AirAsia elevates Asean tourism with over 3,200 flights weekly through 2024 to welcome 75 million guests this year
The airline also announces the latest route in its Asean network from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Da Lat, Vietnam
SEPANG, 8 August 2024 - AirAsia, the Asean airline, has announced a significant increase in its domestic and international flight frequencies with 3,281 flights weekly as a Group* across 10 ASEAN countries to further elevate tourism and economic growth in the region. The announcement coincided with the 57th ASEAN Day celebration held today at AirAsia RedQ in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (MOFA).
The airline also unveiled the resumption of its route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Da Lat, Vietnam, with four weekly flights starting 1 November 2024. This route reinstatement to one of Vietnam’s most picturesque cities, known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage is part of AirAsia’s broader strategy to reinforce its network and provide more affordable travel options within Asean.
The increased frequencies and the resumed routes are expected to significantly boost tourism by providing more travel options and flexibility. This will lead to higher tourist arrivals, increased spending in local businesses, and the creation of jobs in the tourism sector. In line with this, AirAsia MOVE signed a collaboration agreement with ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), represented by its president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, solidifying ASEANTA’s support in terms of endorsement and member associations outreach as well as the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations towards the ASEAN Explorer Pass, AirAsia MOVE’s signature travel subscription product.
CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: ”In 2023, AirAsia carried over 61 million guests, with more than 33 per cent travelling across ASEAN. Over the years, the airline has been a transformative force in Asean, democratising air travel for millions while unveiling both the well-trodden paths and hidden gems of the region's tourism market with about 60 per cent of destinations being new and unique.
“Our expanding operational footprint, with major hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, is a reflection of our unwavering belief in the power and potential of Asean unity and strength as an economic bloc. We take great pride in championing the ASEAN Economic Community’s vision of creating a single market and production base. This will help reduce our costs by having common standards: one air-traffic-control system, one engineering system, open skies policy and common ownership.
"As an airline truly believes in bringing the world to Asean and Asean to the world, we will continue to strengthen our presence in this dynamic region that is home to over 700 million people. We look forward to leveraging our extensive network, increased frequencies, and robust operational capabilities across the region to strengthen integration and foster greater cooperation among member states, contributing to a more interconnected region. Looking ahead, we aim to welcome 75 million guests on board this year, with half of these travellers expected to come from the Asean region."
In celebration of this year’s ASEAN Day, the airline is offering special low fares from RM49 all-in* one way to Alor Setar, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan, Padang, Labuan Bajo, Pattaya, Vientiane, Sihanoukville, Da Nang and more. The promotional fare is available for booking on AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp) and airasia.com from today until 11 August 2024, for travel between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Launched earlier this year, the ASEAN Explorer Pass is an annual travel pass which allows subscribers to explore the whole ASEAN region through AirAsia’s international and domestic** flight network, enjoy hotel discounts as well as connectivity on-ground through AirAsia Ride for a full year from the date of subscription.
*All fares are for one way travel only, inclusive of airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Subject to regulatory approval. Other terms and conditions apply.
**Domestic routes in Asean countries outside of country of domicile (based on passport holding)