SEPANG: The Transport Ministry has urged airlines to follow AirAsia’s lead in lowering airfares, particularly during the holiday season.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said despite operational difficulties, AirAsia supports the government’s commitment to reduce transportational rates, especially during festive occasions.
“While they are unable to further increase flight frequencies due to the shortage of aircraft, we applaud their hard work to add special extra flights at fixed low fares to reconnect families, especially those travelling to and from Sabah and Sarawak.
“As we usher in the new year, we look forward to continuously working with industry players such as AirAsia to cater to the needs and welfare of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Aviation Group Limited Group CEO Bo Lingam said as the people’s airline, reuniting the customers with their loved ones at reasonable fares is crucial to them, and they are doing their best within their operational constraints.
He further added that the last three years have been extremely difficult for the airline due to the pandemic’s rippling impact.
“However, despite the rising operational costs and leaner fleet size, we are doing all we can and remain committed to reuniting Malaysians for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.
“Today, we are pleased to announce special extra late night flights at fixed low fares with a total of 25,020 extra seats to selected cities in East Malaysia for the upcoming festive period from Jan 17 till month end.
“This would not be possible without the shared dedication from our Allstars who will be working around the clock to serve our guests during this busy period, as well as the government for their assistance in securing approvals for the additional late night flights,” he said.
According to AirAsia’s press release, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, as well as Johor Bahru to Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, are fixed at RM199* one-way, while flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, as well as Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu, are only RM249* one-way. All seats will be available for reservation from Dec 28 onwards.
In addition to the 52 extra flights fixed at lower fares to six popular East Malaysia locations during this festive seasion, AirAsia will continue to operate its 274 usual flights weekly to the same destinations as routined.
“Guests travelling during the Chinese New Year period are advised to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of their scheduled departure time (for domestic travel) to avoid congestion,” the statement reads.
Guests are also strongly advised to self-check-in using the airasia Super App, which is available as early as 14 days before the departure date, and to board the flight using the e-Boarding Pass.
To acquire the most recent travel information and updates, public can download the airasia Super App from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
Promotional fixed fares are quoted for one-way travel, including taxes and fees, and are only valid for additional flights and specified flight numbers. Additional terms and conditions apply.
