AirAsia

Technology

airasia Super App pairs with Quantum Metric to improve digital customer experiences

Kristin Mariano May 19, 2022

The airasia Super App, ASEAN’s fastest growing digital travel and lifestyle platform is partnering with Quantum Metric to help build the best possible customer experiences across its web…

Air

AirAsia inks deal with Trip.com

Megha Paul Apr 20, 2022

AirAsia Super App is partnering with Trip.com, a move that will give AirAsia Super App access to over 1.2 million additional hotels in 200 countries

Air

AirAsia resumes flights between India, Malaysia and Thailand

Megha Paul Apr 11, 2022

AirAsia said it is resuming flights connecting India with Malaysia and Thailand from this month.

Air

What will AirAsia fly next? Drones

Megha Paul Jan 13, 2022

AirAsia announced that it has secured its Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), to conduct remote drone pilot training

Air

AirAsia takes off with rebranding as Capital A

Megha Paul Jan 10, 2022

Malaysia-based AirAsia is set to rebrand itself as Capital A, signaling the expansion of its services beyond its core airlines-to-cargo delivery and fintech services

Air

Tune Protect and AirAsia to unveil travel protection for foreign travellers into Langkawi and Thailand

Megha Paul Nov 18, 2021

Tune Protect and AirAsia have launched the Covid Travel Pass as an added convenience for air travellers to meet the mandatory insurance coverage set by the governments for fully vaccinated…

Quarantine Free Travel

AirAsia resumes flight to quarantine-free Bangkok with inaugural flight

Megha Paul Nov 10, 2021

AirAsia is announcing more good news as the inaugural flight to Bangkok took off, with many exciting promotions and deals awaiting guests travelling to Thailand

Air

AirAsia flies 113 weekly flights into Sarawak from 1 November

Megha Paul Nov 1, 2021

AirAsia welcomes the announcement by the Sarawak State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin to boost flight frequency into the state starting 1 November 2021, further easing the…

Air

AirAsia to launch Hua Hin-Chiang Mai route on 15 Oct

Megha Paul Sep 24, 2021

AirAsia is set to paint the skies red again in support of the Hua Hin Airport opening in October

Air

AirAsia predicts air travel recovery as key destinations witness high load factors

Megha Paul Sep 9, 2021

AirAsia is confident air travel sentiment will recover especially during the year-end holiday period following a government announcement relaxing travel restrictions

Global

AirAsia Thailand launches ‘Domestic Fly-Thru’ service for 42 routes

Megha Paul Mar 22, 2021

AirAsia continues to provide an enhanced experience for guests with its newest Domestic Fly-Thru service at Don Mueang Airport for 42 Thailand domestic routes

Air

Get ready to fly! AirAsia launches baggage pass and 260 days of travel protection programme

Megha Paul Mar 16, 2021

AirAsia is taking its super successful #FlyRuaRuaPass programme to another level with its #BaggageLoadRuaRuaPass and unlimited travel insurance promotion

Vaccination Updates

Vaccines roll out in Asean, Asia and globally speeds up world travel recovery: AirAsia CEO

Megha Paul Feb 22, 2021

AirAsia welcomes news of COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out across Malaysia commencing from this week, as the first key indicator of a global travel reboot in the near future

Guest Column

Should we Expect Mandatory Vaccinations for Travel to Asia?

Joe Cusmano Dec 16, 2020

Air Asia’s Tony Fernandes expects countries in Asia to demand Covid-19 vaccinations as a requirement for inbound travel.

Air

Hitting turbulence: AirAsia reviews joint venture with Tatas, may exit India

Megha Paul Nov 19, 2020

Malaysia’s AirAsia said it is evaluating its loss-making budget airline joint venture in India with Tata Sons in the wake of the financial distress due to the coronavirus pandemic

Air

AirAsia’s super app avatar is here

Megha Paul Oct 12, 2020

Airasia.com has revealed its brand new identity online as ‘ASEAN’s super app’, completing what it calls a transformation from digital airline to comprehensive lifestyle platform

Air

Spreading wings: AirAsia unveils two new routes in Thailand to boost domestic travel

Megha Paul Aug 10, 2020

Marking an important milestone in Thailand, AirAsia has unveiled Chiang Mai-Hua Hin and Udon Thani-Hua Hin routes

Air

AirAsia’s two new domestic routes on platter

Megha Paul Jul 15, 2020

AirAsia is introducing two domestic cross-region routes: Chiang Mai-Hua Hin and Udon Thani-Hua Hin, to stimulate domestic tourism in Thailand. This would allow getaways to one of…

Air

AirAsia unveils ‘unlimited pass’ to speed up domestic Thai tourism

Megha Paul Jun 29, 2020

Supporting domestic tourism, AirAsia presents the ‘AirAsia Unlimited Pass’ for the first time in Thailand, offering a limited number of tickets for only THB 2,999 (USD 96.98) for…

Air

Flight to recovery: AirAsia breaks post-hibernation daily sales record

Megha Paul Jun 26, 2020

AirAsia registered its highest post-hibernation sale day, with a record-breaking 41,000 seats sold in a single day across AirAsia Group, signifying a strong rebound in demand for air…

Air

Enhanced flexibility for AirAsia guests travelling with flight change fee waiver

Megha Paul Jun 3, 2020

Following the validity extension of its credit accounts to two years, AirAsia is offering further flexibility for guests who are travelling up to 31 December 2020 by waiving flight…

Air

Collectibles from the Sky! AirAsia souvenirs now available via Shopee

Megha Paul Jun 1, 2020

Having received an overwhelming response for its recently-launched Santan meals delivery service, AirAsia is now taking its in-flight merchandise online, allowing fans in Thailand to buy…

Airlines and Aviation

Deal sweetener: AirAsia offers credit account extension, unlimited flight changes until Oct 2020

Megha Paul May 21, 2020

AirAsia guests with flight bookings departing between 23 March and 31 July 2020 can now choose between a credit account with a two-year validity period or unlimited flight changes for…

Air

AirAsia: Introduce “a more secure, safe, efficient, and contactless experience”

Alastair Newport May 13, 2020

AirAsia has announced it will be introducing a range of new procedures for essential travel including contactless payments at the airport, contactless kiosks, Passenger Reconciliation System…

Air

AirAsia set to resume domestic flights

Megha Paul Apr 21, 2020

AirAsia is set to resume its scheduled domestic flights commencing in Malaysia by 29 April followed by a rollout of aircraft to serve domestic routes in other Asian nations where it has…

Air

AirAsia takes BIG sale to new heights

Megha Paul Mar 9, 2020

AirAsia’s BIG Sale is back with six million promotional seats to help send you on your next exciting adventure, including zero-fare seats to many popular destinations across its network.…

Air

AirAsia X unveils first-ever long haul free seat sale

Megha Paul Feb 24, 2020

Fly extra long on AirAsia for less than ever before, as the airline goes the extra mile to offer guests zero-fare seats for the first time ever on many popular long-haul destinations,…

Air

AirAsia announces Ahmedabad route

Megha Paul Feb 5, 2020

AirAsia announced a new direct route to Ahmedabad from Kuala Lumpur with four times weekly flights commencing 29 April 2020. These new services will support a vast market of 62 million…

Air

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and chairman quit over Airbus bribery scandal

Megha Paul Feb 4, 2020

Two AirAsia chiefs will step aside for at least two months as authorities and the airline look into claims that aerospace giant Airbus paid the company USD 50 million to secure a plane…

Air

AirAsia’s new digital solutions to improve efficiency, reduce carbon footprint

Megha Paul Jan 30, 2020

In line with its continued focus on innovation and sustainability, AirAsia is taking its environmental responsibilities a step further by implementing digital solutions that are aimed at…

Air

AirAsia has landed at Okinawa, Japan

Megha Paul Jan 23, 2020

AirAsia’s maiden flight to Okinawa, Japan landed at Naha Airport, marking the beginning of a unique low-cost passageway connecting the island with East Asia and Southeast Asia, providing…

Air

AirAsia’s Chinese New Year ad celebrates tradition through child’s journey

Megha Paul Jan 20, 2020

AirAsia has released its Chinese New Year ad to usher in the festivities, casting fresh eyes on an age-old tradition - the lion dance, an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations,…

Air

AirAsia takes flight to Chengdu

Megha Paul Jan 13, 2020

Travellers flying out of Malaysia’s northern hub Penang can now enjoy another destination option as AirAsia launches new flights to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, China.…

Air

AirAsia India starts new routes

Megha Paul Dec 26, 2019

AirAsia India will launch its flight services to more cities next fiscal as part of its robust network expansion plans for 2020-21. The Bengaluru-based carrier flies to Delhi, Mumbai…

Air

AirAsia starts exclusive route from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat, Vietnam

Megha Paul Dec 23, 2019

AirAsia has unveiled its maiden flight to Da Lat, capital of Lam Dong province in the central highlands of Vietnam. The inaugural flight made history as the first international airline…

Singapore

AirAsia boosts capacity between KL and SG

Alastair Newport Nov 1, 2019

AirAsia has announced it will boost the number of seats available between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with the introduction of twice-daily flights, on 10 November 2019, powered by the…

Air

AirAsia enhances mobile app

Megha Paul Oct 24, 2019

AirAsia has announced all-new enhancements to its mobile app for Android and iOS, including innovative new features to enhance guest experience. Using a guest-centric approach to support…

Tourism

Passenger service charge reduced in Malaysia

Megha Paul Oct 3, 2019

AirAsia has introduced a reduced passenger service charge (PSC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) and other international airports in Malaysia. The move follows last…

Air

Click and chill: AirAsia’s inflight wifi just got faster

Megha Paul Sep 26, 2019

AirAsia is upgrading its AirAsia WiFi service, powered by ROKKI, to provide high-speed inflight connectivity to guests. Six aircraft operated by AirAsia Malaysia and two aircraft…

Air

AirAsia unveils exclusive Kuala Lumpur-Da Lat route

Megha Paul Sep 19, 2019

AirAsia has announced the launch of an exclusive route to Da Lat from Kuala Lumpur, further expanding its footprint in Vietnam. The four times weekly service to Da Lat, capital of Lam…

Tourism

Domestic air passenger traffic up 3.15% in July

Megha Paul Aug 29, 2019

Domestic airlines flew 1.19 crore passengers in July this year registering a 3.15% growth over the 1.15 crore passengers flown during the same period previous year. Data released by the…

Air

AirAsia connects Kuala Lumpur to hidden island paradise of Belitung

Megha Paul Aug 22, 2019

AirAsia launched a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Belitung, an island paradise off the east coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. As the first airline that connects Kuala Lumpur and…

Air

AirAsia cuts fees in Malaysia

Megha Paul Aug 20, 2019

AirAsia will remove processing fees for Malaysia for bookings made from 1 October to keep air travel affordable for all. Starting with Malaysia, AirAsia will subsequently remove…

Air

AirAsia celebrates ASEAN Day

Megha Paul Aug 16, 2019

AirAsia has introduced a ‘Sustainable ASEAN’ livery on its newest Airbus A320 to mark ASEAN Day celebrations in Bangkok. Alongside the ASEAN chairmanship logo, the special livery…

Air

AirAsia receives its first A330neo

Megha Paul Aug 12, 2019

AirAsia has taken delivery of its first A330neo aircraft, to be operated by its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X Thailand. The aircraft, delivered by aircraft leasing company Avolon, is the…

Air

MAHB should prioritise critical issues over proposed KLIA-klia2 integration, says Air Asia

Megha Paul Aug 1, 2019

AirAsia has called on Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) to prioritise more critical operational and passenger issues at klia2, rather than on plans to integrate the low-cost carrier hub…

Air

AirAsia’s training scholarship for MMA now open

Megha Paul Jul 15, 2019

Mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation UFC and AirAsia have announced the opening of the application process for this year’s AirAsia UFC training scholarship. Now in its second year,…

Air

Hunger pangs, no more: Red burger on AirAsia menu

Megha Paul Jul 4, 2019

AirAsia carrier has now partnered with non-governmental organisation (RED) and New York-based celebrity chef ambassador Hong Thaimee to support the fight against AIDS. And with this…

Air

AirAsia now flying direct from Bangkok to Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Megha Paul Jul 2, 2019

AirAsia held a welcoming ceremony for the inaugural flight of its Bangkok (Don Mueang) - Sihanoukville, Cambodia route now operating four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)…

Air

New showcase: AirAsia unveils future of long-haul air travel at Paris Air Show

Megha Paul Jun 18, 2019

AirAsia, the Asia Pacific launch customer for the Airbus A330neo, unveiled the first of its new generation long-haul fleet at the Paris International Air Show. The aircraft will be based…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Will a Bran Stark-like company win the OTA showdown?

Kristin Mariano Jun 7, 2019

“We are here and the enemy is coming from the south like in Indonesia; another force is coming from the north. China even has a wall!”

Global

Aviation round up: Munich Airport gets radical with gnarly competition

Alastair Newport Apr 11, 2019

This this week’s collection of aviation round up is mixed bag of new routes and announcements but, for the first time ever, it also features skateboarding…rad!

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia sets to fly Kuala Lumpur-Quanzhou route

Christian Tolentino Apr 4, 2019

AirAsia has announced it is set to fly to Quanzhou in Fujian, China with a daily direct service from Kuala Lumpur commencing 1 May 2019.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia sorry for “Get off in Thailand” ad

Kristin Mariano Mar 27, 2019

Malaysian low cost carrier AirAsia apologised for its latest ad campaign after it didn’t sit well with the public.

Airlines and Aviation

Bon appétit: Transforming in-flight meals into bespoke experiences

Kristin Mariano Mar 15, 2019

IATA has predicted that the number of air travellers will double by 2035. And offering premium in-flight meals is one way to attract more customers and expand their businesses.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia permanently breaks up with Traveloka

Kristin Mariano Mar 5, 2019

AirAsia has permanently withdrawn all of its flights from online travel agent Traveloka after AirAsia’s Indonesia flights disappeared on the platform for the second time in two weeks,…

Airlines and Aviation

Pie in the sky? AirAsia to open a restaurant chain

Kristin Mariano Feb 25, 2019

AirAsia wants customers to taste the food they serve in the air.

Global

Travel tech this week: AirAsia’s AVA, CashlessSentosa, and more

Kristin Mariano Jan 31, 2019

This week, we saw how companies made use of technology to improve their services, making it convenient for their customers. AirAsia introduced its AI chatbot and Triptease announced…

Air

AirAsia files MYR 400m counter-claim against MAHB

Christian Tolentino Jan 24, 2019

AirAsia has revealed that it’s seeking more than MYR 400 million (USD 96.73m) in counter-claims against Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

Airlines and Aviation

A look back at my favourite airline stories of 2018

Alastair Newport Dec 31, 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, here's a recap of my favourite aviation headlines of the year, including cabin-based yoga, 'Smart Tunnels' and the world’s longest flight.

Air

Jet, set, go: AirAsia to set up a low-cost carrier in Vietnam

Mili Dec 6, 2018

Asia's popular budget carrier, AirAsia has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation reaffirming its intention to set up a low-cost carrier in Vietnam with local partners.

Global

The TD weekly aviation top five

Alastair Newport Nov 9, 2018

With so many airlines announcing new planes, new schedules and new destinations we have decided to introduce a weekly round-up of some of the most eye catching ones to land at on the news…

Airlines and Aviation

Oc-Toba: AirAsia touches down at Silangit International

Alastair Newport Oct 29, 2018

Lake Toba, Indonesia Earlier this month the Lake Toba Authority Executive Body (BPODT), a division of the Indonesian Tourism Ministry, signed an agreement with a group of private…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight aims to showcase beauty of Sri Lanka and Thailand

Kristin Mariano Oct 23, 2018

You can now book AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight four times a week. Flying from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, a destination for faithful Buddhists as well as a…

Airlines and Aviation

Kunming soon: AirAsia launches fourth connection to Southwest China

Alastair Newport Oct 22, 2018

As the capital city of Yunnan Province in Southwest China, Kunming has earnt a reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Known locally as the 'City of Eternal…

Airlines and Aviation

Enlightened travel: AirAsia connects Bangkok to Indian holy city

Alastair Newport Oct 17, 2018

AirAsia has announced it is stepping up its Indian coverage with the launch of a new service from Thai capital, Bangkok to the holy city of Gaya in the northeast Indian state of Bihar.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia strengthens Chinese coverage with beefed up Malaysian connections

Alastair Newport Oct 12, 2018

AirAsia has announced it will be pushing further into China with the launch a new direct service connecting Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, to Tianjin from 29 October this year.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia plunges into thriving Malaysian dive destination

Alastair Newport Oct 10, 2018

Following the news in September that Air Asia were boosting the coverage of the Malaysia product with a new service between Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, in Pahang, the airline has now announced…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia takes off to India’s holy city of Amritsar

Christian Tolentino Aug 20, 2018

AirAsia has announced the launch of its new services to Amritsar, home to Sikh’s holiest shrine, The Golden Temple, and other historical and cultural sites.

Air

Coming soon: Air Asia’s new domestic route to Kuantan

Mili Aug 17, 2018

Beginning 28 October 2018, AirAsia will commence daily flights from Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang. 

Airlines and Aviation

Indian CBI sets date for Tony Fernandes questioning

Alastair Newport May 31, 2018

Following raids on AirAsia’s India offices in Mumbai on 29 May, investigating allegations of corruption and bribery, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned CEO Tony Fernandes,…

Tourism

AirAsia partners with Sarawak Tourism Board to support cornerstone music festivals

Christian Tolentino Apr 25, 2018

AirAsia is partnering with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for the upcoming Borneo Jazz Festival to be held in Miri on 11-13 May and the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) taking place…

Air

AirAsia hits 10 in ASEAN “strategic crossroads” with direct flights to Phuket and Hanoi

Alastair Newport Apr 10, 2018

Following on from our recent interview with Spencer Lee head of commercial for AirAsia Malaysia, where he discussed the growth of the carrier’s secondary hubs in Langkawi, Johor Bahru and…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia takes off to Silicon Valley to find best start-ups in the world

Kristin Mariano Apr 2, 2018

AirAsia is making its way into US Silicon Valley in search of the best start-ups in the travel industry.

Airlines and Aviation

Opening the skies with AirAsia Group’s Spencer Lee

Simon Willmore Mar 2, 2018

Spencer Lee, head of commercial for AirAsia Malaysia, looks quiet and unassuming. But if you talk about travel, the transport industry veteran can hardly contain his excitement. We sat down…

Airlines and Aviation

Macau – Phuket : AirAsia launch nightspot connection

Alastair Newport Jan 10, 2018

AirAsia celebrated its inaugural flight from Macau - Phuket yesterday, a new route which marks AirAsia’s seventh destination to Macao. Macau - Phuket flight FD625, operated by Thai AirAsia,…

Airlines and Aviation

New AirAsia X Berhad Chief Financial Officer named

Simon Willmore Dec 20, 2017 17

Low-cost, long-haul carrier AirAsia X Berhad recently announced Wong Mee Yen as its incoming chief financial officer. Prior to AirAsia X Berhad, Wong was chief financial officer for the MRT…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Beyond Aviation – New CEO for Digital Transformation Aireen Omar

Alastair Newport Dec 15, 2017 315

AirAsia has announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved senior leadership changes, in line with the AirAsia Group’s new digitalisation strategy.

Airlines and Aviation

WTA Grand Final 2017: The “world’s true low-cost champion” according to Tony Fernandes

Alastair Newport Dec 12, 2017 19

AirAsia has been named the for the fifth year in a row at the 2017 World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final.World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline

Airlines and Aviation

Johor Bahru gets first direct link to India

Mark Elliott Aug 22, 2017

Johor Bahru, the Malaysian city that neighbours Singapore, will get its first direct air link to India later this year. AirAsia will continue to expand its international network from…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysian PM launches Langkawi’s new Chinese connection

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2017

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Najib Razak, has overseen the launch of AirAsia's new direct flight connecting Langkawi with mainland China. The low-cost carrier recently commenced the first…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia campaign empowers Malaysian women

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2017

AirAsia recently collaborated with Malaysia's Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development to launch its #GirlsCanDoAnything campaign, hosting a group of 84 female students at the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia starts flying to Cambodia’s coast

Mark Elliott Aug 10, 2017

AirAsia has launched its first flights to Sihanoukville, Cambodia's main coastal resort. This week, the low-cost carrier commenced a new non-stop service which will now operate four…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from HK Express, Cambodia Angkor Air, Qatar Airways and more

Mark Elliott Aug 8, 2017

AirAsia adds Malaysian domestic connection Where? Kuching to Langkawi (both Malaysia) When? Four times a week, effective immediately Who? AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia plans Indian double

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2017

Thai AirAsia will significantly boost its Indian network next month with the launch of two new routes. The Bangkok-based low-cost carrier will kick off its expansion on 28 September…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Hainan Airlines, AirAsia, Qatar Airways and more

Mark Elliott Jul 24, 2017

China gets reconnected to Belgrade Where? Beijing (China) to Belgrade (Serbia) When? Twice a week, effective 15 September 2017 Who? Hainan Airlines Why? Expanding links with Europe as…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from PAL, AirAsia, Hong Kong Airlines and more

Mark Elliott Jul 12, 2017

Tianjin Airlines starts flying to Vladivostok Where? Tianjin (China) to Vladivostok, pictured (Russia) When? Twice a week, effective immediately Who? Tianjin Airlines Why? Connecting…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia celebrates 10 years in Shenzhen

Mark Elliott Jul 11, 2017

AirAsia has celebrated the 10 anniversary of flying to Shenzhen's Bao’an International Airport. The low-cost carrier first started operating to the Pearl River Delta city in July…

Corporate & Business

AirAsia launches corporate travel programme

Mark Elliott Jul 7, 2017

AirAsia is stepping up its efforts to target business travellers with the launch of a new corporate travel programme. Under its new "MyCorporate" scheme, AirAsia will offer a series of…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Fiji Airways, China Eastern and more

Mark Elliott Jul 6, 2017

Guiyang gets Italian charter flights Where? Milan (Italy) to Guiyang, pictured (China) When? Once a week, from 10 July to 2 October 2017 Who? Neos Why? Italian charter carrier creates…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India to go international

Mark Elliott Jul 5, 2017

AirAsia India is aiming to launch international operations later this year, following the expansion of its fleet. The Economic Times reported the low-cost carrier's CEO, Amar Abrol,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia arrives in the USA

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2017

AirAsia reached a major milestone this week when it touched down in the US for the first time. Flight D7001, operated by long-haul unit AirAsia X, landed at Honolulu International Airport…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from AirAsia, China Airlines, Malindo and more

Mark Elliott Jun 28, 2017

AirAsia connects Thailand's regional cities Where? Chiang Mai to Ubon Ratchathani (both Thailand) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Thai AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier provides…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia bolsters fleet to meet short-term demand

Mark Elliott Jun 23, 2017

AirAsia has ordered 14 more Airbus A320 aircraft, as it aims to meet short-term demand on its short-haul network. The low-cost carrier already had outstanding orders for almost 400…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Bangkok with the Maldives

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2017

AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch a new service allowing Thai travellers to fly direct to the Maldives. Commencing on 11 August 2017, the low-cost carrier will operate daily…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Air Astana and more

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

AirAsia launches Borneo's new intra-island route Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands…

Appointments

The latest appointments from Travelport, AirAsia, Mandarin Oriental and more

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

MING FOONG has become Travelport's new managing director for Greater China & Online Business Group Asia Pacific. Having joined Travelport in 2012, Foong’s most recent role was…

Airlines and Aviation

Cambodian uni opens “Tony Fernandes School of Business”

Mark Elliott May 19, 2017

The University of Cambodia has named its business school after AirAsia's group CEO, Tony Fernandes. The university unveiled the "Tony Fernandes School of Business" and its…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia agrees to drive tourism in Terengganu

Mark Elliott May 18, 2017

AirAsia has signed a new agreement aimed at bringing more tourists to the Malaysian state of Terengganu. The low-cost carrier penned a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Terengganu…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia opens up Cambodia’s coast

Mark Elliott May 17, 2017

AirAsia is expanding its operations in Cambodia with the launch of flights to Sihanoukville, the country's main beach resort. Commencing on 9 August 2017, the new service will operate…

Airlines and Aviation

Indonesia AirAsia starts flying to India

Mark Elliott May 15, 2017

Indonesia AirAsia Extra, the long-haul low-cost carrier, will launch its first flights to India this week. On Friday 19 May 2017, the airline will start flying from Bali to Mumbai,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia “explores” COMAC C919

Mark Elliott May 14, 2017

AirAsia is "exploring" the COMAC C919, China's new domestically-made passenger aircraft. As part of the airline's move into the mainland Chinese market, AirAsia's executive chairman,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to launch Chinese airline

Mark Elliott May 14, 2017

AirAsia has signed an agreement for its most ambitious venture to date: a low-cost carrier based in mainland China. The Malaysian company has penned a memorandum of understanding (MoU)…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India soars in first quarter

Mark Elliott May 3, 2017

AirAsia India experienced a sharp rise in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2017, as the fledgling low-cost carrier continued to expand its operations. For the three months to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic soars in first quarter

Mark Elliott May 2, 2017

AirAsia saw a sharp rise in its passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2017. In the first three months of the year, the group's five short-haul budget airlines carried a combined total…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia acquires stake in travel planning start-up

Mark Elliott Apr 20, 2017

AirAsia is acquiring a 50% stake in Touristly Travel, the Malaysian online travel planning start-up. The deal, which will consist of an asset injection and loan valued at MYR11.5…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia goes large

Mark Elliott Apr 18, 2017

AirAsia will introduce an Airbus A330 aircraft on two routes this month, marking the first time the short-haul low-cost carrier has utilised large, twin-aisle large aircraft. From 19…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from Vietjet, AirAsia and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2017

Vietjet creates new connection to Angkor Where? Hanoi (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Vietjet Why? Serving increasing cross-border traffic…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia speeds up Wi-Fi service

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2017

AirAsia has signed a deal that will increase the speed of its in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment services. The group has penned a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) with Inmarsat for  the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia makes fresh attempt to launch in Vietnam

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2017

AirAsia is in talks with companies in Vietnam about establishing a new low-cost carrier in the country. Vietnam News Service (VNS) reports that the Malaysia-based group has signed an…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: AirAsia, Spring Airlines, Vistara and more

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2017

China Eastern expands operations in Sapporo Where? Nanjing (China) to Sapporo, pictured (Japan) When? Twice a week, effective 26 March 2017 Who? China Eastern Airlines Why? Another new…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: AirAsia, Tigerair, Jetstar Pacific and more

Mark Elliott Feb 22, 2017

Chinese travellers get more flights to Malaysia Where? Guangzhou (China) to Johor Bahru (Malaysia) When? Twice a week, effective immediately Who? Sichuan Airlines Why? Chinese carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Air Canada, AirAsia, Air China and more

Mark Elliott Feb 17, 2017

Air Canada launches Montreal-Shanghai Where? Montreal (Canada) to Shanghai (China) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Air Canada Why? National carrier continues to expand…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds domestic trio in India

Mark Elliott Feb 13, 2017

AirAsia India has unveiled plans to launch a trio of new domestic routes. Effective 19 February 2017, the low-cost carrier will commence flights from Delhi's Indira Gandhi…

United States

AirAsia reveals first ever US destination

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2017

Just weeks after it received permission to launch flights to the US, AirAsia has confirmed the details of its first ever route to the country. On 28 June 2017, the group's long-haul…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Lion Air, Air India Express, and more…

Mark Elliott Feb 3, 2017

Lion Air adds more services to KL Where? Surabaya (Indonesia) to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) When? Three times a week, effective 16 February 2017 Who? Lion Air Why? Expanding trade between…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia carried exceeds 50 million passengers

Mark Elliott Jan 25, 2017

AirAsia broke through the 50 million passenger barrier again in 2016, as demand for its short-haul flights continued to flourish. The low-cost carrier group boarded a total of 56.59m…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia starts flying Philippines-Taiwan

Mark Elliott Nov 29, 2016

AirAsia has launched its first two routes linking the Philippines with Taiwan. The low-cost carrier's Philippine subsidiary started flying direct from Manila to Taipei on 21 November, and…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia creates new link to Laos

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2016

AirAsia has expanded its connectivity in Laos with the launch of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang. Marking the first direct link between the two Southeast Asian cities,…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia goes green with new aircraft

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2016

Thai AirAsia has taken delivery of a new type of aircraft that will allow it to carry more passengers and reduce its carbon emissions. The new Airbus A320neo is the latest version of the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia boosts Malaysia-Indo links

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2016

AirAsia continues to expand its connections between Malaysia and Indonesia with the announcement of two more routes. On 10 January 2017, the low-cost carrier will start operating…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia goes double daily to Hanoi

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2016

Thai AirAsia is doubling the frequency of its Bangkok-Hanoi route with the launch of a second daily flight. Effective 9 December 2016, the low-cost carrier will add a new evening…

Airlines and Aviation

“Disruptive” airline chiefs warn against protectionism

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2016

The CEOs of two of the world’s so-called “disruptive” airlines, AirAsia and Qatar Airways, have urged the world’s governments to continue along the road towards liberalization, and not…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia spreads wings to Kolkata

Mark Elliott Oct 20, 2016

Thai AirAsia is expanding its Indian network with the launch of direct flights from Bangkok to Kolkata. The new route will commence on 16 December 2016, with daily flights connecting…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia spreads wings to Africa

Mark Elliott Oct 5, 2016

AirAsia made its debut in Africa this week, when it started flying to the island of Mauritius. The inaugural service, operated by long-haul carrier AirAsia X, touched down at Sir…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds seats with neo aircraft

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2016

AirAsia has taken delivery of its first ever Airbus A320neo aircraft - the new single-aisle jet that is designed to increase seat capacity and reduce emissions. The low-cost carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia targets premium flyers with first airport lounge

Mark Elliott Sep 1, 2016

AirAsia has unveiled its first ever airport lounge, as it bids to tempt more premium passengers on to its low-cost flights. Officially opening on 2 September 2016, the new AirAsia…

Airlines and Aviation

Free flights for life – AirAsia rewards ASEAN gold medallists

Mark Elliott Aug 24, 2016

AirAsia has decided to reward the ASEAN region's Olympic gold medal-winning Olympians with free flights for life. Thai weightlifters Sukanya Srisurat and Sopita Tanasan, Indonesian…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia unveils AirMosphere.net for travel lovers

Gemma Greenwood Jul 7, 2016

AirAsia, which flies to numerous destinations across India, has unveiled a new website, AirMosphere.net, designed to help lovers of travel share the travel information they have collected…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia shifts terminals at Yangon

Mark Elliott Jun 27, 2016

The AirAsia Group will be moving its operations at Yangon International Airport from Terminal 2 to the new Terminal 1 on 28 June 2016. Passengers travelling on all flights operated by…

Airlines and Aviation

No name change for KLIA2 – minister

Mark Elliott Jun 23, 2016

Malaysia will not change the name of its low-cost terminal, KLIA2, despite pressure from AirAsia. Tony Fernandes, the group CEO of AirAsia, said earlier this month that he planned to…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jun 15, 2016

KATHLEEN TAN has been named as AirAsia's president for North Asia. Returning to the LCC following a stint as CEO of AirAsia-Expedia, she will now be tasked with building AirAsia's market…

Airlines and Aviation

King Power chief buys stake in Thai AirAsia

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2016

King Power, the Thai duty-free giant, has acquired a stake in Thai AirAsia. The low-cost carrier's CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, has sold his 39% stake in the airline's parent company,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia embarks on unilateral airport rebranding

Mark Elliott Jun 13, 2016

AirAsia has decided to launch its own campaign to rebrand KLIA2, without the backing of the airport's operator. The low-cost carrier, which is by far the largest airline based at KLIA2,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Japan set for October relaunch

Mark Elliott May 31, 2016

AirAsia's CEO Tony Fernandes has said he expects to relaunch his Japanese venture in October this year. The previous AirAsia Japan was disbanded in September 2013 following…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia opens first travel shop in the Maldives

Mark Elliott May 23, 2016

AirAsia has strengthened its presence in the Maldives with the launch of a new travel shop. The new AirAsia Travel & Service Centre (ATSC) officially opened in the Maldivian…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia scraps check-in counters at KL

Mark Elliott May 17, 2016

AirAsia will scrap all counter check-in services for passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur this week. The low-cost carrier has confirmed that, from 18 May, it will only offer…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia suspends Kuala Lumpur-Goa flights

Mark Elliott May 11, 2016

AirAsia will suspend its thrice weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Goa on 7 June 2016, as part of its route rationalisation plan. Spencer Lee, AirAsia’s head of commercial, said, “We…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic jumps 17%

Mark Elliott May 9, 2016

AirAsia recorded a sharp rise in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2016. The group's short-haul airlines in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India and the Philippines carried a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia provides twin connections to Khon Kaen

Mark Elliott Apr 29, 2016

AirAsia has increased its connectivity to Khon Kaen, the city in northeast Thailand, with the launch of two new daily flights. Effective 28 April, Thai AirAsia started flying direct…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysian airlines form new alliance

Mark Elliott Apr 18, 2016

Seven Malaysian airlines have joined forces to form the Association of Malaysian Air Carriers (AMAC). The alliance will include Malaysia Airlines and its two subsidiaries, MASwings…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia links Johor with China

Mark Elliott Apr 17, 2016

AirAsia has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to connect Johor, Malaysia's southernmost state, by announcing a new direct flight from mainland China. Commencing on 29…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysia’s new shariah airline grounded

Mark Elliott Apr 11, 2016

Rayani Air, the start-up Malaysian airline that conforms to Islamic shariah standards, has been grounded by aviation authorities. Malaysia's Bernama news agency reports that the country's…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to refit fleet with new slim-line seats

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2016

AirAsia has unveiled plans to completely refit its fleet with a new type of lightweight, slim-line seat. The low-cost carrier has signed an agreement with Mirus Aircraft Seating which…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia goes international from Hat Yai

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2016

Thai AirAsia has launched its first ever international flight from southern Thailand's Hat Yai Airport. The new service will operate daily between Hat Yai and Johor Bahru, in southern…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia brings more Chinese visitors to Chiang Mai

Mark Elliott Mar 29, 2016

AirAsia is capitalising on the Chinese visitor boom in Chiang Mai with the launch of a new direct service to the northern Thai city from Changsha. The capital of central China's Hunan…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds two new routes to Shantou

Mark Elliott Mar 27, 2016

AirAsia has expanded its presence in China with the launch of one new route to Shantou, in the populous Guangdong province, and the announcement of plans for a second. The low-cost…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches Penang-Yangon flights

Mark Elliott Mar 22, 2016

AirAsia has expanded its network from Penang with the launch of a new direct service to Yangon. Flights commenced on 22 March and will now operate three times a week, every Tuesday,…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysia wants to boost Indian air capacity

Mark Elliott Mar 21, 2016

Malaysia has open discussions with India about the expansion of its flight capacity. The Bernama news agency reported the country’s Transport Minister, Liow Tiong Lai, as saying that…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to offer first direct Bangkok-Kochi flights

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2016

Thai AirAsia will launch daily direct flights between Bangkok and Kochi from 16 May 2016, marking the first direct connection between the cities. Flights will depart the Thai…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia adds Khon Kaen connections

Mark Elliott Mar 8, 2016

Thai AirAsia is launching two new domestic routes to Khon Kaen, the city in northeast Thailand. Effective 28 April 2016, the low-cost carrier will offer daily flights to Khon Kaen…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to connect KL with Shantou

Mark Elliott Feb 17, 2016

AirAsia has announced plans to launch its first flights to the city of Shantou, in southern China's Guangdong province. Commencing on 25 March 2016, the low-cost carrier will offer…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia carries 50 million passengers

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2016

AirAsia has carried 50 million passengers in a single year for the first time in its history. The group's portfolio of five short-haul carriers, based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to link Bangkok with Luang Prabang

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2016

AirAsia has announced plans to launch a new direct flight connecting Bangkok with Luang Prabang. The new service will commence on 24 March 2016, operating daily from the Thai…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds two routes from Thailand’s Hat Yai

Mark Elliott Feb 9, 2016

AirAsia has announced plans to expand its operations from Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand. On 1 April 2016, the airline will add two new routes from Hat Yai, connecting…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X returns to Delhi

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2016

AirAsia X has relaunched flights to India, with the start of a new direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Delhi. The Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier suspended its services to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X returns to New Zealand

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2016

AirAsia X has announced plans to return to New Zealand in March, almost four years after it pulled out of the country. The new service will commence on 22 March 2016, operating from…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia links Phuket with Wuhan

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2016

Thai AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch the first direct service between Phuket and Wuhan. Commencing on 1 February, in time for Chinese New Year, the new route will operate daily…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds flights from Malaysian hubs

Mark Elliott Jan 11, 2016

AirAsia is planning to launch three new international routes from Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Penang later this month. The expansion will kick off on 22 January with the launch of…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to welcome first A320neo in 2016

Mark Elliott Nov 30, 2015

AirAsia will take delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft in 2016. The low-cost carrier group has placed orders for 300 A320neos - the new fuel-efficient version of the popular…

Airlines and Aviation

Expanding AirAsia India suffers Q3 loss

Mark Elliott Nov 30, 2015

AirAsia India has posted a loss of INR611.5 million (US$9.1m) for the three months ending 30 September 2015, despite rising passenger traffic and revenues. The low-cost carrier has…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches four routes from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2015

AirAsia has commenced flights on four new routes from U-Tapao Airport, the gateway to Pattaya and Thailand's eastern seaboard. On 27 November, the low-cost carrier launched new…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to resume Delhi flights

Mark Elliott Nov 23, 2015

AirAsia X will relaunch flights to Delhi in February 2016, four years after it suspended the service. The Malaysian low-cost carrier has confirmed that it will start operating four…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Langkawi with Guangzhou

Mark Elliott Nov 22, 2015

The Malaysian resort island of Langkawi will be connected directly to the Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou next year. Commencing on 24 January 2016, AirAsia will launch four weekly…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia unveils new mobile app

Mark Elliott Nov 19, 2015

AirAsia has launched its new mobile app, offering a series of new features. The app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, is now available in 11 languages and allows users…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds more domestic flights from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Oct 29, 2015

AirAsia has continued to expand its operations from Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport with the announcement of new domestic routes to Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. The low-cost carrier recently…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia gets green light for Japanese relaunch

Mark Elliott Oct 6, 2015

AirAsia will relaunch operations in Japan next year, after the low-cost carrier was granted an Air Operator’s Certificate by the country's aviation authorities. Based at Nagoya's…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands international links from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Sep 28, 2015

AirAsia will continue its international expansion from Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport in November 2015, with the launch of new direct services to Macau and Singapore. Following the launch of…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to link KL with Changsha

Mark Elliott Sep 9, 2015

AirAsia has confirmed plans to launch a new service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Changsha, the capital of China's Hunan province. Commencing on 2 October 2015, the new route will…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Pattaya with China

Mark Elliott Aug 31, 2015

Thai AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch two new routes connecting Pattaya with mainland China, as it makes the resort town its fifth operating base in Thailand. The low-cost carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India posts quarterly loss

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2015

AirAsia India suffered a loss for the second quarter of 2015. The fledgling low-cost carrier, which first launched in summer 2014, reported an operating loss of INR413 million…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysia Airports denies KLIA 2 disruption

Mark Elliott Aug 14, 2015

Malaysia's state-run airport operator has denied AirAsia's claims that flights have been disrupted by work to rectify defects at its new low-cost carrier terminal, KLIA2. Late last…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to connect KL with Goa

Mark Elliott Aug 13, 2015

AirAsia will launch its first international flights to Goa this month. Commencing on 27 August, the low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia demands US$107m from Malaysia Airports

Mark Elliott Aug 2, 2015

AirAsia is demanding MYR409 million (US$107m) in compensation from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) for losses and damages it has incurred by operating from Kuala Lumpur…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia demands action to repair “sinking” KLIA2

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2015

AirAsia has urged Malaysian authorities to speed up work to repair Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), which it claims is sinking. Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to the Maldives

Mark Elliott Jul 21, 2015

AirAsia has announced plans to launch direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to the Maldives. Commencing on 22 October 2015, the low-cost carrier will serve the route three times a week…

Bangladesh

AirAsia links KL with Dhaka

Mark Elliott Jul 13, 2015

AirAsia has launched a new service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Dhaka. The inaugural flight touched down in Bangladesh's capital on 10 July 2015 and AirAsia will now serve the route…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to train more Thai pilots

Mark Elliott Jul 10, 2015

AirAsia has signed an agreement that will lead to the training of more Thai pilots. The low-cost carrier's Bangkok-based subsidiary, Thai AirAsia, has joined forces with the Bangkok…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia offers in-flight Twitter access

Mark Elliott Jul 2, 2015

AirAsia has teamed up with in-flight connectivity provider roKKi to offer Twitter access onboard its flights. This service marks an enhancement to the existing onboard Wi-Fi offering…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia moves into northeast India

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2015

AirAsia India has launched a new route connecting two cities in the country's northeast. The low-cost carrier has commenced services between Guwahati, the largest city in the state of…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia drives group’s growth in Q1

Mark Elliott May 19, 2015

AirAsia achieved a rise in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2015, driven by a strong increase in demand for its Thai flights. In total, AirAsia's short-haul airlines carried…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands Thailand-Malaysia links

Mark Elliott May 19, 2015

AirAsia will increase the number of routes it offers between Thailand and Malaysia this summer, with the launch of two new unique services: Johor Bahru-Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur-Pattaya.…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to launch Pattaya flights

Mark Elliott May 14, 2015

AirAsia will launch its first ever flights to the Thai resort town of Pattaya this summer. Commencing on 16 July 2015, the new route will operate four times a week between Kuala…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia signs up for Travelport GDS display tool

Mark Elliott May 14, 2015

AirAsia has become the first Asian low-cost carrier to sign up for Travelport's Rich Content and Branding solution, which improves how airline products are displayed on the GDS screen.…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia transfers aircraft to India

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2015

Malaysia's AirAsia will transfer another one of its aircraft to the company's Indian unit, following a new leasing deal. The Bernama news agency reports that the Kuala Lumpur-based…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia targets China with UnionPay deal

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2015

AirAsia has signed a new deal intended to increase the number of passengers it attracts from China. The low-cost carrier has penned a partnership with UnionPay International, allowing…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia adds new domestic route

Mark Elliott Apr 4, 2015

Thai AirAsia has continued its domestic expansion with the launch of a new route to Buriram, in northeast Thailand. The new service will operate daily, direct from Bangkok's Don…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia CEO takes swipe at Indian airline rules

Mark Elliott Mar 23, 2015

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes has once again criticised the Indian government's rules for overseas flights. The so-called "5/20 rule" means that India-based airlines have to have…

Airlines and Aviation

Langkawi becomes AirAsia’s latest international hub

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2015

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…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands Malaysia-India connections

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2015

AirAsia will launch a new route from Malaysia to India in May. Commencing on 7 May 2015, the low-cost carrier will launch services from Kuala Lumpur to Visakhapatnam, a city in Andhra…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia finally gets approval for Bali-Melbourne flight

Mark Elliott Mar 7, 2015

AirAsia has finally received permission to launch its direct Bali-Melbourne service and will commence flights on 18 March. The route, which will be the first operated by new…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia unveils ASEAN Pass

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2015

AirAsia has launched a new travel pass intended to offer passengers cheaper flights across the ASEAN region. The new AirAsia ASEAN Pass is available for purchase from airasia.com,…

Airlines and Aviation

Expedia increases stake in AirAsia joint venture

Mark Elliott Feb 17, 2015

Expedia will increase its stake in its joint venture with AirAsia to 75%. The companies confirmed today that Expedia has agreed to acquire an extra 25% interest in AAE Travel Pte Ltd…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic climbed 7% in 2014

Mark Elliott Feb 17, 2015

AirAsia continued to experience rising passenger traffic in 2014, driven by its operations in Thailand. The group, comprising the short-haul low-cost carriers in Malaysia, Thailand,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects KL with Chongqing

Mark Elliott Feb 15, 2015

AirAsia has launched its first direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and the western Chinese metropolis of Chongqing. Operated by the carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, the new…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X flies to Sapporo

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2015

Thai AirAsia X, the long-haul unit of Thai AirAsia, has unveiled plans to launch a new service to Sapporo. Flights commence on 1 May 2015 and will operate daily, direct from Bangkok's Don…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Indonesia abandons recovery effort

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2015

Indonesia has abandoned its attempts to recover the fuselage of AirAsia flight QZ8501 from the seabed. The country's military said on Tuesday that the operation was now at an end,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia abolishes fuel surcharges

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2015

AirAsia has abolished fuel surcharges across all of its routes, including long-haul services with AirAsia X. The low-cost carrier said that, effective immediately, none of its…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Aircraft fuselage found

Mark Elliott Jan 15, 2015

Search teams have located the fuselage of AirAsia flight QZ8501 at the bottom of the Java Sea. The chief of Indonesia's National Search & Rescue Agency (Basarnas), FHB Soelistyo,…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: First black box recovered from seabed

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2015

One of the black boxes has been recovered from the wreckage of AirAsia flight QZ8501, officials in Indonesia have confirmed. The head of the country’s National Search & Rescue…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Black boxes missing from raised tail

Mark Elliott Jan 11, 2015

The tail section of AirAsia flight QZ8501 has been raised from the seabed, but without the crucial 'black boxes' that could explain the cause of the crash. Large inflatable bags were used…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: AirAsia denies route violations

Mark Elliott Jan 8, 2015

AirAsia has denied allegations that it was not permitted to operate the Surabaya-Singapore route on the day flight QZ8501 crashed. The airline's group CEO, Tony Fernandes, said this…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Aircraft tail discovery raises black box hopes

Mark Elliott Jan 7, 2015

Search teams have located the tail section of AirAsia flight QZ8501, raising hopes that the aircraft's black boxes might soon be recovered. Vice Marshall FHB Soelistyo, who heads up…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Search area shifts east

Mark Elliott Jan 6, 2015

The search effort for AirAsia flight QZ8501 has been shifted eastwards, Indonesian officials said on Tuesday. The National Search & Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said that strong…

Airlines and Aviation

QZ8501: Bodies likely trapped in aircraft

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2015

The majority of the bodies of those who died on AirAsia flight QZ8501 are likely to be trapped inside the aircraft, search teams said on Monday. The head of Indonesia's National…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia plane found as bodies return home

Mark Elliott Jan 4, 2015

Search and rescue teams believe they have found the main fuselage of the missing AirAsia jet. Investigating an oil slick in the Karimata Strait, which separates the Java Sea from the…

Asia

Search for AirAsia victims continues [update seven]

Mark Elliott Dec 31, 2014

More bodies have been found this morning, amid a major search for the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501. Indonesia's National Search & Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said that three more…

Airlines and Aviation

Bodies found in AirAsia search [update six]

Mark Elliott Dec 30, 2014

More than 40 bodies have been recovered by rescue workers searching for the missing AirAsia flight, QZ8501, according to the Indonesian Navy. After a three-day multinational air and…

Airlines and Aviation

Search resumes for missing AirAsia flight [update four]

Mark Elliott Dec 28, 2014

There search for AirAsia flight QZ8501 resumed on Monday morning, 24 hours after the plane went missing en route from Surabaya to Singapore. Indonesian teams called off their air…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia “loses contact” with plane in Indonesia [update two]

Mark Elliott Dec 28, 2014

An AirAsia flight with 162 people onboard has gone missing in Indonesia. The Airbus A320 aircraft was travelling from Surabaya to Singapore on Sunday morning when the airline said it…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia prepares for triple launch

Mark Elliott Dec 22, 2014

Thai AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch three new domestic routes on the same day in 2015. On 9 February 2014, the low-cost carrier will add twice daily flights to Nan and Loei in…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia seals deal for world’s newest long-haul jet

Mark Elliott Dec 16, 2014

AirAsia has placed a major order for the world's newest commercial long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A330neo. The new twin-aisle jet was first unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia signs up Korean football star

Mark Elliott Dec 10, 2014

AirAsia has signed up South Korean football star Park Ji Sung as its new global ambassador. Announced at press conference in Seoul today (10 December 2014), the partnership will see…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches ASEAN Pass

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2014

AirAsia has launched a new initiative allowing passengers to book multiple flights across the ASEAN region. Under the new AirAsia ASEAN Pass, travellers will be able to use…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia launches new ‘north-south’ flight

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

AirAsia launched a new domestic Thai route on 1 November 2014, connecting the northern city of Chiang Mai with Surat Thani, gateway to the southern island of Koh Samui. Flights will…

Airlines and Aviation

Travelport seals AirAsia India fares

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

Travelport has signed a new distribution agreement with AirAsia India. The new Chennai-based low-cost carrier has agreed to sell its fares and ancillary services through Travelport’s…

Airlines and Aviation

Indo AirAsia X to launch with Melbourne flights

Mark Elliott Oct 27, 2014

Indonesia AirAsia Extra, the latest regional long-haul unit from the AirAsia group, will commence services in December, initially flying between Bali and Melbourne. Having received…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia boosts Bangkok-Angkor flights

Mark Elliott Oct 27, 2014

AirAsia has announced plans to ramp up its flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap - the gateway to Angkor Wat. Commencing on 1 December 2014, the low-cost carrier will  offer three…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects to Myanmar capital

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2014

AirAsia is launching a new route to Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw. The new direct service from Kuala Lumpur will commence on 10 November 2014, with flights operating daily using a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to relaunch KL-Hyderabad flights

Mark Elliott Sep 30, 2014

AirAsia is planning to relaunch its international route from Kuala Lumpur to Hyderabad later this year. Commencing on 8 December 2014, the Malaysian low-cost carrier will operate…

Airlines and Aviation

Hilton teams up with AirAsia FFP

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2014

Hilton has entered into a new partnership with AirAsia, offering benefits for the members of the two companies' loyalty programmes. Members of the Hilton Honors and AirAsia Big…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to connect Chiang Mai with Samui

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2014

AirAsia is launching a new service linking two of Thailand's foremost tourist destinations - Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Commencing on 1 November 2014, the low-cost carrier will operate…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Krabi with mainland China

Mark Elliott Sep 15, 2014

AirAsia will provide a new Chinese connection for the Thai resort province of Krabi, with the launch of direct flights from Guangzhou. Commencing on 6 November 2014, the new…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X gets green-light for Indonesia launch

Mark Elliott Sep 5, 2014

AirAsia X will launch in Indonesia, after the new unit received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the country's aviation authorities. Indonesia AirAsia Extra, as the new…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic climbs 13% in Q2

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2014

AirAsia continued to experience rising passenger traffic in the second quarter of the year. The low-cost carrier group boarded 11.3 million passengers in the three-month period, up…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adopts Amadeus travel agent technology

Mark Elliott Jul 25, 2014

AirAsia has become the first airline in Asia Pacific to implement Amadeus' new technology for travel agencies. Following the low-cost carrier's move to the GDS earlier this year, AirAsia…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds 139 ‘Fly-Thru’ routes

Mark Elliott Jul 12, 2014

AirAsia has expanded its 'Fly-Thru' transfer service to a further 139 routes. Fly-Thru allows passengers to connect from AirAsia X's long-haul network to AirAsia's short-haul routes,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expects profitable Indian venture

Mark Elliott Jul 4, 2014

AirAsia expects its new Indian carrier to break-even earlier than its previous ventures. Bernama reported the group's CEO, Tony Fernandes, as saying that the company will draw on its…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia confirms Japanese relaunch

Mark Elliott Jul 1, 2014

AirAsia has confirmed that it will be re-entering Japan's aviation market in 2015. The Malaysian low-cost carrier group pulled out of Japan in September last year, following the…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X launches inaugural flight

Mark Elliott Jun 18, 2014

AirAsia has continued its rapid expansion with the launch of Thai AirAsia X - a new long-haul low-cost carrier based in Bangkok. The new airline becomes the second new AirAsia carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia embraces GDS to create new demand

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2014

AirAsia and AirAsia X are reaching out to the travel trade in an effort to generate new demand for their flights. The low-cost carrier signed its first ever GDS agreements earlier this…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India confirms launch date

Mark Elliott May 31, 2014

AirAsia India has started taking reservations for its first flight, which will launch on 12 June 2014. The new low-cost carrier will initially start operating the Bengaluru-Goa route,…

Airlines and Aviation

KL LCCT closes as AirAsia moves house

Mark Elliott May 9, 2014

Kuala Lumpur's old Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) officially closed this morning today (9 May 2014) after eight years of operations. The facility was launched in March 2006 to handle…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India ready to fly

Mark Elliott May 8, 2014

AirAsia India is now ready to fly. The carrier has received its Air Operator’s Permit (AOP) or the flying license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) yesterday…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic jumps 17% in Q1

Mark Elliott May 6, 2014

AirAsia experienced a strong rise in passenger traffic in the first quarter of the year, as new aircraft deliveries helped boost seat capacity. The group, comprising units in…

Malaysia

KL’s new low-cost terminal finally opens

Mark Elliott May 4, 2014

Kuala Lumpur's new low-cost carrier terminal, KLIA2, finally opened on Friday, following a year of setbacks. The first flight - a Malindo Air service from Kota Kinabalu - touched down…

Airlines and Aviation

Obama oversees AirAsia’s engine deal

Mark Elliott Apr 28, 2014

Barack Obama dropped into see AirAsia's Tony Fernandes during his recent visit to Malaysia. The US President, along with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, oversaw a major engine…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia brings long-haul services to Thailand

Mark Elliott Apr 22, 2014

AirAsia X has launched a new regional subsidiary in Thailand. The new long-haul low-cost carrier was officially unveiled at an event in Bangkok on Tuesday (22 April 2014), with CEO…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to Xi’an

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2014

AirAsia is planning to launch flights to Xi'an, the home of the Terracotta Warriors. Commencing on 2 July 2014, the new service will be operated by the airline's long-haul arm,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds international routes from Johor

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2014

AirAsia has significantly expanded its operations at Johor Bahru, with the launch of three new international routes from Malaysia's southern city. The low-cost carrier will now…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to remain at LCCT after “closure”

Mark Elliott Apr 2, 2014

AirAsia has said it will still operate from Kuala Lumpur's Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) after 9 May 2014 - the date the facility is due to close. In a statement issued on Tuesday,…

Malaysia

KL LCCT to close on 9 May 2014

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2014

Kuala Lumpur's Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will close on 9 May 2014, following the launch of the new KLIA 2. Bernama reported Malaysia's deputy transport minister, Abdul Aziz…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia embraces GDS with Travelport deal

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2014

AirAsia has committed to offering its fares to the travel trade with the signing of a landmark agreement with Travelport. The new partnership will see the low-cost carrier distribute…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India takes delivery of its first A320

Mark Elliott Mar 24, 2014

AirAsia India has taken the delivery of its first Airbus A320, equipped with Sharklets. The Chennai-based airline will take delivery of an additional nine aircraft for its initial…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X expands in Japan

Mark Elliott Mar 18, 2014

AirAsia X has expanded its operations in Japan with the launch of flights to Nagoya - its third destination in the country. The long-haul low-cost carrier's inaugural flight to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to sell tickets in 7-11

Mark Elliott Mar 17, 2014

Thai AirAsia will now enable its customers to purchase tickets in 7-11. The low-cost carrier has joined forces with Counter Service to allow flights to be booked and paid for at any…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India could launch in May – CEO

Mark Elliott Mar 7, 2014

AirAsia India could launch its first flights in May 2014, according to its CEO.  Speaking to Indian newspaper The Hindu, Mittu Chandilya said he hopes to see progress within the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X profits dip in 2013

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2014

AirAsia X experienced a small decline in profits last year, as a extra capacity and a weak Malaysian ringgit impacted the airline's figures. The long-haul low-cost carrier generated…

Airlines and Aviation

DGCA to soon decide on flying permit for AirAsia India

Mark Elliott Feb 21, 2014

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will soon decide on issuing the flying license to AirAsia India. The regulator is looking through various responses to the recent…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia carries 25% more passengers in 2013

Mark Elliott Feb 11, 2014

AirAsia achieved strong growth in passenger traffic last year, as new aircraft deliveries boosted demand. The low-cost carrier group carried 42.6 million passengers in 2013, 25% more than…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia gets green light for Thai long-haul airline

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2014

AirAsia has received permission to launch a new long-haul low-cost carrier based in Bangkok. Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia still keen on Japan

Mark Elliott Jan 20, 2014

AirAsia is keen to launch a new domestic low-cost carrier in Japan, despite the recent failure of AirAsia Japan. Speaking with Bloomberg in an interview on 17 January 2014, AirAsia's…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds Seoul flights

Mark Elliott Jan 16, 2014

AirAsia will add more flights to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport later this year. Operated by the airline's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, the Kuala Lumpur-Seoul route is currently…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia adds international flights

Mark Elliott Jan 2, 2014

Thai AirAsia has unveiled a new service to China, plus additional flights on two other international routes. Commencing on 21 February 2014, the low-cost carrier will launch the first…

Asia

Travel Daily Asia’s Review of 2013

Mark Elliott Dec 23, 2013

So another year has passed; how was it for you? Asia’s travel industry began the year with high hopes, following record tourist arrivals in 2012. Despite the eurozone slump and…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X places largest aircraft order

Mark Elliott Dec 19, 2013

AirAsia X has placed its largest-ever order for a single aircraft type, buying 25 A330-300s from Airbus. The deal, which is valued at almost US$6 billion at current list prices, adds…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches north Thailand shuttle bus

Mark Elliott Dec 12, 2013

AirAsia is expanding its operations to more cities in northern Thailand, with the launch of a new shuttle bus service. Passengers will now be able to travel to Pai and Sukhothai on a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India likely to fly from January

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2013

AirAsia India could finally get scheduled air operator’s permit in January, nearly a year after announcing the joint venture. “We should be able to give the permit in the next two…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia profits climb on rising demand

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2013

AirAsia has posted an increase in profits for the third quarter of the year, driven by its fleet expansion and surging passenger traffic. Releasing its results this week, the low-cost…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Zest sells tickets via Amadeus

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2013

AirAsia Zest, the Philippine low-cost carrier, is making its fares available for sale through the Amadeus GDS. Travel agents in Asia Pacific connected to the Amadeus system can now…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to fly to Nagoya

Mark Elliott Nov 18, 2013

AirAsia X has announced plans to fly to Nagoya - its third destination in Japan. Commencing on 17 March 2014, the long-haul low-cost carrier will operate four weekly flights to the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to launch Chiang Mai-Hong Kong flights

Mark Elliott Nov 12, 2013

AirAsia will launch a new service between Chiang Mai and Hong Kong early next year. Commencing on 7 January 2014, the low-cost carrier will operate daily services on the route, using…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic soars with new aircraft

Mark Elliott Nov 8, 2013

AirAsia experienced a strong increase in passenger traffic in the third quarter of the year. The budget airline group carried 10.6 million passengers in the three months to 30…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia offers Bangkok connections

Mark Elliott Nov 5, 2013

AirAsia has made it easier for passengers to connect between flights in Bangkok, with the launch of its 'Fly-Thru' service. Passengers connecting from one AirAsia flight to another at…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia touches down in Adelaide

Mark Elliott Oct 31, 2013

AirAsia has touched down in Adelaide for the first time. The low-cost carrier's long-haul subsidiary, AirAsia X, commenced direct flights to the South Australian city today (31…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Asia moves to new terminal in Chennai

Mark Elliott Oct 23, 2013

Air Asia has moved its operations to the New International Terminal at Chennai Airport (NITC). With immediate effect, departures will be based and operated at NITC, while arrivals…

Airlines and Aviation

India to scrap airline five-year rule – minister

Mark Elliott Oct 17, 2013

India has confirmed plans to scrap the rule requiring airlines to operate five years of domestic flights before they are permitted to serve international routes. Local news service…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds more Krabi connections

Mark Elliott Oct 17, 2013

AirAsia is increasing the number of connections it offers to Krabi, with new routes from Chiang Mai and Singapore and extra flights from Bangkok. Commencing on 25 November 2013, the…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X gets green light to launch

Mark Elliott Oct 15, 2013

The Thai government has officially approved the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) for Thai AirAsia X, the new Bangkok-based long-haul low-cost carrier. The decision means that Thai…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India gets green light

Mark Elliott Sep 27, 2013

AirAsia India announced yesterday that it had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). “We will continue with our preparations and get…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to the Maldives

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2013

AirAsia will launch its first ever flights to the Maldives this week. Commencing on Saturday 28 September 2013, the low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, will operate four…

Airlines and Aviation

SIA to launch Indian airline

Mark Elliott Sep 19, 2013

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled plans to launch a new airline in India. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian conglomerate Tata Sons and…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to start Thai brand

Mark Elliott Sep 11, 2013

Low cost carrier AirAsia X is reportedly on the verge of introducing Thai AirAsia X, which will be based on the same model as its Malaysian parent. The carrier wants to follow a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X looks to Japan for finance

Mark Elliott Sep 9, 2013

Low cost carrier AirAsia X is launching a campaign to raise yen-denominated funds for the first time as it ushers in a spate of new aircraft deliveries next year. According to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands Australian services

Mark Elliott Aug 26, 2013

AirAsia is increasing the number of flights it offers to Australia. The low-cost carrier revealed today (26 August 2013) that its long-haul subsidiary, AirAsia X, will commence twice…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies daily to Osaka

Mark Elliott Aug 22, 2013

AirAsia has announced plans to increase the frequency of its services between Kuala Lumpur and Osaka. The low-cost carrier currently serves the Japanese city with four weekly flights,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India may miss launch date

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2013

AirAsia India may miss the launch date to start operations before Diwali this year.  The airline, which is a joint venture between Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia and India’s Tata…

Airlines and Aviation

Philippines suspends Zest Air on safety grounds

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2013

Philippine low-cost carrier Zest Air has been suspended by the country’s aviation authorities over safety concerns. Hundreds of passengers were reported to have been left stranded on…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia traffic surges in Q2

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2013

AirAsia saw a strong rise in traffic in the second quarter of 2013, as new aircraft deliveries allowed it to add new flights. The low-cost carrier's four regional subsidiaries…

Airlines and Aviation

Airlines blur boundaries between full-service and low-cost

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2013

Low-cost and full-service airlines in the Asia Pacific region are diversifying their business models and could eventually “meet in the middle”, according to a senior industry…

Airlines and Aviation

ANA confirms life after AirAsia

Mark Elliott Jul 30, 2013

ANA will create a new Tokyo-based low-cost carrier, following the end of its Japanese joint venture with AirAsia. The Japanese airline agreed to dissolve its partnership with AirAsia…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to fly to Adelaide

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2013

AirAsia has announced plans to launch flights to Adelaide - its fifth destination in Australia. Commencing on 30 October 2013, the low-cost carrier's long-haul arm, AirAsia X, will…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia enhances Tiruchirappali service

Mark Elliott Jul 16, 2013

AirAsia has announced the enhancement of its services to Tamil Nadu.  The low-cost carrier will introduce a third daily flight from Tiruchirappali to Kuala Lumpur, commencing 30…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to fly Bangkok-Siem Reap

Mark Elliott Jul 15, 2013

AirAsia will become the first low-cost carrier to operate flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat. From 1 October 2013, the airline's Thai subsidiary will…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation tidbits

Mark Elliott Jul 11, 2013

China Eastern to launch Manila flights China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will launch a new service to Manila. From 18 October, the Shanghai-based airline will commence a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India appoints CCO

Mark Elliott Jul 10, 2013

AirAsia has announced the appointment of Amisha Sethi as the Chief Commercial Officer for AirAsia India.  In her previous roles, Sethi has spearheaded brand marketing for Asia Pacific…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to ask for Indian runway extensions

Mark Elliott Jul 4, 2013

AirAsia will ask Indian authorities to extend runways at smaller airports to accommodate its fleet of Airbus A320s. Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported AirAsia's group CEO, Tony…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia calls time on Japanese venture

Mark Elliott Jun 25, 2013

AirAsia's brief foray into the Japanese domestic aviation sector will soon come to an end, after the low-cost carrier agreed to terminate its AirAsia Japan joint venture with ANA. The…

Airlines and Aviation

Haze hits Pekanbaru flights

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2013

At least two flights were turned away from Pekanbaru on Monday, due to the haze currently hanging over the Indonesian city. A SilkAir flight from Singapore and an AirAsia service from…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation tidbits

Mark Elliott Jun 12, 2013

Asiana to add Indonesia flights Asiana Airlines has announced plans to launch two new routes to Indonesia. From 19 July 2013, the South Korean carrier will commence daily flights…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia could end Japan venture

Mark Elliott Jun 11, 2013

AirAsia's could call time on its Japanese operations, less than a year after founding its Tokyo-based subsidiary. The Malaysian low-cost carrier group launched AirAsia Japan in…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X plans to raise US$271m in IPO

Mark Elliott Jun 10, 2013

AirAsia X has launched an initial public offering (IPO) through which it plans to raise up to MYR859.3 million (US$271m). The Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier today launched its…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to Myanmar capital

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2013

AirAsia has announced plans to launch its first flights to Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. Commencing in October 2013, the route will be operated by the low-cost carrier's…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia funds Sabah village hydro-power projects

Mark Elliott May 28, 2013 17

AirAsia will provide funding for the development of small-scale hydro-power plants for communities in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The low-cost carrier's charitable arm, AirAsia…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai, Indo units boost AirAsia

May 23, 2013 1

AirAsia has reported a strong set of financial results for the first quarter of 2013, boosted by its Thai and Indonesian subsidiaries. Indonesia AirAsia achieved a 104% jump in…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India appoints Mittu Chandilya as CEO

Mark Elliott May 16, 2013 16

AirAsia India’s Board of Directors have appointed Mittu Chandilya as the chief executive officer (CEO) of AirAsia India (Private) Limited.  Chandilya will assume office with effect…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia India gets green light

Mark Elliott Mar 29, 2013 16

The Foreign Investment and Promotion Board (FIPB) has approved AirAsia’s plan to enter Indian skies, according to a Finance Ministry statement.  The Malaysian carrier plans to start…

Airlines and Aviation

Suvarnabhumi quieter after AirAsia loss

Mar 26, 2013 0

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport has seen a severe drop in passenger traffic this year, following AirAsia's move to the Thai capital's second airport, Don Mueang. According to the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X offers VIP airport services

Feb 26, 2013 16

AirAsia X is rolling out the red carpet to passengers at Kuala Lumpur's Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). For departing passengers, the new Red Carpet service includes a dedicated…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia touches down in Shanghai

Feb 20, 2013 0

AirAsia touched down in Shanghai for this first time today, marking the start of a new scheduled service from Kuala Lumpur. The low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, will now…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia plans India joint venture

Feb 20, 2013 1

AirAsia is planning to join forces with Indian conglomerate Tata, to form a new domestic low-cost carrier based in Chennai. Through its investment arm, AirAsia Investment, the Malaysian…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia continues double-digit growth

Feb 5, 2013 0

AirAsia achieved another year of strong growth, with group-wide passenger traffic climbing 13% in 2012. The low-cost carrier group was boosted by the launch of new subsidiaries last year,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia offers child-free ‘quiet zones’

Feb 1, 2013 8

AirAsia is now offering child-free 'quiet zones' on its long-haul flights. Available across the entire network of the group's long-haul subsidiary, AirAsia X, the new ancillary offering…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia eyes India

Jan 25, 2013 1

AirAsia is looking to expand into new markets, and has cited India as one of the most attractive options. Following a strategic review of the its operations and future growth plans,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X ups frequency on high performance routes

Dec 14, 2012 18

Responding to strong passenger demand, AirAsia X is increasing its flight frequency from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, Taipei, and Chengdu next year. With these routes recording load factors…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia places order for 100 Airbus A320s

Dec 14, 2012 15

AirAsia continues its aggressive expansion strategy by confirming orders for an additional 100 Airbus A320 aircraft, as it looks to assert its dominance in the region with new routes and…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia denies India plans

Nov 26, 2012 16

AirAsia has denied reports that it is planning to invest in Indian low-cost carrier, SpiceJet. Citing unnamed Indian government officials, Reuters yesterday reported that Malaysian budget…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to fly to Shanghai

Nov 22, 2012 16

AirAsia X is expanding its network in China with the introduction of direct flights to Shanghai. From 19 February 2013, the low-cost carrier will commence six weekly flights from Kuala…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches school laptop programme in Nepal

Nov 21, 2012 0

AirAsia has launched a new CSR programme aimed at providing laptop computers to children in Nepal. Following the launch of flights by the low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, to…

Tourism

Asia is most holiday-deprived region – study

Nov 20, 2012 15

Workers in Asia take the fewest holidays, according to a new study. In its ‘2012 Vacation Deprivation Survey’, which studied 8,500 employees across 22 countries, Expedia found that Asians…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Asia boosts India network

Mark Elliott Nov 5, 2012 0

Air Asia will boost its India network. The airline will increase its frequency from Tirchy, Tamil Nadu and Kochi, Kerala to Kuala Lumpur. The new flights from Tirchy will begin from…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to add KL-Kunming flights

Oct 22, 2012 13

AirAsia is continuing its expansion in China with the launch of flights to Kunming, capital of the southern province of Yunnan. The new route from Kuala Lumpur will operate four times a…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia pulls out of Batavia deal

Oct 15, 2012 16

AirAsia has decided not to proceed with its planning acquisition of Indonesian carrier, Batavia Air. The low-cost carrier said that the initial share purchase agreement, which was agreed in…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches Lombok flights

Oct 13, 2012 17

AirAsia has launched its first flight to the Indonesian island of Lombok. The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur departed on Friday (12 October) morning, carrying a full planeload of 180…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Japan goes international

Oct 10, 2012 17

AirAsia Japan will start its first international services this month, with the launch of flights to Seoul. The new low-cost carrier, which is a joint venture between AirAsia and ANA, will…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia arrives at revamped Don Mueang airport

Oct 2, 2012 17

Bangkok's Don Mueang airport reopened yesterday, with AirAsia its anchor client. In a ceremony complete with pop music, clowns on stilts and a fashion show, the airport's relaunch was in…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia goes double daily to Yogyakarta

Sep 23, 2012 15

AirAsia will double its flight frequency on the Kuala Lumpur-Yogyakarta route from one to two daily flights next month. Effective 31 October 2012, the Malaysian low-cost carrier will add an…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to launch Bangkok-Xi’an flights

Sep 20, 2012 0

AirAsia is continuing its expansion into China with the launch of flights from Bangkok to X'ian - the capital of Shaanxi province and home of the Terracotta Warriors. From 16 November 2012,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia offers Thai island transfers

Sep 19, 2012 9

AirAsia has launched a new service offering transfers to five of Thailand's most popular resort islands. Passengers are now able to book transfer services to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi…

Malaysia

KLIA 2 to open in May 2013

Sep 13, 2012 19

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 2, the new low-cost carrier terminal, will open in May next year, its operator has confirmed. Reported by Malaysia's Bernama news agency, Malaysia…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia welcomes Malindo competition

Sep 13, 2012 15

AirAsia has said it welcomes the arrival of new low-cost rival Malindo Airways, which is expected to start operating from Kuala Lumpur next year. Speaking to Malaysia's Bernama news agency…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to fit ‘Sharklets’ to A320s

Sep 12, 2012

AirAsia will become the first operator of the Airbus A320 with ‘Sharklets’ by the end of this year. The first A320 equipped with the fuel-saving wing-tip devices will be delivered to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands in China

Sep 11, 2012 15

AirAsia is expanding in China, with the launch of flights to city of Nanning. Commencing 11 December, the low-cost carrier will operate direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Nanning - the…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian Aviation Briefs

Sep 6, 2012 17

China Airlines to recruit 126 cabin crew China Airlines (CAL) is now accepting applications for 126 Taiwanese flight attendants, to serve on its flights to Asia and Oceania. This is the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia doubles KL-Yangon flights

Aug 16, 2012 0

AirAsia is unveiled plans to double its flight frequency between Kuala Lumpur and Yangon. The airline currently offers daily services between Malaysia and Myanmar’s largest cities, but from…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to Lombok

Aug 15, 2012 17

AirAsia has launched flights to the Indonesian island of Lombok. The new service, which starts today (15 August 2012), will operate three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X leases six A330s

Aug 9, 2012 17

AirAsia X has signed a deal to lease six Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The agreement, signed with International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), will see the airline take the new wide-body…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia opens Jakarta HQ

Aug 7, 2012 0

AirAsia has officially launched its new regional headquarters in Jakarta. Named AirAsia ASEAN due its location in Jakarta - the home of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations),…

Hotels

AirAsia boosts Myanmar flights

Aug 6, 2012 6

AirAsia has confirmed plans to boost its services between Thailand and Myanmar. The low-cost carrier will offer four weekly flights (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) between…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X ups Nepal frequency

Mark Elliott Aug 2, 2012 13

Air Asia X has announced increase in its frequency on Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu route. Starting 15 September, the airline will serve from twice to three times a week. Air Asia X launched this…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Japan takes to the skies

Aug 1, 2012 14

AirAsia Japan launched its first ever flights today (Wednesday 1 August), connecting to three destinations in Japan from Tokyo's Narita airport. The new low-cost carrier's inaugural flight…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to acquire Indonesia’s Batavia Air

Jul 26, 2012 18

AirAsia has entered into an agreement to acquire PT Metro Batavia, which operates the Indonesian airline Batavia Air and aviation training school, Aero Flyer Institute (AFI). The deal,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X offers Samsung Galaxy tablets

Jul 24, 2012 1

AirAsia X is now offering offer Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1s as its in-flight entertainment option. The tablets have been rolled out on the low-cost carrier's flights to Australia, Japan, South…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian Aviation Briefs

Jul 24, 2012 15

China to build 82 new airports China will build 82 new airports by 2015 in an effort to provide transport links to remote rural areas. Speaking at a news conference in Shanghai recently,…

Airlines and Aviation

Airline ancillary revenues worth US$22bn

Jul 23, 2012 17

Global ancillary revenues generated by airlines totalled EUR18.23 billion (US$22.15bn) last year. According to the results of the latest Amadeus Review of Ancillary Revenue Results,…

Airlines and Aviation

LCCs lead Asian growth

Jul 20, 2012 15

Asia Pacific's aviation industry is expanding, with low-cost carriers leading the way. A forthcoming report from travel industry research authority PhoCusWright found that the region's…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia unveils QPR plane

Jul 19, 2012 0

AirAsia has unveiled a new aircraft to celebrate its tie-up with English football team, Queen's Park Rangers. The Airbus A320 is painted in the club’s blue and white colours, with the…

Singapore

AirAsia marks Expedia partnership with special livery

Jul 11, 2012 1

AirAsiaExpedia, the joint venture between Expedia Inc and AirAsia, recently celebrated its first birthday. To mark the occasion, a 180-seat Airbus A320 has been transformed into a bright…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X opens Kathmandu for online bookings

Jul 10, 2012 16

AirAsia X has opened online bookings for its new Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu flights. The service commenced on 3 July, but for the first two months tickets will only be sold via selected agents…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar Japan launches in Tokyo

Jul 3, 2012 6

Jetstar Japan’s first ever flight has taken off at Tokyo's Narita International Airport. The inaugural service saw an Airbus A320 carry 180 passengers from Narita to Sapporo's New Chitose…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X adds Malaysia to its Fly-Thru Network

Jun 27, 2012 0

AirAsia recently launched its new Fly-Thru service for domestic airports in Malaysia. The launch of the new service will enable passengers to connect between AirAsia’s Malaysian services…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia confirms Don Mueang move

Jun 25, 2012 1

AirAsia has confirmed that it will transfer all Bangkok operations to the city's Don Mueang International Airport by 1 October 2012. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said that the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X touches down in Beijing

Jun 25, 2012 16

AirAsia X has launched its inaugural flight to Beijing. The low-cost carrier touched down in the Chinese capital on Saturday (23 June), following a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The airline…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Philippines to launch HK, Macau flights

Jun 14, 2012 0

AirAsia Philippines will follow up the recent launch of its international flights with the start of services to Hong Kong and Macau. Earlier this month, the new low-cost carrier launched…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia creates new regional base in Jakarta

Jun 13, 2012 1

AirAsia has announced plans to open a new regional management office in Jakarta. The new base, which will be called 'AirAsia ASEAN' forms part of the low-cost carrier's new regional…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Japan takes delivery of first aircraft

Jun 10, 2012 1

AirAsia Japan has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft. The new low-cost carrier will launch commercial services on 1 August, initially flying from Tokyo's Narita airport to…

Airlines and Aviation

GDS latest news

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2012 14

Amadeus launches new booking tool with AirAsia Amadeus has joined forces with AirAsia's new Philippines-based subsidiary to launch Amadeus LCC Smart - a new booking tool specifically…

Airlines and Aviation

Amadeus launches new booking tool with AirAsia

Jun 2, 2012 0

Amadeus has joined forces with AirAsia's new Philippines-based subsidiary to launch Amadeus LCC Smart - a new booking tool specifically designed for low-cost airlines.  The tool offers…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia receives 100th A320

May 25, 2012 17

AirAsia has taken delivery of its 100th Airbus A320 aircraft, becoming the world's largest operator of the single-aisle jet. The carrier’s latest fleet addition carries the wording: “Thank…

Airlines and Aviation

Most Brits happy to go long-haul low-cost

May 21, 2012 20

Nearly three-quarters of British travellers would be prepared to fly long-haul on a budget airline, a new poll has revealed. A survey conducted by travel search site Skyscanner found that…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia extends QPR sponsorship

May 20, 2012 0

AirAsia has extended its sponsorship of English Premier League football club, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR). The low-cost carrier will place its name on all of QPR's playing kits for the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to launch Beijing, cut Tianjin

May 16, 2012 17

AirAsia X is making alterations to its network in China with the introduction of direct flights to Beijing, but the cancellation of services to Tianjin. From 22 June 2012, the long-haul…

Airlines and Aviation

New look for AirAsia

May 12, 2012 10

AirAsia has announced a new corporate identity including revamped branding for its counters, offices, uniforms and aircraft livery. In line with the low-cost carrier’s ‘10 Awesome Years’…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation briefs

May 11, 2012 15

ANA’s international traffic surges  All Nippon Airways (ANA) managed to achieve double-digit growth in terms of international passenger traffic in the full-tear 2011-12, despite the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adopts English standards for cabin crew

May 8, 2012 9

All AirAsia cabin crew now have to pass an English language test. The airline recently adopted the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) as its standardised…

Airlines and Aviation

Abacus seals AirAsia Philippines content

May 6, 2012 0

Abacus International has signed a new deal with AirAsia Philippines, providing Abacus-connected travel agents with access to the new airline’s inventory and fares. The new deal further…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia-MAS sign deals, but drop share swap

May 2, 2012 17

AirAsia, AirAsia X and Malaysian Airlines (MAS) have entered into a new joint venture agreement aimed at cutting costs and streamlining operations. The move follows the abandonment of the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia doubles Trang flights

Apr 24, 2012 14

AirAsia has doubled the frequency of flights between Bangkok and Trang, the southern Thai resort destination. Despite having only launched the route in January 2012, the low-cost carrier…

Japan

Narita plans budget terminal

Apr 12, 2012 17

The operator of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport is planning to create a new budget terminal to cater for Japan’s new generation of low-cost carriers.Japanese news agency Kyodo has…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches Philippine subsidiary

Mar 29, 2012

AirAsia’s new Philippines-based subsidiary took to the skies for the first time today. On Wednesday 28 March 2012, Philippines Air Asia commenced its maiden flights from its home base at…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X boosts Australia, Taiwan

Mar 14, 2012 13

AirAsia X has unveiled the next phase of its network realignment strategy, with the addition of flights to Australia and Taiwan. Earlier this week the Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to suspend Christchurch flights

Mar 12, 2012 0

AirAsia X has announced that it will stop flying to Christchurch from the end of May. The pull-out forms part of the airline’s network realignment plan, which is aiming to focus on its…

Airlines and Aviation

Firefly to expand turboprop operations

Mar 1, 2012 0

Firefly, the Malaysian low-cost carrier, has revealed plans to expand its fleet of turboprop aircraft this year. In 2011, the airline flew 1.5 million passengers using a fleet of 10…