AirAsia launches Kuala Lumpur - Johor Bahru service

AirAsia, Asia's first low fare airline, landed at Senai Airport Johor Bahru for the first time Thursday.

The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru departed KL International Airport at 7.30am and arrived in Senai Airport at 8.15am. The inaugural flight from Johor Bahru to KLIA departed Senai Airport at 8.40am and arrived at KL International Airport at 9.25am. AirAsia is offering travellers two daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru with fares from as low as RM19.99 one way.

"We are delighted to welcome our guests from Johor and Singapore. We are happy to respond to the high demand of low fares for the Kuala Lumpur - Johor Bahru route. To date, over 85% of our Johor Bahru flights have been sold for the month of October 2003. We will continue to add new destinations and increase frequencies as we grow, in line with our aim to sustain our winning formula of low fares and quality service for everyone." commented Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia.

AirAsia recorded an all time high performance in September 2003, the airline's overall load factor for September rose to 84%, an increase of 5% compared to 79% in August 2003.

AirAsia's online sales also recently reached its highest peak with over RM1 million worth of sales generated from internet bookings alone on 16th October 2003.

"These are exciting times for AirAsia and September was a historic month. We recorded an all time high performance in September while achieving 98% on time flights. While we are working on increasing passenger traffic and further stimulating domestic travel, the quality of our operations is always given a priority." Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia.

AirAsia is Asia's first low fare, no frills, ticketless airline. Since launching operations in January 2003 the airline has carried over 2.6 million passengers. AirAsia operates seven aircraft and recently took delivery of two additional Boeing 737-300 complete with brand new leather seats. The airline is scheduled to expand its fleet to 20 by end 2004.

AirAsia currently operates 58 flights a day, point-to-point, from its hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Alor Star, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Labuan, Langkawi, Miri, Penang, Sibu, Sandakan and Tawau.