AirAsia introduces direct flights to Penang from East Malaysia hubs
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AirAsia
PENANG, 7 February 2007 As part of the 2 nd AirAsia Plan, the leading low cost carrier in Asia continues its efforts to connect all the cities in the region. Starting today, both of the airlines hubs in East Malaysia are serving direct flights to the Pearl of the Orient and the introduction of the Kuching-Penang and Kota Kinabalu-Penang would make AirAsia the sole operator serving these routes.
Penang International Airport received the inaugural flight from Kuching today with AirAsia’s red emblazoned aircraft landed on the tarmac at approximately 7:40p.m. carrying 100 guests on board. Flight AK5951 was received by YB Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Khoon, Chief Minister of Penang and Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Berhad. A rousing kompang performance echoed through the walls of the terminal as passengers disembark from the aircraft and were greeted by both the VIPs and guests.
The inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu arrived earlier in the morning with flight AK5851 carrying 81 guests on board. AirAsia will operate four flights weekly to Penang from its hub in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching respectively.
Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Berhad, said, “With the latest addition, not only will Penang enjoy connectivity from five (5) AirAsia hubs (Low Cost Carrier Terminal, Johor Bahru, Bangkok and now Kota Kinabalu and Kuching) but will also without a doubt benefit from passenger traffic passing through these hubs including tourist traffic from Vietnam, Macau/China, Brunei and Indonesia.”
“We always strive for connectivity and these two routes certainly fit into our plan of strengthening the network. Our point-to-point direct service allows flexibility for our guests and we anticipate great demand from the business segment, students, families, leisure travelers and migrant workers. We believe this is a much awaited route for frequent business travelers too.”
“As of today, the passenger load for inbound guests into Penang from both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu is recording a high of 70% for the month of February. For both routes, we have sold over 13,000 seats for the next four (4) months. The high load factors clearly demonstrate the insatiable demand for East Malaysia to connect to the island. Currently, Penang is recording the highest loads for both of our Kuching and Kota Kinabalu hubs. This proves that we have made the correct move to operate these routes.”
“Both of our hubs in East Malaysia are in good positions to support the traffic from Penang and vice versa. As they say, Penang has it all certainly rings true when it comes to authentic food, beautiful beaches, historical trail and the cultural flair to attract tourists. And with our low fares everyday, now one can fly to Kuching for Sarawak Laksa or fly to Penang for a beach getaway, all within a couple of days,” quipped Dato’ Tony.
Penang is a tourism jewel of Malaysia and possibly the 2nd most thriving cities in the country after Kuala Lumpur. Both the island and mainland of Penang has a booming economy and tourism including medical tourism which attracts patients from around the region. Looking at the low cost travel trend sweeping across the region, the spillover effect of both of these routes is tremendous with the local economies benefiting the most from the growth.
The direct flights are also a boon for students studying in the local state universities which enable them to easily travel home. This means more students will enjoy lower fares resulting in greater savings on their tickets without having to re-route to Kuala Lumpur to reach Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, or vice versa.
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AirAsia introduces direct flights to Penang from East Malaysia hubs 
