way for economy or RM2,999 one-way for a premium flatbed.

AirAsia X will be painting Gold Coast red with exciting consumer activation at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on April 2, 2023 from 11am to 3pm.

-nst online.