Firefly stopover service a big hit

Friday November 14, 2008

By CHOI TUCK WO

LONDON: Firefly is tapping the international stopover market by offering its much-touted “low-fare and incredible value” offer for long-haul travellers.

More than 20 international travel firms have registered with the airline to act as agents to provide stopovers in Malaysia.

Marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said the stopovers could allow the passengers to take the airline’s direct connecting flights to other domestic destinations or to Thailand and Indonesia.

She said they were overwhelmed by the response from travel agents from countries such as Britain, the United States, Sweden, Germany, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and India.

“One agent from the Maldives even pledged to bring the first batch of travellers for stopovers in Subang and Penang next week,” she said at the four-day World Travel Market at Excel London which ends today.

Angelina said they had provided a new venue for travel agents who faced connecting problems domestically such as high costs, long travelling time and distance.

She also said agents were surprised with Firefly’s 20kg baggage allowance for domestic flights, compared with the usual 10kg or 15kg.

The airline also provided assigned seating and complimentary in-flight refreshments and snacks which were a welcome change for an airline offering low fares.

“We’re not a low-budget airline but we offer low fares at extremely incredible value.” Angelina said most agents requested for popular diving destinations such Redang, Perhentian, Penang, Bandar Aceh, Koh Samui, Phuket and Johor Baru.

She said they also offered competitive pricing where long-haul travellers could fly to any destination within Malaysia for as low as £10 (RM60).

From there, they could take connecting flights to Langkawi or Koh Samui for a few days, before flying to Terengganu or Medan

Source: The Star

Airasia X Sees Profitable Year Ahead

November 13, 2008 14:22 PM

From Salbiah Said

TOULOUSE (France), Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X Sdn Bhd, which has well over RM300 million cash in hand, is set to turn in profits next year, says its chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

"Probably within three to four months from operating our new planes, we will be profitable. With new planes, more passengers will fly," Azran said.

"Most important is cash flow and this is how we convince our financiers. We have been cash positive since April 2008," he said on board AirAsia Xs brand new Airbus A330 aircraft on its ferry (first) flight from Toulouse to Kuala Lumpur recently.

On Oct 31, AirAsia X took delivery of its first new A330-300 costing US$200 million (RM704 million), which is for its long-haul operation, linking Kuala Lumpur with destinations in Australia, North Asia, the Middle East and Europe, complementing the existing AirAsia network.

Launched in January 2007, the affiliate of low-cost AirAsia Bhd earlier this year placed an order for 25 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, the carriers new A330 offers accommodation for 383 passengers in a two-class layout, with 355 seats in economy and 28 in the airlines new XL premium class. It is also equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment systems by Thales of UK.

Azran said the airline was also looking at local and foreign funds to finance the purchase of its 25 A330 planes, estimated at US$5 billion (RM17.6 billion). So far, financing for the first few planes had been secured.

In addition to its positive cash flow, he said AirAsia's branding helped the long-haul airline to seek funds in markets which were already badly hit by the credit crunch.

"When we presented to financial institutions in August, we were very fortunate because financiers in Europe had confidence in our brand. We had AirAsia," he said.

"End of August I was still in London. I was trying to convince the financiers. So much details you have to work through. Normally with aircraft financing you have to settle everything at least six weeks before delivery. We settled everything three and a half hours before take-off," he said.

"October 2008 will always be remembered when the (stock) market crashed. The timing couldn't have been worse. Nobody was supposed to lend. Nature of banks is that they only make money when they lend at higher rates. If you (banks) dont lend, you don't make money."

Despite reports of a global decline in passenger traffic, he said the carrier was still experiencing a strong forward bookings from November to March.

Azran said the second A330 will be delivered in mid-December, followed by three each in 2009 and 2010. The remaining planes are slotted for delivery up to 2013.

"With three planes next year, we can add five new destinations. We hope to fly to Japan, Korea, China, India and at least one more somewhere else," he said.

Azran said the carrier was on track to start its new flights to London in March. For its London flights, AirAsia X is in talks with three airports -- Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands.

"We have made all applications and everything looks positive. Hope to announce our sales launch in a months time.

"UK will be exciting as so many people are waiting for it... students, families, friends. To me, whats exciting is not just UK, I am interested in getting new markets," he said.

On its marketing efforts, Azran said unlike traditional airlines which had to wait for passengers to plan their holiday destinations, the low-cost long-haul carrier had to go the extra mile to woo people to travel to places where they never dreamt of going.

"It involves a lot of pull marketing. You've got to pull passengers in. For instance we have to collaborate more with tourism bodies, concert or sports organisers. We have to do a lot more marketing. Have to scratch our heads to find reasons for people to travel. We cannot wait for people to come to us. Thats why we use the media, celebrities to promote our airline.

"We have to keep finding new ways. I am particularly excited about our in-flight entertainment, a collaboration with Virgin Group of UK," he said.

"This is completely new for AirAsia. Nobody in AirAsia has experience in in-flight entertainment and this is the benefit for our collaboration with Virgin Group. Virgin Group installed this interactive in-flight system in its newly launched airline, Virgin America."

AirAsia X is 48 percent-owned by Aero Ventures (a venture of Tony Fernandes and several of his business associates), followed by 16 percent Virgin Group and 16 percent owned by AirAsia.

Bahrain-based Manara Consortium and Japan-based Orix Corp have taken a total 20 percent stake in the long-haul low-cost carrier.

"Instead of trying to figure out for ourselves and taking an existing model, we decided to invest in the latest state-of-the-art system," Azran said.

"Yet we did a few changes as we didnt want to have the CPU (central processing unit), but instead had the touch screen system which is easier to maintain. You can chat with anyone on board or charge your BlackBerry or your iPod by plugging to the USB (universal serial board) port. In future, you can even download content with some different applications," he said.

"We let people be engaged. The system also helps cost management. Even the simple act of service -- you just key in your order, say nasi lemak, and that order gets sent up to the cabin. The cabin crew gets a printout of the amount and comes back to you faster."

The new aircraft helps reduce costs from 4.0 cents per available seat kilometre (ASK) to 3.5 cents per ASK, which, he said, is significantly lower than the cost of 7.5 to 8.0 cents per ASK on traditional carriers.

"An all-new aircraft fleet gives us a strong differentiation against airlines that operate aged aircraft. The new aircraft will lower our fuel consumption and maintenance costs and enable us to raise our efficiency level by up to 30 percent. The new aircraft is the main factor in changing the global aviation industry," he said.

According to Azran, AirAsia X does not need the complexity of traditional airlines.

"There are many ways to save costs. Every single thing to goes into an airline operation, that is how much other airlines spend, all these things add. People, crew overnight in hotels, weight. Thats why you dont see us with big trolleys of newspapers, which carry a lot of weight," he said.

"People are not going to say I am not going to fly AirAsia X as there are no newspapers. But interesting thing is you can get them through the in-flight system. Just key in your order."

AirAsia X has said earlier that its cost savings that it passed on to passengers through low fares, are derived from maintaining a simple aircraft fleet and a route network based on low-cost airports, without complex code-sharing and other legacy overheads that weigh down traditional airlines.

A key principle of the AirAsia X business model is high frequency, point-to-point medium to long-haul services.

Covering destinations between four and eight hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X complements AirAsia's current extensive route network.

Applying the point-to-point network, it says, also kept its operations simple and costs low.

"Code sharing with another airline involves massive amount of capex (capital expenditure), costs are high. Traditional legacy airlines invest hundreds of millions on computer systems, baggage clearing systems and payment systems. But you still lose your bags," Azran said.

"That system (code sharing) is not perfect. In today's age, people are more price-sensitive and Internet-savvy. They can build their own itinerary. They can buy three different tickets for example, Sydney-Gold Coast, they can fly Virgin; Gold Coast to KL they can fly AirAsia X and KL to Macau they can take AirAsia," he said.

"They can check in and out. Most people think Internet penetration in Asia is still low. But the reality is when you offer a good fare, people will find their own connection. If you don't have Internet connection, you can still book online. If they don't have credit cards, they can call their relatives to help. Because they buy their own, check in and out themselves, our operating costs are significantly lower. That's a huge advantage."

Meanwhile, the first A330 was used in AirAsia X's inaugural flight between Kuala Lumpur and Perth on Nov 2.

Since launching its commercial services in November last year, AirAsia X has operated its long-haul services to Hangzhou, China and Gold Coast, Australia with one leased A330.

The airline has since experienced surging passenger demand, recording sales of over 345,000 seats after almost a year in operation.

AirAsia X, which has flown over 200,000 people across Asia and Australia, now serves the Kuala Lumpur-Perth route with six direct return flights per week.

It plans to upgrade this schedule to a daily service by mid-December.

The long-haul budget carrier will also commence services between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne on Nov 12 this year.

Source: BERNAMA

Nortel Solution To Support MAS Five-star Value Carrier Vision

November 12, 2008 21:37 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has invested in a new communications solution from Nortel to support its vision of becoming a five-star value carrier by 2012.

A significant component of this transformation is the upgrading of the legacy information technology (IT) network infrastructure at MAS to enable and support strategic and critical airline business activity, Nortel said in a statement here Wednesday.

Nortel is a recognised leader in delivering communications capabilities that make business simple to its customers.

The company said its technologies are designed to help eliminate today's barrier to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people.

"Nortel's converged enterprise network solutions stood out from the crowd, providing a secure, future-proof and agile infrastructure that will support our ongoing business transformation through 2012 and beyond," said MAS chief information officer Faridah Abdul Rahman.

Nortel Malaysia general manager for channels and enterprise business, Bernard Chiang, said the Nortel solution will help MAS in achieving its five-star value carrier objectives.

The airline's new enterprise communications infrastructure is built around Nortel Ethernet Routing Switch 8600, a resilient terabit-class enterprise switch that scales to 384 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

SOurce: BERNAMA

MAS All Inclusive Low Fares Goes Global Sale Begins Thursday

November 12, 2008 20:56 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) first All Inclusive Low Fares Goes Global sale begins Thursday for 66 domestic and international destinations.

One-way fares start from RM63 nett for domestic travel, RM158 nett for Asean and RM472 nett for international, MAS said in a statement here.

"Our sales for the recent All Inclusive Low Fares promotion showed a 400 percent increase, clearly demonstrating that customers loved our low fares, transparent pricing and recognised the value of flying five star," said MAS senior general manager, sales, Datuk Bernard Francis.

He also said MAS was also looking at offering all inclusive low fares for other destinations soon.

"We are dynamically pricing our fares to ensure that customers benefit from low fares and to stimulate travel," Bernard said.

Three million seats are on offer, covering destinations in Malaysia, Asean, the Asia Pacific, South Asia, Australia, the Americas and Europe.Customers can choose to travel from Kuala Lumpur and/or Kota Kinabalu.

The booking period starts from November 13-30 and the travel period is from November 20-September 30, 2009.

Source: BERNAMA

Tourism Malaysia Melbourne Concludes Roadshows In Victoria, Tasmania

November 12, 2008 11:22 AM

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia Melbourne has just concluded an outstanding roadshow to several provincial and regional centres in the states of Victoria and Tasmania.

The aim of the two-month campaign, backed by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is to stimulate interest in travel to Malaysia and to highlight and showcase the destinations to the travel industry in the thriving and prosperous regional centres - away from the big cities.

The annual event, which began after Tourism Malaysia opened an office here in October 2005, has since grown in importance and has been well-received by regional travel agents and tour operators.

The Tourism Malaysia Melbourne office coordinated with several key wholesalers in the market to travel with the roadshows so that regional agents had access to their Malaysia product.

The wholesalers that took part were Creative Holidays, Malaysia Holidays, Discovering Borneo, Golden Holidays, Travel Indochina, Adventure Destinations, Explore Holidays, Freestyle Holidays, Adventure World and Viva Holidays.

The roadshows were held at Frankston, Geelong, Warrnambool, Traralgon, Shepparton, Bendigo and Ballarat, all in the state of Victoria, and Launceston and Hobart in Tasmania.

Agents from nearby towns attended the shows. A final event was held here on Oct 30. Comments from attendees were positive and encouraging.

"Another fabulous show from Tourism Malaysia," said Meryl Edwards of Travelscene in the petroleum-rich city of Sale, near Traralgon.

"Tuesday night was well organised and very informative for me. Malaysia is a place I would love to visit," said Chelsea Ambrose, from Travel Plus Travel Services of Warragul.

Brigette Richards, from Coopers Travel Centre in Bairnsdale, also near Traralgon, said: "I was the one at the end of the night begging and pleading for you to send me your presentation and any additional information to know more about Malaysia."

"It was great to catch up with some suppliers," said Jeff Dimand of FBI Travel in Melbourne.

Several travel agents said Tourism Malaysia having an office in Melbourne was very convenient for them and much appreciated.

At the roadshows, Tourism Malaysia and MAS gave presentations on airline products and destination information to enhance Malaysia products promoted by wholesalers.

The evenings were a tremendous success with many agents travelling over an hour to attend the shows.

Prizes in the way of accommodation prizes around Malaysia from such establishments as Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts, Parkroyal Hotels, Starwood Hotels, The Berjaya Group, GHM Group, Crowne Plaza Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels, Sunway Hotels & Resort, Bayview Beach Resort Penang, Equatorial Hotel Group were offered as lucky prizes at the shows.

In addition, MAS sponsored return economy class tickets to Malaysia which were complimented by land touring prizes sponsored by Adventure World and Wildlife Expeditions, GAP Adventures, Adventure Destinations and Travel Indochina.

Source: BERNAMA

AirAsia Abolishes Fuel Surcharge

November 11, 2008 15:31 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Low cost carrier AirAsia has abolished the fuel surcharge for all its domestic and international flights, starting Tuesday.

Passengers need now only pay fares, airport taxes and administration fees, said group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

He also said that the airline would be focusing on aggressive marketing and low fares.

Fernandes however said that AirAsia could not guarantee that the surcharge would not be re-imposed if the oil price surged again.

The airline under its regional campaign is also giving away 500,000 free seats to all destinations from tomorrow until Nov 16 and for travel between June 22 and Oct 24, 2009.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the decision by AirAsia would have a positive impact on the ongoing price reduction campaign.

"Anything that reduces cost to consumers and keeps money in their pocket, gets my support," he added.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia scraps fuel surcharge

MALAYSIAN budget carrier AirAsia has scrapped fuel surcharges on all its flights, including on long-haul carrier AirAsia X, in response to the decline in global oil prices.

AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said the regional carrier’s fares will remain unchanged.

“We want to get rid of all surcharges and we have been able to ... be the first airline in the world that is completely getting rid of fuel surcharges,” he told reporters.

AirAsia stands to lose at least RM940 million in fuel surcharge revenues in 2009, as Fernandes predicts more than 20 million passengers will fly the airline next year.

AirAsia passengers pay an average fuel surcharge of RM47 (US$13) on each sector.

The carrier said passengers will still have to pay other taxes — a RM22.50 administration and insurance charge and airport tax of RM6.00 for domestic flights and RM25.00 on international routes.

It is also offering 500,000 free seats, with no fare or fuel surcharge, in a five-day campaign beginning midnight Wednesday for flights in the third quarter of 2009.

Fernandes said, however, that the fuel surcharge could return if oil prices surged again.

He said that although many airlines are cutting capacity as a result of an expected global recession, AirAsia is planning on increasing routes and capacity because of its low prices, high load factors and aggressive marketing.

“What we are doing is to produce more routes and lower prices to fight out of the (global) economic recession,” he said.

Fernandes said while scrapping the fuel surcharge is unlikely to affect the airline’s profitability, the carrier will initiate other programmes to make up for the loss of revenue. - AFP

No fuel surcharge and 500,000 free seats: AirAsia

Published: Tuesday November 11, 2008 MYT 4:37:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday November 11, 2008 MYT 8:46:18 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: All AirAsia and AirAsia X passengers will now no longer have to pay for the fuel surcharge for all local and international flights.

AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said the move - effective Tuesday - would mean that passengers would now only have to pay for the fare, airport tax and administration fee when flying with them.

Fernandes explained that “getting rid of the fuel surcharge” would not affect the base rate of the air fare, but he could not guarantee that the airline would never re-impose the surcharge should world fuel prices skyrocket again.

“We're not increasing the base rate. It is what it is.

“But if fuel prices shoot up ... I’ll be crazy to say I’ll never add the fuel surcharge again. But we will resist for as long as we can,” he told reporters Tuesday after making the announcement here.

The check-in baggage handling fee, however, would be maintained as it was imposed not only because of rising fuel prices earlier this year.

“We did it (in April) for three reasons - fuel prices, to limit the number of luggage, and to be more environmentally-friendly.

“The lighter the plane is, the less emissions it will have,” he said.

Fernandes also announced that beginning Wednesday, the airline would be offering some 500,000 free seats to all AirAsia destinations.

The booking period is until Sunday, and the travel period for the free seats is from June 22 to Oct 24 next year.

“There are two ways to deal with a slow economy. You’ve got to give more value, and you’ve got to stimulate people to travel.

“That’s what we’re doing now,” he said.

On the fuel surcharge, he said that it had previously cost passengers an average of RM47 per person.

Asked how the he planned to deal with the impact by removing the fuel surcharge, he replied:

“Higher load factor and newer initiatives to increase our revenue will help cover it. We’re keeping our 76% load factor, while adding 20% more seats.

“We’ll look at other ways of increasing our revenue. The easiest drug is fuel surcharge but it also destroys the business.”

Also present at the announcement was Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who applauded AirAsia’s move.

SOurce: The Star

No Fuel Surcharge, Thai AirAsia Hopes To Carry More Passengers

November 11, 2008 17:20 PM

By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- With the prolonged Thai political crisis and worldwide economic slowdown hampering its business, Thai AirAsia hopes that the abolishment of fuel surcharge would enable it to achieve its target of 4.7 million passengers this year and expand its routes to Bali, Guangzhou and two Indian cities in 2009.

Its chief executive officer, Tassapon Bijleveld, said the number of passengers would rise as the cost of flying would be cheaper without the fuel surcharge, which was introduced when the jet fuel went above US$80 (US$1=RM3.54) per barrel and reached almost US$150 few months ago.

"Since the oil price has come down to between US$65 and US$70, we are doing away with the fuel surcharge. With this, we hope the cabin load factor will rise to between 80 and 90 percent within two months," he told a press conference here Tuesday.

Tassapon said he was confident that Thai AirAsia, 49 percent owned by AirAsia Bhd, would be able to carry 5.2 million passengers in 2009 despite the projected recession worldwide and the domestic political crisis which has affected the tourism industry.

He said the airline, which carried 10 million passengers since it started operations four years ago, was on track to expand its route to Bali in Indonesia and China's Guangzhou in January, as well as adding two cities in India in the second half of 2009.

Starting today, AirAsia, its subsidaries in Thailand and Indonesia, and AirAsia X would abolish the fuel surcharge for all its international and domestic flights. In Thailand, the fuel surcharge is 550 baht (100 baht=RM9.39) for domestic sector and 700 baht for international routes.

AirAsia is also giving away 500,000 free seats, including 65,000 in Thailand, with travelling period between June 22 and Oct 24, 2009.

Asked if the no-fuel surcharge would be a permanent feature, Tassapon said it would depend on the world oil price.

He ruled out introducing net price in their advertisement as passengers would get the chance to get a lower fare if they book early, as well as adding other extras like express boarding, insurance and check-in baggage.

"Passengers need only pay the administration fees, airport tax and the fare. The rest are optional," said Tassapon, adding that without the fuel surcharge, the company's revenue would not be affected as more passengers were expected to fly, as well as income from onboard services such as food and drink.

Thai AirAsia currently flies domestic routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Narathiwat, Nakhorn Si Thammarat, Phuket, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani while overseas destinations includes Phnom Penh, Macau, Xiamen, Shenzen, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baharu, Yangon, Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.

-- BERNAMA

Insufficient KL-London Flights By MAS Will Be Raised In Cabinet, Says Azalina

November 11, 2008 23:19 PM

From Haslinda Zainal

LONDON, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Tourism Ministry will bring up the matter of insufficient Kuala Lumpur-London flights by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to the Cabinet, said its minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said the problem had affected tourist arrivals from Europe and London.

"Now with global fuel prices at a very low level, MAS should use the opportunity to increase its flight frequency on the KL-London route," she told reporters after opening Tourism Malaysia's booth known as Malaysia Pavilion at the World Travel Market fair at the ExCel London exposition park here Tuesday.

It is understood MAS, which used to operate some 14 flights a week on the route, had reduced the frequency to between 10 and 12 a week.

Azalina said this and other shortcomings like expensive airfares had caused Malaysians and Europeans to opt for other airlines.

She said apart from this, the London-Langkawi and London-Penang routes that had been scrapped, would also raised in the Cabinet.

Azalina also said that despite the economic crunch the world was facing, tourist arrivals in Malaysia showed an increase of 4.8 per cent as of October.

She said tourist arrivals from Britain as of October was 303,569, an increase of 36.1 per cent compared to arrivals for the whole of last year from that country.

"The daily average spending of tourists from the United Kingdom amounted to RM3,500 and their average length of stay was 9.6 days. This augurs well for Malaysia," she added.

Source: BERNAMA

MAS To Further Reduce Fuel Surcharge

November 11, 2008 19:38 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is looking to reduce its surcharge further to give customers the best value for their money, its senior general manager, sales, Datuk Bernard Francis, said Tuesday.

In response to enquiries on the national carrier's fuel surcharge, he said MAS has already reduced it by 50-73 percent for its all-inclusive low fares promotion, covering domestic travel, Asean, Australia and many other countries.

Customers loved the cheapest deals in town, and the airline's sales surged 400 percent, he said in a statement here Tuesday.

"We hear our customers loud and clear, and we are looking at reducing the surcharge further to continue to give customers what they want -- low fares plus five-star products and services, giving customers the best value for their money," he said.

Low-cost airline AirAsia Bhd has also abolished the fuel surcharge for all its domestic and international flights, effective Tuesday.

AirAsia, under its regional campaign, is also giving away 500,000 free seats to all destinations from tomorrow until Nov 16 for travel between June 22 and Oct 24, 2009.

Source: BERNAMA

The Man Who Dares To Dream

November 11, 2008 20:59 PM

From Salbiah Said

TOULOUSE (France) Nov 11 (Bernama) -- There he stood with his trademark red baseball cap sharing with his audience from Airbus, his "dream of the impossible" that has driven him to the front seat of the regions largest budget airline that is redefining travel in the Asia Pacific.

From zero experience in running an airline, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, group chief executive officer of AirAsia Bhd, can thank his lucky stars for making a dramatic change of direction to realise his vision of making travel affordable to Malaysians.

At the age of 37, Fernandes, who was vice-president for South-East Asia for Warner Music Group from 1992-2001, left the music industry to buy AirAsia, the then bankrupt carrier for a token sum of RM1.00.

"This dream that's happened today is due to your hard work," said Fernandes, as he thanked AirAsia staff, management and his partners and aircraft manufacturer Airbus for believing in his dream, at the official handing over of the first Airbus A330 for its low-cost long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X Sdn Bhd, in Toulouse, France recently.

The Airbus A330, costing US$200 million (US$1=RM3.54), is expected to significantly reduce the airlines fuel consumption and operating costs.

The ceremony, witnessed by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, came just weeks after AirAsia switched the entire Malaysian operations to an all-Airbus A320 fleet.

Fernandes, 44, is often described as Richard Branson of Asian airlines and hailed as Asia's answer to easyJets Stelios. British billionaire Sir Richard Branson is founder of Virgin Group of UK while Sir Stelios Haji-Ionannou is founder of easyJet plc, a budget airliner based at London Luton airport.

AirAsia X, launched in January 2007, is 48 percent-owned by Aero Ventures (a venture of Tony Fernandes and several of his business associates), followed by 16 percent Virgin Group and 16 percent owned by AirAsia. Bahrain-based Manara Consortium and Japan-based Orix Corp have taken a total 20 percent stake in the long-haul low-cost carrier.

"We started with a small dream with AirAsia, two planes, 200,000 passengers a year. Six years later, we had 20 million passengers with more than 80 aircraft. Our eventual dream will be 60 million passengers in 2013 with 175 A320s.

"That dream was only for four hours (short haul). Today, with A330, and hopefully A350, we will be able to bring everyone to our magnificent hub in Kuala Lumpur from Europe, Africa and America. And really, we will make the world a small place," said Fernandes.

Fernandes founded Tune Air Sdn Bhd in 2001, with a vision to make air travel more affordable to Malaysians. With that in mind, Tony and his three partners in the same year bought over AirAsia from its owner DRB-HICOM.

"That same year along with some partners, I formed a partnership to set up Tune Air Sdn Bhd and bought AirAsia for a token sum of RM1.00. Subsequently AirAsia was remodelled into a low-cost carrier and by January 2002, our vision to make air travel more affordable for Malaysians and all Asians took flight," Fernandes says in his blog.

Under his leadership, the fledging airline with a RM40 million debt became a blooming, thriving business and has grown into the regions largest budget carrier operating more than 100 routes covering over 60 destinations.

From a two-aircraft operation of Boeing 737-300, AirAsia currently boasts a fleet of 72, and has to date carried more than 50 million passengers since its first day of operation.

"Today is the start of a dream my partners and I from the music industry had seven years ago, that is to make travel affordable, democratising travel to everyone. Hence, we came out with a tagline: 'Now Everyone Can Fly' (AirAsia). We did for the region. Today, we are in Stage Two 'Now Everyone Can Fly Xtra Long' (AirAsia X)."

AirAsia was established in 1993 by government-linked company DRB-HICOM, and started its operations in 1996, but was not successful. Air Asia was then bought by Fernandes in 2001 and he turned it around financially within a year.

The ceremony in Toulouse marked the first delivery of AirAsia Xs orders. The carrier placed earlier this year an order for 25 Airbus A330 aircraft to be delivered over the next five years. It is expected to receive its second carrier in December which would further lower its operating costs.

AirAsia has since 2005 placed 175 orders for A320s. To-date, 50 have been delivered.

The Airbus A330 is powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. The cabin has 383 black leather upholstery seats, with optional premium XL seats for extra width and leg room as well as the latest in-flight entertainment system featuring innovative contents and applications provided by Thales of UK.

To Airbus president and chief executive officer Tom Enders who was present at the historic event, Fernandes said: "We made a deal on the phone and sealed it past midnight in Malaysia. I look forward to a long relationship.

"We always say at AirAsia, dream the impossible. Its always good to dream, people will always knock you down, (saying that) I was crazy, can't be done. If you don't dream, some reality wont come true, wont happen. We encourage people to dream. From some dreams, reality will come.

"Today is a phenomenal reality for me. And we say believe the unbelievable. Who would think these guys from the music industry would revolutionise air travel in Asia. Keep on believing. Thanks to Airbus for supporting us in very troubled times," said Fernandes.

Enders, in his speech, described the event as another important milestone in the strong partnership between Airbus and the AirAsia Group.

"It is incredible to believe that it is less than four years since AirAsia placed its first order with Airbus. Since that time, the group has ordered a total of 200 aircraft from Airbus, including 175 A320s for the AirAsia short haul operation and 25 A330s for AirAsia X, making the group one of our largest airline customers," he said.

AirAsia X started its commercial service with its flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast, Australia on Nov 2 2007, before adding the Kuala Lumpur-Hangzhou route in February 2008.

Exactly a year later, AirAsia X ushered in a new chapter of low-cost international travel by flying to its second Australian destination, Perth.

The inaugural AirAsia X flight between Kuala Lumpur and Perth touched down on Western Australian soil at 2.40pm on Nov 2 (Sunday), using the airlines brand new wide-bodied Airbus A330. The A330 was freshly delivered from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France on Oct 31 (Friday).

AirAsia X now serves the Kuala Lumpur-Perth route with six direct return flights per week. The airline plans to upgrade this schedule to a daily service by mid-December. It will also commence services between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne on Wedneday.

Source: BERNAMA

Malaysia Targets 300,000 Tourists From UK

November 11, 2008 00:52 AM

LONDON, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia targets 300,000 tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom this year, said Tourism Malaysia director (UK and Ireland) Abdul Rauf Hassan.

He said the target could be achieved, as 274,000 tourist arrivals had been recorded from the UK till September.

"Last year, tourist arrivals from UK numbered 272,000. This year we project the number will reach 300,000," he told reporters when met at Tourism Malaysia's booth, known as the Malaysia Pavilion, at the World Travel Market (WTM) exposition at the ExCel Centre here Monday.

Abdul Rauf said the many promotion activities done by Tourism Malaysia especially in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year coupled with the many travel road shows undertaken by it had attracted many UK tourists to come to Malaysia.

He all states in Malaysia should participate in such activities so as to promote them to foreign tourists.

"As a by product they can also attract investors to their respective states," he said.

Abdul Rauf said for the WTM this year, apart from Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Sepang International Circuit, hotel operators and tour agencies, only six states - Kedah (Langkawi Geopark), Selangor, Perak, Penang, Terengganu and Sabah - took part.

He added that Tourism Malaysia targeted at least 50,000 people to come and visit the Malaysia Pavilion.

Some 650 exhibitors from 191 countries are promoting their tourism products at the four-day fair which opened on Monday.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is scheduled to open the Malaysia Pavilion Tuesday.

Source: BERNAMA

Cheap, Quality Goods At Tawau's 'Pasar Rombengan'

November 10, 2008 14:58 PM

By Nashir Mansor

TAWAU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Are you looking for good quality hand-me-down apparels? Head for the pasar rombengan and you would not be disappointed with the goods offered here.

Just name any of the worlds leading brand names like Yves Saint Laurent, Polo Club, Lazenger, Giordano, Boss, Edwin, Nautica and many more. All of them are available here.

Men's and ladies wear like shirts, pants, sweaters, belts and shoes as well as roomwear including blankets, bed sheets and pillow cases bearing the famous signature varieties can be easily found at this bazaar.

Never mind the secondhand merchandise. They are in good condition and the bonus is that their price is ridiculously cheap.

Even members from the high levels of the society including those with the Datuk title could be seen patronising this bazaar, looking for items to satisfy their whims and fancies.

THREE MAIN LOCATIONS

This bazaar is well known as the wholesale trading centre in Sabah offering used clothing and household items. Tawau is the only district in the state that provides a special spot for this activity.

Similar activity is in existence at the weekly tamu or bazaars in other districts but the traders usually move around depending on the location of these markets.

Here, the pasar rombengan are spread over three localities -- Sabindo, Jalan Damai and Kampung Titingan that is also known as the Ice Box.

The market, which operates from 6/7am until 6pm daily, is immensely popular with patrons coming from outside Sabah and even as far as from Peninsular Malaysia across the South China Sea.

In Tawau, it is not a surprise if one hears residents joking with each other with words like:

"Cantik baju, beli di mana? (Nice shirt, where did you buy it?)

Di Rom (At Rom).

Betul bah (Is that so?)

"Ya, di Rombengan (Yes, at the Rombengan)

ARTISTES

"Many popular artistes in the country including the singers and actors patronise this market," said 45-year-old Bahri Shahrir, a trader at the market in Sabindo.

According to Bahri, professionals like lawyers could be regularly seen coming to the bazaar looking for the garment brands of their choice.

"Foreign tourists are also regulars here. Usually they come to take pictures or look for items that they want to acquire", he told Bernama at the market here.

Bahri, who has been trading at pasar rombengan for more than 10 years, said his income has been good and the market has the potential to be turned into a great tourist spot for Tawau.

"This market would be more attractive for the tourists if more facilities are provided, he said.

A trader at the Jalan Damai pasar rombengan, Dayang Syahilin, said initially she was only a patron at the market looking for secondhand garments.

However realising that selling used items could earn her a lucrative income, the 30-year-old decided to start a business there two years ago.

TOUGH JOB

In the initial weeks, the going was tough for her business, admitted Dayang, who earns between RM450 and RM600 from selling secondhand apparels at the market.

However Dayang's perseverance as well as encouragement and assistance given by her husband and children has managed to push her through the acid test.

"We obtain the supplies from an agent here. We purchase the clothes in bulk and each of the bundle costs between RM300 and RM800 depending on the type of items", she said.

The goods are sourced from various countries including Singapore, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Australia.

According to Dayang, apart for the quality and relatively low price offered for the goods on sale, the other factor that pulls the people to patronise the market is that they can bargain for the items they are interested to buy.

A patron of the market, 45-year-old Jaudin Ganang said he came to know the markets existence from a family member who is a policeman in Tawau.

"He told me that if I am looking for cheap but good quality goods, then I should visit the pasar rombengan. Therefore I came here and found that goods offered for sale are attractive and cheap," said the Ranau-born Jaudin.

Source: BERNAMA

MAS/Boeing Offering Holiday Packages To Nine Lucky Winners At Global Online Sales

November 10, 2008 21:03 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Buy one of Malaysia Airlines' tickets at its Global Online Sales which started today and you might be one of the nine lucky winners to walk home with a holiday package for two.

In providing its customers with more value for money, MAS has partnered Boeing to offer holiday packages to Rome, Kunming, Yogyakarta, Saigon and Bangkok.

Malaysia Airlines Senior General Manager Sales, Dato Bernard Francis said, "While we expect very encouraging response to the Global Online Sales offer, we are making it more exciting for our customers who purchase these offers."

"Not only will they get to plan early and buy tickets to the destinations of their choice, but also stand a chance to surprise themselves by winning our reputable Golden Holiday packages at absolutely no additional cost for yet another vacation," he said in a statement here today.

Participation is easy and simple. Customers just have to buy one ticket during the three-day day only sales which ends on Wednesday, November 12.

Tickets can be purchased at www.malaysiaairlines.com.

A total of 26 international destinations go on sale for three days only beginning Sunday until Wednesday, Nov 12 with Malaysia Airlines' Global Online Sales.

They include Xiamen and Kunming, Male and New Delhi, Dubai and Istanbul, Paris and London, as well as Sydney and Auckland with one way fares starting from as low as RM429.00 for Male and New Delhi, RM759.00 to Sydney, RM999.00 to Paris and RM1069.00 to London.

Fares do not include taxes and surcharges. All they need to do next is register their names, provide valid email addresses, answer a question and write a slogan to stand a chance to win the following prizes:

*1 First Prize: 6 days / 3 nights package to Rome.

* 2X Second Prizes: 4 days / 3 nights package to Kunming.

*2X Third Prizes: 4 days / 3 nights package to Yogyakarta.

*2X Fourth Prizes: 3 days / 2 nights package to Saigon.

*2X Fifth Prizes: 3 days / 2 nights package to Bangkok.

All the Golden Holidays holiday packages are for two persons.

The packages, valid till 31 March 2009, are inclusive of return economy class airfares, hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, and return airport transfers.

Another delight for the winners is airport taxes, insurance, fuel surcharges will be borne by Malaysia Airlines.

Contest results will be announced two weeks after the Global Online Sales period.

Source: BERNAMA