AirAsia's new hub at Johor Bahru to begin new routes in December

AirAsia has announced that its new hub at Senai Airport in Johor Bahru will be in operation beginning December 2003, bringing attractive low fares connecting Johor Bahru direct to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi and Penang.

Beginning 3rd December 2003, AirAsia is scheduled to serve Senai Airport, Johor Bahru with two daily flights to Penang from RM 45.99 one way, two daily flights to Kuching from RM 49.99 one way, one daily flight to Langkawi from RM 49.99 one way and one daily flight to Kota Kinabalu from RM 89.99 one way. Bookings for these new routes are already open for sale.

AirAsia’s new hub will begin with two aircraft based in Johor Bahru and expand to a total of four aircraft by January 2004. AirAsia will also introduce the much awaited Kuching - Kota Kinabalu route beginning 3rd December 2003 with one daily flight from RM 49.99 one way.

AirAsia currently operates two daily flights between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur from RM 19.99 one way.

YBhg. Dato’ Pahamin A. Rajab, Chairman, AirAsia, said, “We are very excited to begin our Johor Bahru hub operations at Senai Airport. We have been working closely with Senai Airport who has shown tremendous support of AirAsia. Recognizing the benefits low fare carriers have brought to airports worldwide, Senai Airport has opened up wonderful opportunities for AirAsia. With our new hub in operation we can bring thousands of low fares to more people, offering some a whole new travel experience while giving others the opportunity to frequent our new routes as they become more affordable. We hope to further boost passenger traffic which will bring a positive impact towards the economy of the various cities and the country as a whole.”

Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, said “Ever since we mentioned Johor Bahru as our next hub, we have been overwhelmed with letters and emails from the public which illustrate the demand for our low fares. We are delighted to be able to fulfill this demand and enable everyone to enjoy affordable, frequent and reliable flights with great service. We would like to thank the Menteri Besar of Johor YAB Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman for his support and the warm welcome we have received from the state. We would also like to thank Petronas and the Government for their support which has helped make our operations in Senai Airport possible by reducing fuel cost at Senai Airport. We hope for a further reduction in the cost of fuel to keep our operational costs low so we can offer more low fares for everyone to enjoy.”

AirAsia again recorded an all time high for the number of passengers carried with more than 200,000 guests flown in the month of October 2003 alone. In the period from August to October 2003, the airline flew over 638,000 guests. The airline now records 60% of its total sales through the internet.