Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia Options

[malaccan]

British Airways really made a mistake pulling out of KUL. Now Msia-UK traffic is almost monopolised by MAS. There are so many malaysians living, studying and working here in the UK! KLM is making quite a killing with the code-share with MAS. There has been constatnt rumour about it joining one of the alliances. Certainly it won't be Star cos both Singapore and Thai are member airlines. I wouldn't mind seeing them in Skyteam with KLM.
(IMG:http://www.malaysiaairlines.co.nz/photos/p_crew_07.jpg)
Malaysia Airlines: Going beyond expectations

As for Air Asia, I hope they spread their wings as soon as they can. There is increasing competition with regional airlines such as Valuair. Subang as a LCC airport could work, but that would mean less connectivity for Sepang. Flew with them on KL-JB and KL-Penang. Easily comparable to easyjet and ryanair. Next flights for me, Jakarta and Bangkok!
(IMG:http://www.airasia.com/aircraft/images/crew4.jpg)
Air Asia: Now everyone can fly

This post has been edited by malaccan: Jun 6 2004, 10:49 AM

[cloudyski]

oh wow

[Iron Malayan]

British Airways shouldn't bother coming back to KL. Their service are substandard.
I like the idea of KLM serving more KUL-Europe route though.Some of the pretty and blond Dutch stewardess look ravishing in their blue uniforms.

Malaysian Airlines flight attendants are also stunningly beautiful in their Kebayas.As for Air Asia girls...never mind.

[malaccan]

Yeah, KLM is a good airline and I just love hanging around Schiphol airport. My only complaint is that KLM has yet to instal PTVs for their AMS-KUL flight (me so spoiled by MAS lah (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) Otherwise, their service is quite good for a European carrier. They've been taken over by Air France and have code-share with Northwest. So it'll be interesting to see how the possible entry of Malaysian Airlines into Skyteam play out. I used to fly the KLM partner Northwest from KL to Seattle via Japan. They do provide good service but nowhere near as good as the Asian carriers.

Tried to get seats on MAS to fly home for the summer hols, but they are all fully booked!! Tried to fly out from Manchester and London, and tried getting the flights that transit in Langkawi/Penang but still couldn't get seats. Singapore Airlines was also fully booked. Was thinking of using Thai when I found a great offer by Lufthansa. Have to transit at Frankfurt and Bangkok, but never mind lah... what to do?

Malaysian Airlines flight attendants are also stunningly beautiful in their Kebayas.As for Air Asia girls...never mind.

Same here, I think most of us like the kebaya. When I was about 11, there was this time when this gorgeous kakak stewardess leaned over me to close the window shutters. I could have sworn she was rubbing her thighs against me some more. So perverted and hamsap, yet so intoxicating!! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/love2.gif) (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif) The guys uniform though, is such a boring shade of green. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/thumbsdown.gif)

What's wrong with the Air Asia uniform? I think the merah menyala makes it look really garang in a nice way.

..........Really wish I was flying with MAS. Feels like you're home the moment you board the plane.. . (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_neutral.gif)

[Nam Quoc Son Ha]

Hey Malaccan you're Bumiputra? I'm part Bumiputra. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[malaccan]

Hey Malaccan you're Bumiputra? I'm part Bumiputra. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Eh, I thought you're a Vietnamese, aren't you NQSH? (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif) Bumiputera means sons of the soil so basically anyone who can claim to have roots in the region is considered one in Malaysia. I have Malaysian friends whose grandparents were from Thailand and they are considered bumiputera. The Cham refugees who got refuge in Malaysia are also termed bumiputera. This despite the fact that some Chinese and Indian Malaysians have been in the country for much longer. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_confused.gif) Not fair. Or does the term bumiputera have different meaning in vietnamese?

Anyway, I managed to glean some information about the origin of Malaysian Airlines. When it was first founded, it was known as Malayan Airways.
(IMG:http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/malaccan/OldGirl.jpg)
When Malaysia was founded, the name changed to Malaysian Airlines. The name was changed to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines when Singapore left the federation. At the same time, the sarong kebaya uniform was introduced by Pierre Balman.
(IMG:http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/malaccan/SGstory_BeginSIA5.jpg) (IMG:http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/malaccan/GJMSA386.jpg)

Soon after the airline separated into two entities, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines. Malaysia Airlines got the rights for all the domestic routes to provide links to Sabah and Sarawak while Singapore got the international route rights in return for the planes that the had. They also got rights to the original sarong kebaya which they use to this day. (You would notice that apart from the colous, the Malaysian kebaya uniform differs in that they have a V-shaped neckline compared to the original's rounded neckline.)
(IMG:http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/malaccan/singapore.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_confused.gif) The Malaysian negotiators weren't very clever, were they. Heheh. Anyway, Malaysia Airlines continued to concentrate on domestic routes to provide social service to the states while Singapore being an island-state was free to build its reputation internationally (read=Singapore Girl). But recently Malaysia Airlines has started to win accolades of its own, yeay!! As for me, my first choice of airline would always be Malaysia Airlines, but failing that it is Singapore all the way for me.

[Beanz]

Malaysia Airlines has work to do to catch up with SIA and Cathay, namely their 1st class/business class cabins. They need new IFE and new cabins. No flat beds hurts their ratings. The Economy section tho, I believe, is an INcredible Value for money. Classic MAS service coupled with the Best seat pitch in the class at 36". Can't beat it (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif)

Give MAS some time, and it'll be consistently among the top 5 airlines in the World.

I'm keenly watching AirAsia's moves at this time. Seeing how they manueveur around ValuAir, TigerAir and Nok Air....interesting business (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif)

This post has been edited by Beanz: Jun 12 2004, 04:05 PM

[malaccan]

Was it in the news today or yesterday that said MAS and Air Asia are planning to work together in the domestic flights? I agree that it's MAS' first and business class facilities that drag down its overall rating. It's good that they're being refurbished just now. On the other hand, the economy class is among the best there is at the moment. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif)

(IMG:http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/malaccan/mh7301bc.jpg)
A retro MH flight schedule from the 70s. Yeah baby yeah!

[Kewell7]

Air Asia is trying to penetrate the Thai market, although Thai Airways is still holding firm. Thai airways has to deal with other Thai competition, and now there is Air Asia. There are so much airlines sprouting up right now.

[malaccan]

When is the new Suvarnabumi airport opening? I will miss Don Muang. It reminds me of a busier KL Subang airport. When Subang closed, many users complained that Sepang was way too far from KL but we're getting used to it by now. KUL's dilemma is that we're stuck between two strong airline hubs ie BKK and SIN. Just have to make the best of both worlds I suppose.

There sure is plenty of low-cost carriers around, but I think that tis is a good development. It'll do wonders for regional tourism. Just taking the UK as an example, many folks fly to other European capitals for short weeekend stints as if they're going to the local beach or hotel. National boundaries don't mean much anymore.

It'll be interesting times for our region during our lifetime guys.

[Kewell7]

Not sure when it will be ready, but it is THREE-months behind schedule.

Here is an updated panorama:

(IMG:http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/sbia/jun04/sbia-panorama.jpg)

[malaccan]

Awesome photo! It's gonna be real busy when it's operational. We don't get as much traffic in KUL. Read in the news today that Air Asia just started the Bangkok-Penang flights today. There were always a lot of Thai tourists in Penang whenever I go there, as well as whites. Quite a few of the mat salleh (farang)hehe, came from Thailand and were doing visa runs. We have KL-Phuket and now Bangkok-Penang. I'm waiting for Bali next.


AirAsia Begins Bangkok-Penang Service Wednesday

PENANG, June 16 (Bernama) -- Thai AirAsia has commenced services between Penang and Bangkok, with its inaugural flight from Bangkok landing at Bayan Lepas International Airport here at 12.50pm, Wednesday.

The new Penang-Bangkok flight with 120 passengers on board, was Thai AirAsia's first international route out of the island, and will be operated as a daily non-stop flight to Bangkok with tickets priced from RM89.99 or Baht 900 one way.

Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld said the launch of the service followed the delivery of a fourth Boeing 737-300 for Thai AirAsia's operations.

He said the daily flight would depart at 10am from Bangkok to arrive in Penang at 12.40pm, while the flight from Penang would leave at 1.25pm and arrive in Bangkok at 2.05pm with a total flying time of about 1 hour 40 minutes.

"With the new expansion, Thai AirAsia now flies to eight destinations within Thailand and to six international destinations -- Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor, Singapore and Macau (on July 5) from its hub at Bangkok International Airport," he told reporters, here Wednesday.

He arrived with the first load of passengers from Bangkok and was welcomed by State Tourism Development and Environment Committee Chairman Teng Chang Yeow and AirAsia group chief executive officer Tony Fernandez.

Tassapon said Thai AirAsia commenced operations from its hub in February and Penang would be the sixth international destination operated by the airline.

"We are thrilled to fly to Penang as it is a cultural destination with deep links to Thailand. We expect our low fares will strengthen tourism and economic flow between Malaysia and Thailand," he said.

Meanwhile, Teng said with AirAsia's new flights and low fares, Penang would become more accessible to Thais and other tourists travelling via Bangkok.

He said accessibility and connectivity was essential for Penang to improve on its tourist arrival figures in the long run and make tourism a very high-revenue earning industry.

-- BERNAMA

[Jotmaimamoreaj]

Any news about Air Asia flying to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh?

[malaccan]

Any news about Air Asia flying to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh?

Not at the moment. Only Malaysia Airlines fly to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. I hope Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas won't be too flooded by tourists. That is a very, very beautiful palce you have there. It's really lame that ppl would want to steal its heritage by looting it. I don't think it's so much the local's folks as it is the buyers. They should know better.

Anyway, I read in the Khmer thread that Firts Cambodia Airlines is increasing its capacity to KL. Cambodia will be a very popular destination among Malaysians. We have much natural beauty just like other ASEAN countries, but no ancient monuments like Cambodia.

[huaren]

I have to say Malaysia Airline is the best.
Dont use AirAsia, because it is sucks. Yes it is cheap, but the service is sucks.
I always use Malaysia Airline everywhere I go.

[malaccan]

I have to say Malaysia Airline is the best.
Dont use AirAsia, because it is sucks. Yes it is cheap, but the service is sucks.
I always use Malaysia Airline everywhere I go.

Hehe, Your opinion is always so strong! I've flown Air Asia several times KL-JB and KL-Penang. They are just as good as Ryanair and Easyjet. You can't compare Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, one is a low cost carrier, the other a national airlines. It's like apples and oranges.

[huaren]

I have to say Malaysia Airline is the best.
Dont use AirAsia, because it is sucks. Yes it is cheap, but the service is sucks.
I always use Malaysia Airline everywhere I go.

Hehe, Your opinion is always so strong! I've flown Air Asia several times KL-JB and KL-Penang. They are just as good as Ryanair and Easyjet. You can't compare Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, one is a low cost carrier, the other a national airlines. It's like apples and oranges.

Do you realize that AirAsia aircraft is too old and always feel unsafe when you fly it? I have that feeling when I fly AirAsia. I only fly once with AirAsia.

[malaccan]

I have to say Malaysia Airline is the best.
Dont use AirAsia, because it is sucks. Yes it is cheap, but the service is sucks.
I always use Malaysia Airline everywhere I go.

Hehe, Your opinion is always so strong! I've flown Air Asia several times KL-JB and KL-Penang. They are just as good as Ryanair and Easyjet. You can't compare Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, one is a low cost carrier, the other a national airlines. It's like apples and oranges.

Do you realize that AirAsia aircraft is too old and always feel unsafe when you fly it? I have that feeling when I fly AirAsia. I only fly once with AirAsia.

I think it is common practise for LCCs to lease planes from other companies. Most LCC models in Europe started out that way too. So they might be older than the ones that national airlines use. But air Asia is buying new planes soon too.

The planes that Air Asia used for the three trips that I took were 737. Feels much smaller if you're used to 747. BTW, does MH use 777 or 747 to Australia? Probably is 747 right? BTW,there is a rumour over airliners.net that British Airways is planning a return to KUL by May 2005.

[huaren]

I have to say Malaysia Airline is the best.
Dont use AirAsia, because it is sucks. Yes it is cheap, but the service is sucks.
I always use Malaysia Airline everywhere I go.

Hehe, Your opinion is always so strong! I've flown Air Asia several times KL-JB and KL-Penang. They are just as good as Ryanair and Easyjet. You can't compare Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, one is a low cost carrier, the other a national airlines. It's like apples and oranges.

Do you realize that AirAsia aircraft is too old and always feel unsafe when you fly it? I have that feeling when I fly AirAsia. I only fly once with AirAsia.

I think it is common practise for LCCs to lease planes from other companies. Most LCC models in Europe started out that way too. So they might be older than the ones that national airlines use. But air Asia is buying new planes soon too.

The planes that Air Asia used for the three trips that I took were 737. Feels much smaller if you're used to 747. BTW, does MH use 777 or 747 to Australia? Probably is 747 right? BTW,there is a rumour over airliners.net that British Airways is planning a return to KUL by May 2005.

Malaysia Airline use 777 or 747 to Sydney and Melbourne I think. (From KL)
For direct flight from Kch to Perth, they still using Airbus which is boring. No personal TV, no game etc... (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_sad.gif)

[malaccan]

For direct flight from Kch to Perth, they still using Airbus which is boring. No personal TV, no game etc...

Bummer. That's really not nice in a long flight. It's funny how no one used to complain in the past when PTVs weren't around yet, but now it is considered an essential facility. KLM too doesn't have PTVs in economy class. That's why I always try to get a MAS-operated flight if its a MAS-KLM codeshare operation.