Langkawi becomes AirAsia’s latest international hub
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Connectivity to the Malaysian island of Langkawi will get a boost in future, after AirAsia announced plans to set up a new international base at Langkawi Airport.
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes confirmed the move this week at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), at the same time as unveiling a new aircraft livery to celebrate Malaysia’s year as chair of the ASEAN region.
“We are very excited about this announcement today. We plan to put five planes in Langkawi and generate approximately one million to 1.5 million passengers through Langkawi very quickly,” said Fernandes.
“We will obviously focus on ASEAN destinations and gradually expand the connectivity to China and India, which are both very strong routes. It is exciting news for the state of Kedah and exciting news for job creation as we will base pilots and cabin crew in Langkawi.”
Langkawi was the first route AirAsia operated following Fernandes’ takeover of the Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost carrier in 2001. Today it operates three routes from the island, comprising 98 weekly flights.
Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Liow Tiong Lai, welcomed the move.
“I am very happy with AirAsia’s announcement to turn Langkawi into one of its international base. It has been the Prime Minister’s dream, as well as my own dream to see Langkawi become a full-fledged international airport,” the minister said.
“I am confident AirAsia has the capabilities to grow Langkawi and turn it into a top holiday destination, even better than Phuket or Bali and eventually make Malaysia one of the favourite tourism destinations on the global map.”
Langkawi will become AirAsia’s sixth hub in Malaysia, following KL, Kuching, Johor Bahru, Penang and Kota Kinabalu.
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