AirAsia to launch flights to Indonesia

AirAsia is set to launch flights to Indonesia next month. AirAsia will commence daily flights from Johor Bahru - Jakarta beginning 10th April 2004, Kuala Lumpur to Bandung on 12th April 2004, and Kuala Lumpur - Surabaya on 15th April 2004.

To celebrate AirAsia's latest expansion to Indonesia, the low fare airline will offer 15 000 seats at promotional launch fares for sale:

Johor Bahru - Jakarta from Rp 99 999 (RM 88.88) one way
Kuala Lumpur - Bandung from Rp 149 999 (RM 99.99) one way
Kuala Lumpur- Surabaya from Rp 299 999 (RM 139.99) one way

The above promotional fares (excluding airport taxes and fees) are good for travel from the launch date up till 15th May 2004. Seats must be purchased from 15th -30th March 2004.

Once confirmed, bookings for these promotional fares cannot be changed, transferred or rebooked to another date, and payments made are not refundable in the case of cancellation.

Once the promotional launch fare is sold out, AirAsia's low fares will resume as follows:

Johor Bahru - Jakarta from Rp 293 999 (RM 139.99) one way
Kuala Lumpur - Bandung from Rp 315 999 (RM 149.99) one way
Kuala Lumpur- Surabaya from Rp 335 999 (RM 159.99) one way

Fares quoted exclude airport taxes and fees, and are applicable for travel one way only.

AirAsia's booking and distribution channels in Indonesia will be similar to that of Malaysia and Thailand. AirAsia will set up a Call Centre in Indonesia where telephone bookings can be paid by cash or credit card. To offer more cost savings, AirAsia has said it will introduce and implement local phone numbers at respective AirAsia destinations in Indonesia for guest to benefit from local phone charges.

For added convenience, AirAsia has partnered with Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) to offer guest the additional option to make cash payments at the bank, upon placement of their telephone booking via AirAsia's Call Centre.

AirAsia offers its guests the ability to book online via its website, currently available in 5 languages (English, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Tamil and Thai). The Indonesian version of the website, incorporating Bahasa Indonesia language, is expected to be added by mid-March.

AirAsia is also to open walk in sales offices at the respective airport(s) and appoint authorized local sales agents to facilitate sales of seats for the low fare airline.

YBhg. Dato' Pahamin A. Rajab, Chairman, AirAsia said "We are pleased to be the first low fare, no frills airline to offer direct flights from Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia. Our presence in Indonesia is set to offer greater connectivity, boost tourism and increase traffic in both countries. We will like to thank the Aviation Authorities and our partners for facilitating our operations in Indonesia. We will also like to thank the Indonesian Government for their support and recognizing the benefits that AirAsia can bring to the market. AirAsia low fares are set to stimulate the growth of the tourism industry in both countries.

Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia commented, "Indonesia as AirAsia's second international expansion is a natural progression for the company in line to build AirAsia as an ASEAN brand. Indonesia reminds me of the good old days where as an executive for a recording label, we successfully cross promoted stellar artistes like Sheila Majid, Kris Dayanti, Amelina, Raihan and Cici's great music between Malaysia and Indonesia. Where music was the driving force to bring both countries closer, it now gives me great pleasure to provide the connectivity to bring people together on AirAsia low fares.

In less than 3 months, our hub in Senai Airport, Johor Bahru , is operating 2 international flights (Bangkok and now Jakarta). This development will serve to complement AirAsia's existing services connecting Malaysia, East Malaysia, and Thailand respectively."