Thursday 29 March 2012

AirAsia zooming in on two more Asean countries

AirAsia zooming in on two more Asean countries

PETALING JAYA: After yesterday's first flight out of the Philippines and later this year out of Tokyo, AirAsia is now zooming on South Korea and two other Asean countries to set up new operations as it widens its reach to more countries in the Asia-Pacific.

“We have been looking at options in North Asia and are working on adding two more countries in Asean. In North Asia, the next potential is South Korea and we are also closing in on Japan as that is where our next launch will be.

“I will be spending the next three days in Tokyo and there they are building a low-cost air terminal to make travelling really low cost,'' AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes told StarBiz.

“We are also looking at adding two more countries in Asean and we hope to announce that within the next six to eight months. We are at a very advance stage of discussions (with parties in the two Asean countries),'' he added.


“We have been looking at options in North Asia and are working on adding two more countries in Asean. In North Asia, the next potential is South Korea and we are also closing in on Japan as that is where our next launch will be," AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes told StarBiz.

However, Fernandes declined to name the two Asean countries, citing confidentiality issues, although the market is saying that it may include Myanmar and Vietnam, where the carrier has tried but failed in its first bid.

The expansion would certainly help AirAsia expand the business from its current home base in Malaysia. For now, it also has operations in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Its tie-up with All Nippon Airlines will see it begin flying from Tokyo before the year-end.

“Asean is a booming market and as we add, our connectivity gets stronger and people can then travel from places such as Kuala Lumpur to Boracay Island onto Singapore and even Perth.

“The potential is huge and most people have not seen the vision that we have,'' Fernandes said.

Fernandes was in the Philippines to send off AirAsia Philippines for is maiden flight from Clark's Diosdado Macapagal International Airport to Kalibo, the gateway to Boracay Island.

AirAsia Philippines is a joint venture between a group of Filipino businessmen, led by Tonyboy Cojuangco, and AirAsia International Ltd, led by Fernandes. It was formally launched in August 2011. The airline got its licence to fly out of Clark on Feb 7.

AirAsia Philippines has two Airbus A320 and will initially operate flights from Clark to Davao and Kalibo. Flights between Clark and Puerto Princesa will commence next month and other destinations will be added later.

AirAsia Philippines is the sixth Philippine-based commercial airline and its competitors are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, AirPhil Express, ZestAir and SeaAir.

“The Philippines is a fantastic market where the economy is growing. They have said it will be a level playing field for us and this is something we never heard of when a new airline takes off. They also want to build a low-cost air terminal for us and it will be really low cost for passengers and that is music to my years,” Fernandes said.

“It is a country with 100 million population, so the potential is massive and the enthusiasm of the people here makes us want to build a franchise second to none.''

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Philippines AirAsia launches Kalibo, Davao City routes from Clark



FLORENTINO PAMINTUAN March 28, 2012 6:47pm

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/253090/economy/finance/philippines-airasia-launches-kalibo-davao-city-routes-from-clark

Low-fare airline Philippines AirAsia launched on Wednesday its daily flights from Clark International Airport to Kalibo in Aklan and Davao City in Davao province, two of the country's major tourist destinations.

The airline chose Davao City as an important gateway to Mindanao and Kalibo because of Boracay, said AirAsia CEO Maan Hontiveros.



“The Philippines is a robust and growing market.

We are here because we are confident of its growth,” Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group chair, said during the send-off ceremonies at Clark.

AirAsia started in 2001 with two aircraft serving 200,000 passengers.

“Now we have 100 planes serving 3.3 million passengers,” Fernandes noted.


For the Philippines, the airline uses new 200-seater A320 aircraft.

AirAsia set up its operations center in Clark late last year to serve domestic flights in airports other than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Hontiveros said the flights from Clark make travel more convenient and comfortable for passengers from Northern and Central Luzon.

“They no longer have to suffer from the EDSA traffic and the long queues at NAIA,” she added.

'A truly ASEAN airline'

The airline serves two flights from Clark to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

“AirAsia is now a truly ASEAN airline serving the people in the region,” said Fernandes, who founded the airline in 2001.

He said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region has more than 600 million people that can be a significant tourism market.

“This is a big day for me,” Fernandes added.

Also in Clark for the launch were Philippines AirAsia chair Antonio Cojuangco and Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Apart from Philippines, AirAsia has operation centers in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, as well as in Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, and Jakarta, Bali, Bandung and Surabaya in Indonesia.

AirAsia is a low-cost carrier serving 132 routes.

It employs more than 8,000 people and with a market capitalization of over RM7.06 billion (as at 31 Dec. 2010).

The number of domestic and international passengers that used Clark Airport reached 760,000 last year, and is expected to more than double to 1.6 million this year, according to airport authorities. —VS, GMA News

AirAsia launches local flights; wants to grow PH market

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/28/12/airasia-launches-local-flights-wants-grow-ph-market

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia, ABS-CBNnews.comPosted at 03/28/2012 2:43 PM Updated as of 03/28/2012 3:15 PM

CLARK, Pampanga - AirAsia's Philippine unit is challenging the dominance of low-cost carriers in the country, as it launched its first flights from Clark to Davao City and Kalibo, Aklan on Wednesday.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said the airline is not out to steal market share from other airlines, but to "grow the market" for the Philippines.

"We want to bring lots more tourists to the Philippines... AirAsia is not out to take away market share, but to grow the market.

We grew the market in Malaysia, and wherever we go, we grow the market," he said, in a press conference.

AirAsia is up against other budget carriers in the country, especially Gokongwei's Cebu Pacific and Lucio Tan's Air Philippines.

But its backers are not any less formidable: AirAsia Philippines is 60% owned by Marianne Hontiveros, Antonio "Tonyboy" Cojuangco and Michael Romero, with the rest owned by AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia).

Fernandes said AirAsia will be "like Jollibee," referring to the fast-food chain, in bringing more tourists to the Philippines.

"We believe the Philippines is ready to explode...

We told (Clark International Airport Corp. president) Victor Luciano, we're like Jollibee.

We will bring lots of people to his airport," he said.

Hontiveros, Philippines' AirAsia CEO, said the airline is looking to add two more planes as it looks to expand its domestic flights this year, and soon also regional flights.

"We started with domestic flights. We will soon launch regional flights.

We have applied for rights, but the approvals will come from the other side," she said.

AirAsia initially invested P468 million and currently has 2 brand new Airbus A320s.

It has ordered 2 more aircrafts, which will be delivered within the year.

The two main routes Clark-Davao and Clark-Kalibo were chosen because of their business and tourism potential.

"Our two maiden routes are Davao, the gateway to Mindanao and Kalibo is favorite destination of local and foreign guests because of Boracay," she said.

The first Philippines AirAsia flight PQ7001 left Clark for Kalibo at 7 a.m.

Another flight to Davao PQ7023 left at 10:10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Starting April 20, AirAsia will mount a daily flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Hontiveros promised AirAsia will shake-up the domestic airline industry.

Unlike other airlines that offer "cheap" fares but have hidden costs, Hontiveros said AirAsia is transparent and the only airline that offers "all-in" fares.

"We're different.

We want to be very open about our fares.

We are the only the 'all-in' fare, which includes the fuel surcharge, aviation fees, and service fees for credit cards and VAT.

We hope other carriers would follow our lead, so consumers know what they're paying when they see cheap and low fares," she said.

Hontiveros said that just because AirAsia is a low-cost carrier, it does not have to mean its cheap or uncomfortable.

She assured the airplanes are brand-new and offer "premium" service.

Fernandes, who founded AirAsia in Malaysia, said AirAsia offers not just low fares but its extensive network of flights from its other AirAsia units.

"Our connectivity is huge. You can visit 4 countries in one day," he said.

Renewed confidence in PHMeanwhile, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas, who spoke in behalf of President Benigno Aquino, thanked AirAsia for choosing the Clark as its operations hub.

He said AirAsia's move showed there is renewed confidence in the Philippines.

Roxas said the government is working on improving Clark International Airport, and working with the CIAC on a P360 million project to install baggage and pre-departure facilities.

He added a P12 billion budget terminal will also be constructed, which would be able to handle tens of millions of passengers annually.

Also Clark International Airport and Davao International Airport signed a sister-airport agreement on Wednesday.

The agreement is aimed at improving connectivity between the two cities.

"This will promote Davao as the next international hub in the Philippines.

The airport is not just a simple hub but can generate jobs and create economic activity...

The Clark-Davao flights open tremendous opportunities for Clark and Davao," CIAC's Luciano said.

Tuesday 27 March 2012

PHILIPPINES' AIRASIA TAKES OFF


AirAsia flies maiden flight in PH

http://www.rappler.com/business/3076-airasia-flies-maiden-flight-in-ph

MANILA, Philippines - "This airline is going to be big." Thus tweeted AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes on Tuesday, March 27, a day before the official launch of AirAsia Philippines, the latest carrier to join the thriving aviation industry in the country.

Fernandes, along with AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Dato Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani, is in the country to send off the new airline's maiden voyage, from Clark's Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) to Kalibo, the gateway to Boracay Island.

"Arrived in Philippines. Very cool to see airasia (sic) Philippines on the fids [Flight Information Display System] screen.

Our first flights tomorrow," Fernandes, touted as Asia's Richard Branson, tweeted upon arrival in Clark, the airline's hub. AirAsia Philippines is the local affiliate of Asia's biggest budget carrier and Malaysia-based AirAsia, and was awarded its license to operate by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) last February 7.

AirAsia Philippines is a joint venture between a group of Filipino businessmen, led by Tonyboy Cojuangco, and AirAsia International Ltd., led by Fernandes, and was formally launched last August 2011.

The low-cost carrier currently has 2 Airbus A320 aircraft, and will initially operate flights from Clark to Davao and Kalibo.

Flights between Clark and Puerto Princesa will commence next month, to be followed by other domestic destinations.

The new airline is the 6th Philippine-based commercial airline at present, and will be competing head-to-head with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, AirPhil Express, ZestAir, and SeaAir.

Best rates?

It promises extremely low fares and a no-frills travel experience, hallmarks of low-cost carriers.

"We aim to give the best lowest rates possible," AirAsia Philippines CEO Maan Hontiveros was earlier quoted as saying.

The company said they will also mount international flights, particularly to East and Southeast Asian destinations.

Buzz about the new airline came way back in December 2010, followed by the delivery of their first plane in August 2011 - but delays in processing of government permits pushed back the launch to March this year.

With the start of AirAsia Philippines' operations, the agencies overseeing Clark and Davao airports are scheduled to signe a cooperation deal, a "sister agreement" between the two international airports.

This is in line with the plan to decongest the country's main airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. - Rappler.com

Tuesday 20 March 2012

AirAsia X sees budget air travel boom in Japan.

http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10658774/airasia-x-sees-budget-air-travel-boom-in-japan

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia X sees a big opportunity in Japan, a new market for budget airlines, and has big plans for expansion, according to a recent interview with its chief executive officer.

The budget airline, which flies to Tokyo's Haneda airport and Osaka's Kansai airport, has been growing its business in Japan since it launched flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo in December 2010.

It recently identified Japan as one of its core markets and has established AirAsia Japan that will pave the way for it to operate both domestic and international flights from Japan.

''Japan has very big cities, a lot of Japanese like to travel overseas, Japan also has very attractive tourism assets, so people wantto visit Japan, that means there's two-way traffic, so that's why Japan is an opportunity,'' AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said in a recent interview with Kyodo News in Singapore.

''Low-cost carriers are still new in Japan, so the growth opportunity is even bigger,'' he said.

When AirAsia X, the long-haul affiliate of AirAsia, first began flying to Japan, only about 25 percent of passengers were Japanese, while the other 75 percent were mainly Southeast Asians.

These days, however, the proportion of Japanese passengers at AirAsia X has almost doubled to 45 percent, he said.

''That means there's a greater degree of acceptance and word of mouth.

''Encouraged by the good response, it recently picked Japan as one of its core markets, along with Australasia, China, Taiwan and South Korea, as part of its realignment strategy.

The move to expand its operations in the region comes at a time of shrinking air travel market in Europe, which has been hit by the euro-zone crisis.

The airline recently said that it will up flights from Kuala Lumpur to Haneda airport from the current three times a week to six later this month.

Sometime in June, this will be increased to daily flights.

It is currently operating four times weekly flights to Kansai airport.

He said the airline plans to look at a third Japanese city by 2015.The airline announced last year that it has teamed up with Japan's ANA Group to form AirAsia Japan as the first low-cost carrier to be based at Narita airport, a move that will combine AirAsia's business model with ANA's in depth knowledge of the Japanese market.

It is part of AirAsia's overall strategy of forming hubs in important markets, also involving Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia which provide regional links.AirAsia Japan is expected to launch operations in August this year, operating out of Narita airport to domestic destinations in Japanand also international destinations.

It is expected to target domestic destinations such as Sapporo or Okinawa for a start.

AirAsia X's Japan operations went through some turbulence from March to June last year as a result of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan.

However, the demand has since rebounded back to normal with two-way traffic consistently above 80 percent.

To cater to the needs of Japanese passengers, AirAsia X, whose fares are usually cheaper than conventional airlines, has recruited Japanese cabin crew on board its Japan-sector flights, provides announcements are in both Japanese and English and offer Japanese meals onboard.

''Japanese people are more affluent, if you are used to paying 20,000 yen for a taxi fare and for that same ticket you can get a six-or seven-hour flight''

''I think it will unlock a lot of demand for our services,'' he said.

Many of its passengers are young, newly married professionals with young children or young people who have just started working who are going on vacation.

The rapid transformation of Japan's aviation market with such developments as the expansion of Open Skies agreements, and Narita airport's plan to introduce a new terminal are expected to attract many low-cost carriers and foreign airlines.

He said he is undeterred by the entry of other low-cost airlines.

''The key thing for us is making sure that we still have the strongest brand in terms of brand awareness, we still have the biggest network in terms of destination and experience,'' he said.
Copyright 2012 Gale Group, Inc.All Rights ReservedIAC (SM) Newsletter Database (TM)Copyright 2012 Kyodo News International, Inc.

Saturday 10 March 2012

AirAsia Japan's 2nd batch of Flight Attendants going to KL for training



AirAsia looking into market opportunities in South India

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2978119.ece

Chennai, Mar 9:

Low cost airliner, AirAsia, said on Friday that it is studying the market opportunities in connecting Bangkok with southern cities in India.

Announcing the launch of a direct flight between Chennai and Bangkok, to be offered five times a week, Thai AirAsia CEO, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, said they were studying the opportunities in connecting southern cities with Bangkok.

“We are currently studying the market..,” he told reporters here.

The direct flight between the two cities would begin on March 23, he said.

Air Asia is looking to introduce direct flights between Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad to Bangkok and other places in Thailand, he added.

The Thai airline operates in various cities, including Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Tiruchirapalli and Kolkata offering 47 flights per week to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and other places.

Noting that the number of tourists visiting the South East Asian country was growing in the last few years, he said with the launch of direct flights between Chennai and Bangkok, they were expecting about 75—80 per cent “occupancy rate” in their Airbus A320 flights.

Consul General Royal Thai Consulate, Mr Chanchai Charanvatnakit, said the number of Indian tourists visiting Bangkok was expected to cross over 10 lakh this year.

“Last year about 9.8 lakh tourists from India visited Thailand... This year we expect it will be over 10 lakh...,” he said.

He added that the number of tourists from Thailand was less than a lakh in 2011 as most of them visited North Indian cities.

As part of attracting more Indian tourists, Air Asia offers an introductory price of Rs 3,999 on one way route from Chennai to Bangkok.

The fare is available for online bookings from March 9—15 and for travel between July 1 and January 31, 2013.

Thursday 8 March 2012

Tune Hotel Ermita opens


AirAsia heads East this year



http://investvine.com/airasia-heads-east-this-year/

osted by Arno Maierbruggeron March 7, 2012 in Airlines

AirAsia, the largest low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia, is currently expanding its network in the growing travel region of Far East. This year will see AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Japan commence operations. Inside Investor talked to AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes about his strategies and what he has up his sleeves for further expansion.

Q: Air Asia’s financial report for 2011 has just been released on February 22, 2012. Despite reporting record revenue, net profits fell by almost a half, due to high fuel prices and unfavourable currency exchange rates. How will you address these issues in the running year?
A: All airline results have seen their net profits fall by half as these two topics are something beyond our control. Regarding fuel cost, LCC carriers are more robust and tend to have the ability to pass some cost on to consumers via fuel surcharge and high margin ancillary income. Forex is something that the company has to face as most debts are in US Dollars, hence the income is subject to the strength of local currencies. The key thing for us is to ensure that non-fuel related costs go down, which the company was able to achieve in 2011.

Q: You are looking forward to a stock exchange listing of both Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia this year. Could you give details on the timing?
A: Both are at their advance stage of listing.

Q: This year will see the delivery of 20 new aircraft for AirAsia. On which routes will these planes be deployed?

A: The new planes will be part of our expansion plans in the Philippines, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. We plan to allocate planes for AirAsia Philippines, commencing operations from Clark to Davao and Kalibo on March 28, 2012 with two daily flights. We foresee that the route is going to be popular, and I expect to deploy more planes there, for anticipated additional frequencies and the launch of new routes. Planes are also going to AirAsia Japan, which will be commencing operations in August 2012.

Q: Are there any plans to expand further in the region? Do you see a business case for AirAsia China, or AirAsia Vietnam, or even AirAsia India, or others?
A: There are no plans for other joint ventures at the moment. But we’re always looking for opportunities to grow. We see India as a market with lots of potential, second to China in terms of growth. With a population of more than one billion, it’s really a huge market we could and should tap into. We are always looking for ways to not only seize, but also create opportunities for us in India.

Q: How many new regional destinations will be added to the schedule this year?

A: This year we have launched four new destinations, Trang, Nakhon Phanom, Chongqing, and Semarang, and more are to come. Besides new destinations, we are also pushing for increased frequencies on some routes to ensure better connectivity for our guests.

Q: What changes are to be expected for the long-haul route schedule of AirAsia X in 2012?

A: AirAsia X is realigning its network to focus on core markets this year, namely Australasia, Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan and Iran. These changes will improve operating cost efficiencies and consolidate its network to focus on markets where it can build a leadership position in 2012. AirAsia X will concentrate capacity in those markets, where we have built up stable and profitable routes. We intend to open up new routes within these markets, as well as add frequencies on existing routes. We have recently increased flight frequencies on our Tokyo, Haneda, sector which will operate daily flights by June from current three times per week) and announced a new route to Sydney, Australia in January, with flights commencing services on April 1, 2012.

Q: You recently were in the Middle East for talks to set up a budget carrier there. Could you give more details on this venture?

A: It were just initial discussions to look for opportunities in the Middle East, and nothing firm at the moment. We are always looking for possible prospects to allow further business growth.

Q: What are the plans in the non-core business such as hotels & travel, courier and cargo, ticketing, and sponsoring?
A: We look forward to develop more efficient ways to acquire more revenue from these ancillary income streams. It’s important to further boost and develop these areas as ancillary income is the driving force for AirAsia to grow further and roll out more exciting initiatives. For instance, last year we expanded our adjacency businesses and ventured into businesses with established partners which allowed us to keep our focus on our core business. We manage to derive significant profits — in the first six months of operations – via our ventures in the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (AirAsia-CAE) and AAE Travel (AirAsia-Expedia). So we are looking for more ventures and opportunities like this to boost ancillary income.

Tune Hotel Ermita opens


Wednesday 7 March 2012

Kids, Welcome to AirAsia SkyRider Club



AirAsia to open Puerto Princesa route

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/08/12/airasia-open-puerto-princesa-route

MANILA, Philippines - Philippines AirAsia will soon launch flights to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

AirAsia will mount flights from Clark International Airport to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan.

"We have decided to open the Puerto Princesa route earlier than we had planned because of the overwhelming demand. Its new found fame as one of the new seven wonders of nature has generated a lot of interest from both local and international tourists," said AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros, in a statement.

AirAsia will begin its twice daily, Clark-Kalibo and Clark-Davao flights on March 28.

However, the twice daily flights to Davao will be reduced to once daily to allow for the Puerto Princesa route, effective April 15. Guests who already have bookings for the redirected flights will be given an alternative travel option at no cost.

All affected guests will receive an e-mail from AirAsia offering options such as a full refund, a one-time free move of their flights or obtain a credit shell option which is a system that retains the amount of money which can be used for later transactions within 3 months.

Hontiveros defended the reduction in flight frequency to Davao. "We’re a new player and we have to be sensitive to market demand. Palawan is a beautiful destination that travellers from Northern and Central Luzon would want to see. It is a market with lots of potential, popularity and highly likely for us to anticipate additional frequencies," she said. .

When AirAsia has more plans, she said the airline will explore adding flights to Davao.

Philippines’ AirAsia to fly to Puerto Princesa

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120307095714

Philippines’ AirAsia to fly to Puerto Princesa
Wednesday, March 07, 2012 10:57:14 PM

MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 7, 2012) - Philippines AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, on Wednesday announced that it will soon fly from Clark International Airport in Pampanga province to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan province.

“We have decided to open the Puerto Princesa route earlier than we had planned because of the overwhelming demand,” AirAsia Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marianne B. Hontiveros said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.

“Its new found fame as one of the new seven wonders of nature has generated a lot of interest from both local and international tourists,” she said.

Just last month, it launched two daily flights departing from Clark International Airport to Kalibo International Airport and to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao beginning on March 28.

And effective April 15, Philippines AirAsia’s twice daily flights to Davao will be reduced to once daily to make way for the Puerto Princesa route.

Philippines AirAsia will offer guests who hold bookings for the redirected flight an alternative travel option at no additional cost to mitigate the inconvenience caused as a result of this frequency reduction.

All affected guests will receive an e-mail stating options that are available to them, including a full refund, a one-time free move of their flights or obtain a credit shell option which is a system that retains the amount of money which can be used for later transactions. The credit shell will be valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue. This is to be done by contacting Philippines AirAsia call center at +63 2 588 9999. Operating Hours is Monday to Sunday – 0800hrs to 2100hrs (GMT +8), it said.

“We’re a new player and we have to be sensitive to market demand. Palawan is a beautiful destination that travellers from Northern and Central Luzon would want to see. It is a market with lots of potential, popularity and highly likely for us to anticipate additional frequencies,” Hontiveros said.

“These changes will improve domestic connectivity. When we have more planes, we will explore adding frequency to Davao,” she added.

AirAsia Inc. set up its hub in Clark in 2011 and in the same year it also unveiled the airline’s brand new Airbus A320s operated by an all-Filipino crew, signifying greater opportunities for travel, leisure and tourism industries in the country.

AirAsia Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March last year to engage primarily in the business of air transportation in the Philippines and abroad for passenger and cargo.

AirAsia Inc. is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero and Hontiveros; and Malaysia’s AirAsia International Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirAsia Berhad, which has won SkyTrax’s best low cost airline for three consecutive years. Skytrax is the world’s largest airline and airport review site.

Philippines Targeting 100,000 Tourists from Malaysia this Year

http://bestphilippineattractions.com/2012/03/07/philippines-targeting-100000-tourists-from-malaysia-this-year/

Philippines Targeting 100,000 Tourists from Malaysia this Year

– March 7, 2012Posted in: Metro Manila, National News


The Philippines is targeting 100,000 visitors this year from its Southeast Asian neighbor Malaysia, which was hailed as the world’s ninth top tourist destination for 2010.
An official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) made the statement during the agency’s marketing roadshow held recently in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

“The Philippines is aiming to attract around 100,000 Malaysian tourists by the end of this year,” director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo, DOT’s group head for North America and Asia Pacific, said during her presentation to private sector representatives and travel agents.

Jorda-Apo noted that a total of 91,752 Malaysians visited the Philippines last year, 15.13% higher compared to 2010. She added that the DOT is banking on its newest tourism campaign, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” in attracting more visitors to the country.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur proposed the development of halal tourism and Christian pilgrimage tour packages to lure tourists not only from Malaysia but also from the Middle East.

About 24.7 million tourists visited Malaysia last year, a far cry from the Philippines’ 3.9 million, which the DOT said is already a record high.
Malaysia’s tourism minister recently visited Manila to launch a new campaign which packages their country as a premiere duty-free shopping destination for luxury goods.

(source: ABS CBN News)

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This has been brought to you by Best Philippine Attractions in partnership with The Big NM – Network Management for Filipinos, Magandang Ideya and the radio program Talakayan at Kalusugan

Tuesday 6 March 2012

YOUNG AIRASIA PHLILPPINES 76K FACEBOOK FANS




76,000 FACEBOOK FANS



Indonesia AirAsia Set to Raise $200m from IPO

Indonesia AirAsia Set to Raise $200m from IPO
Tri Listiyarini March 06, 2012
The Indonesian unit of Asia’s biggest budget carrier AirAsia hopes to raise up to $200 million by selling a 20 percent stake in an initial public offering later this year, a top executive said.
The plan comes at a time when competition is growing within Indonesia’s aviation sector.
Lion Air is going through a massive expansion backed by a major fleet purchase, and Garuda Indonesia is setting ambitious growth targets for its budget offshoot Citilink.
Speaking at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday, Indonesia AirAsia president director Dharmadi said he was confident that in the second quarter of the year, “the market will be conducive to list on the local stock market.”
“Proceeds from the IPO will be used to finance the purchase of new aircraft and the implementation of our expansion plans,’’ he added.
The planned IPO will make AirAsia the second airline operator to be listed on the Indonesian stock market, after Garuda went public last year.
Dharmadi said the company had appointed CIMB Securities Indonesia and Credit Suisse to help arrange the IPO.
He added that the company met the local requirement for an airline operator to have at least five aircraft of its own.
The airline expects to operate a fleet of 34 Airbus A320s by the end of 2015.
The company, which currently operates 17 Airbus craft, expects to receive four more later this year.
IAA has carried 20 million people since its establishment in 2005, Dharmadi said.
To mark the implementation of the single-fleet policy — in which it only operates A320s — the carrier is offering heavily discounted fares to several destinations in the region.
For example, the airline is offering tickets to fly from Medan to Kuala Lumpur for Rp 49,000 ($5.40), from Medan to Penang for Rp 99,000 and from Medan to Bangkok for Rp 199,000.
The Malaysia-based AirAsia opened its regional headquarters in Jakarta last October in order to tap into Southeast Asia’s largest market and extend its reach in the region.
The airline’s 2010 full-year net profit reached 1.07 billion ringgit ($353.7 million), nearly double that of 2009. Its Indonesian arm carried 5 million passengers and posted a revenue of Rp 3.8 trillion in 2011, Dharmadi said.
The airline carried 3.78 million passengers in 2010, the president director said, adding that the airline would expand its reach in the country.