Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia Options

[yana19384]

hehehe..last time i flew back to india MAS kinda screwed up the tickets by overbooking the plane..n they had to fly me to mumbai

and then they upgraded me to bussiness class with extra special treatment...wahhh..each of the hostesses hadto remember my name hehe (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif)

then they gave me a free stay in a 5star hotel in mumbai which was really really very good...i felt like a real bussinesswoman..haha.. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif)

i felt really happy it all went well for me..but not so to some other who were stranded elsewhere..

but anyway..the air hostesses in the klia-mumbai flight were very nice to me and i have to give (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif) (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif) (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif) to all of them (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Iron Malayan]

SEATTLE, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- A decision on the replacement of Malaysia Airline System Bhd's (MAS) existing Boeing 737 fleet, previously targeted for September, is now expected to be made before the end of the year.

'Most recent indications are that there may be a decision later in 2005,' Boeing Commercial Airplanes' manager of International & Sales Communications Bob Saling said Wednesday.

Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, the parent company of MAS, planned to replace the airline's 39 units of 11-year-old 737-400 with more efficient aircraft as a measure to counter rising fuel and maintenance costs.

The single aisle aircraft being considered for the fleet renewal exercise are Boeing 737-800 and the Airbus 320.

But recently, MAS chairman Datuk Munir Majid said the national carrier might review its aircraft purchase as part of a bigger restructuring plan aimed at generating RM1 billion profit after five years.

'Discussions are ongoing as we work with PMB and MAS to identify the best matches to MAS' fleet replacement and growth plans,' Saling told Bernama on the sidelines of Boeing's Asia Pacific Media Tour here.

As for the number of new aircraft involved in the discussion, he said: 'This is probably best addressed by MAS, but indications are that the requirement is for between 45 and 60 airplanes.'

Saling is keeping his fingers crossed for Boeing's chances of winning the contract as the 737 is known for its high efficiency, high utilisation, high reliability and lower operating cost compared with the A320.

Boeing is believed to have submitted an attractive pricing to beat its rival, Airbus, which had two years ago won a deal to supply its super-jumbo A380 planes for US$1.62 billion in all.

It has been reported that the MAS 737-400 fleet replacement exercise would cost up to US$2.57 billion on catalogue prices.

[malaccan]

Airbus A380 is coming to KLIA on the 10th of November! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif)
So far, Emirates has also announced that they will send the A380 to KL.

Also good to see AirAsia expanding nicely.

AirAsia posts 38.7pc rise in passenger traffic
October 27 2005
Malaysia's budget carrier, AsiaAsia Bhd, has recorded 408,507 earned seats in its Malaysian operations for the financial year ended September 30 2005, compared to 331,493 earned seats in the same period last year.

This is an increase of 23.2 per cent, AirAsia said in a statement today announcing its passenger traffic numbers and its reconciled passenger traffic numbers for the first quarter of financial year 2006.

Its operations in Thailand registered 140,660 earned seats, up by 23.4 per cent compared to 114,019 earned seats in the same period last year.

The Indonesian operations registered 68,739 earned seats for the first half of the year since take-off in December 2004.

The total number of passengers carried by the group was 617,906, compared to 445,512 recorded for the same period last year, an increase of 38.7 per cent. — Bernama

[Iron Malayan]

Air Asia management did a good job of hedging fuel price at between $48 and $60 a barrel.

[malaccan]

Air Asia to fly from Malacca. Wahey! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/yahoo.gif)

AirAsia to start operating at Batu Berendam airport by 2008
MALACCA, Thurs:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASIA’s leading low-budget airline is poised to start operating at the Batu Berendam Airport as soon as the airport’s expansion project is completed by the end of 2008.
Describing the airport as “nice and simple”, AirAsia Bhd group chief executive Datuk Tony Fernandes said Indonesia would be the main destination the airline would serve from Batu Berendam.

“But the routes we will take have not been finalised yet. Everything’s still in the planning stages.”

Fernandes said the airline, which focuses on the Asean and China markets, is also in talks to secure landing rights in Myanmar and Laos.

[yana19384]

thats cool...wonder when air asia is going to fly to kuantan..if they do..then i can go back every weekend once im back in melaka...so that i can fly from melaka to klia and to kuantan..wahhh....bestnye bestnye

[Aranadhel]

Airasia stewardesses are the bomb! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool30.gif) they're so so hot in their sexy short skirts & tight top... oohh... the best! ahahahhaha... (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif)

[malaccan]

^Just for Aran, who is kind enough to grace us with his presence from the indonesian chat. Hehehe.

(IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_05tony1.jpg)
Tony with AirAsia girls at Old Trafford

And here's an article from today's Jakarta Post

Low-cost is a religion, says AirAsia boss

Starting out in 2001 with only two aircraft, Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has now spread wings to most big cities in Southeast Asia to become a prominent player in the region. The Jakarta Post's Anissa S. Febrina talked last week in Jakarta with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandez on his views of the sector in Indonesia and region generally. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Question: How do you manage to be a low-cost airline and stay away from problems of maintenance currently under the spotlight in Indonesia's airline industry?

Answer: I do not think that there are any LCCs (low-cost carriers) in Indonesia. If you look at Lion Air, they have a business class, they give food, AdamAir also. These are low-fare airlines, they are not really low-cost.

We are recognized as being very efficient in maintenance. Trying to use the same type of airplane is one of them. Maintenance is done with the best provider (AirAsia struck a deal with Singapore ST Aerospace in 2002.)

We are very comfortable with our standards and the best way to look at it is our insurance rate. It is one of the lowest in the world. If our insurance was high then people would be worried. It is only because in everyone's mind, when you give a Rp 99,000 (about US$10) fare people are worried about safety, especially in your country where there have been a number of incidents.

I think the best way to show our safety is through the insurance company. If they have no confidence in our ability to fly planes safely, they would not insure us.

Could you elaborate more on low-fare and low-cost?

I think low-cost is a religion. It is a discipline and a focus.

It is not getting side-tracked. Not trying to be something else. Giving passengers the lowest possible fare, and being the most efficient and the safest ride.

I operate with the simplest and smallest airlines office in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), to avoid the unnecessary cost. Another thing, for instance, is that we choose to land in Macau instead of Hong Kong because we can get lower airport fees there.

Low-fare is more like trying to be low-cost but trying to do other things as well; giving some food and extra services. We think, in the end, let consumers choose. Give them the lowest fare. If they want food or extra luggage, they can buy it. Give the basic travelers the lowest possible cost. It is very much a religion and it is very much our corporate culture.

What are the current challenges of developing the business?

The biggest challenge I have is ASEAN itself. I find sometimes we are our own worst enemy, rather than supporting each other. I am trying to build an ASEAN brand, not Malaysian, Indonesian or Thai. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

One day there maybe an ASEAN newspaper and there will be companies like us advertising because we will reach all the market we want. There are already ASEAN banks coming together.

But, sometimes the regional rivalry is our own worst enemy. Look at Singapore. Today they talk about open skies with Malaysia, but I cannot get a bus (between the two countries). So on one side there is open skies, but on the other closed roads. You cannot selectively have competition. You have to have it all the way.

If we work together we will have a huge market. That is the challenge, to be welcomed by all of ASEAN and to be seen as an ASEAN brand.

Other challenges, well, we have been through it all. We have had bird flu, SARS, earthquakes, tsunami. I am very optimistic. I love the growth. We have our new planes coming in. (AirAsia set a deal to order 80 new Airbus planes earlier this year.) We would hope to do about 10.5 million passengers next year.

The airline business in Indonesia has been emerging, but it is rather unstable. What's your comment on this?

I think it is a fantastic market, enough for everybody. But I think airlines here waste too much time trying to compete with each other. They are always looking over their back. They spend too much management time trying to kill others and trying to be destructive.

Like I said, I do not worry about competitors. Our enemy is cost. I believe a lot of management time is wasted on trying to stop others rather than fixing their own business. Indonesian airlines are in a great time. There is still great potential. There are many places that should be connected that are not connected. Like Lombok and Makassar, it should be a great tourist place. We would develop Lombok for sure.

END

Its also getting its first of sixty new A320 this December, with an option for 40 more. They are now securing reights to fly to Siem Reap (can see Angkor Wat) and Solo (close enough to Borobodur, though I think it would be better if they flew to Jogja direct, planned at a later date).
(IMG:http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/25/business/b_07airasia.jpg)

[Aranadhel]

^Just for Aran, who is kind enough to grace us with his presence from the indonesian chat. Hehehe.

(IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_05tony1.jpg)
Tony with AirAsia girls at Old Trafford

And here's an article from today's Jakarta Post

Low-cost is a religion, says AirAsia boss

Starting out in 2001 with only two aircraft, Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has now spread wings to most big cities in Southeast Asia to become a prominent player in the region. The Jakarta Post's Anissa S. Febrina talked last week in Jakarta with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandez on his views of the sector in Indonesia and region generally. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Question: How do you manage to be a low-cost airline and stay away from problems of maintenance currently under the spotlight in Indonesia's airline industry?

Answer: I do not think that there are any LCCs (low-cost carriers) in Indonesia. If you look at Lion Air, they have a business class, they give food, AdamAir also. These are low-fare airlines, they are not really low-cost.

We are recognized as being very efficient in maintenance. Trying to use the same type of airplane is one of them. Maintenance is done with the best provider (AirAsia struck a deal with Singapore ST Aerospace in 2002.)

We are very comfortable with our standards and the best way to look at it is our insurance rate. It is one of the lowest in the world. If our insurance was high then people would be worried. It is only because in everyone's mind, when you give a Rp 99,000 (about US$10) fare people are worried about safety, especially in your country where there have been a number of incidents.

I think the best way to show our safety is through the insurance company. If they have no confidence in our ability to fly planes safely, they would not insure us.

Could you elaborate more on low-fare and low-cost?

I think low-cost is a religion. It is a discipline and a focus.

It is not getting side-tracked. Not trying to be something else. Giving passengers the lowest possible fare, and being the most efficient and the safest ride.

I operate with the simplest and smallest airlines office in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), to avoid the unnecessary cost. Another thing, for instance, is that we choose to land in Macau instead of Hong Kong because we can get lower airport fees there.

Low-fare is more like trying to be low-cost but trying to do other things as well; giving some food and extra services. We think, in the end, let consumers choose. Give them the lowest fare. If they want food or extra luggage, they can buy it. Give the basic travelers the lowest possible cost. It is very much a religion and it is very much our corporate culture.

What are the current challenges of developing the business?

The biggest challenge I have is ASEAN itself. I find sometimes we are our own worst enemy, rather than supporting each other. I am trying to build an ASEAN brand, not Malaysian, Indonesian or Thai.  (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

One day there maybe an ASEAN newspaper and there will be companies like us advertising because we will reach all the market we want. There are already ASEAN banks coming together.

But, sometimes the regional rivalry is our own worst enemy. Look at Singapore. Today they talk about open skies with Malaysia, but I cannot get a bus (between the two countries). So on one side there is open skies, but on the other closed roads. You cannot selectively have competition. You have to have it all the way.

If we work together we will have a huge market. That is the challenge, to be welcomed by all of ASEAN and to be seen as an ASEAN brand.

Other challenges, well, we have been through it all. We have had bird flu, SARS, earthquakes, tsunami. I am very optimistic. I love the growth. We have our new planes coming in. (AirAsia set a deal to order 80 new Airbus planes earlier this year.) We would hope to do about 10.5 million passengers next year.

The airline business in Indonesia has been emerging, but it is rather unstable. What's your comment on this?

I think it is a fantastic market, enough for everybody. But I think airlines here waste too much time trying to compete with each other. They are always looking over their back. They spend too much management time trying to kill others and trying to be destructive.

Like I said, I do not worry about competitors. Our enemy is cost. I believe a lot of management time is wasted on trying to stop others rather than fixing their own business. Indonesian airlines are in a great time. There is still great potential. There are many places that should be connected that are not connected. Like Lombok and Makassar, it should be a great tourist place. We would develop Lombok for sure.

END

Its also getting its first of sixty new A320 this December, with an option for 40 more. They are now securing reights to fly to Siem Reap (can see Angkor Wat) and Solo (close enough to Borobodur, though I think it would be better if they flew to Jogja direct, planned at a later date).
(IMG:http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/25/business/b_07airasia.jpg)

thanx malaccan... it'd be great if you can add some more pix of the stewardesses... I cant seem to get enough of them.. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool30.gif)

[malaccan]

^Hehehe... it's not easy to find their photos on the net y'know! Next time I fly I'll personally ask to take their photo.
From The Star (Malaysia Truly Asia! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif) )
Working for the little airline that could
(IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_04sarah.jpg) (IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_04amanda.jpg) (IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_04terence.jpg) (IMG:http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/11/27/lifefocus/sm_04japar.jpg)
I was misinformed about the flight to Jogja. Apparently, they have to fly to Solo because it's the only international airport in central Java. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_sad.gif)
My next wish list is for them to fly to Luang Prabang.


AirAsia is doing quite well with a 21% year-on-year passenger increase.
(IMG:http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Tuesday/Frontpage/20051128233122/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/dailyn/airq1.jpg)
On the other hand, MAS is not doing too well financially. Maybe that's what's holidng them back from joining SkyTeam. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_confused.gif)

[Aranadhel]

malaccan: I think its got to be the AirAsia stewardesses.. who wouldnt wanna fly with them in tow? I wouldnt mind flying anywhere around the world if they were on board... I had a hard time sitting still when I took a flight back to Jakarta last May.. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif)

[malaccan]

^Amboi, sukanya dia. The stewardesses really are friendly alright, and they all seem to truly enjoy their jobs. I've flown KL-Penang, KL-JB, KL-Bangkok and KL-Phnom Penh. Genuinely pleasant service in all sectors. But on two occasions, the flights were delayed by an hour, felt sorry for some backpackers who missed their connecting flight.
(IMG:http://www.airasia.com/aircraft/images/crew4.jpg)
My fav photo line up of the stewardess is this one. They look cute with the caps on (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/love2.gif)
(IMG:http://www.hflight.net/MT/archives/images/IMG_0194_resize.JPG)
Courtesy of Google, as are the rest of the photos. Hehe.
(IMG:http://img.epochtimes.com/i6/4102428191164.jpg)
I'm really scrapping the bottom of the barrel now
(IMG:http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2005/03/07/20050306182745.jpeg)
This was to commemorate the Macau flights (Tony looks so sleazy!)
(IMG:http://smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/03/23/airasia.jpg)
Thai sister airline. Sawatdii krab

Ok, enuff la for now...

[Aranadhel]

^Amboi, sukanya dia. The stewardesses really are friendly alright, and they all seem to truly enjoy their jobs. I've flown KL-Penang, KL-JB, KL-Bangkok and KL-Phnom Penh. Genuinely pleasant service in all sectors. But on two occasions, the flights were delayed by an hour, felt sorry for some backpackers who missed their connecting flight.
(IMG:http://www.airasia.com/aircraft/images/crew4.jpg)
My fav photo line up of the stewardess is this one. They look cute with the caps on  (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/love2.gif)
(IMG:http://www.hflight.net/MT/archives/images/IMG_0194_resize.JPG)
Courtesy of Google, as are the rest of the photos. Hehe.
(IMG:http://img.epochtimes.com/i6/4102428191164.jpg)
I'm really scrapping the bottom of the barrel now
(IMG:http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2005/03/07/20050306182745.jpeg)
This was to commemorate the Macau flights (Tony looks so sleazy!)
(IMG:http://smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/03/23/airasia.jpg)
Thai sister airline. Sawatdii krab

Ok, enuff la for now...

oh my God.. thanks so so much malaccan! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif) thse gurls are heaven.. he is sure one hella lucky guy.. tht fernandes...

[Iron Malayan]

(IMG:http://www.hflight.net/MT/archives/images/IMG_0194_resize.JPG)
Courtesy of Google, as are the rest of the photos. Hehe.
(IMG:http://img.epochtimes.com/i6/4102428191164.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Some of your pics are good enough for the Malaysian Beauties thread. Hehe

[malaccan]

Air Asia also allows the stewardesses to dress more conservatively if they want, and unlike conventional carrier, they don't discriminate body sizes! Although by far most of the stewardesses are really petite.
(IMG:http://www.malaysiasquash.com/gallery/asian/press%20con1/Air%20Asia%20Stewardess.JPG)
They're watching squash think

(IMG:http://www.travelquality.com/flights/pictures/cabincrew/Malaysian/malaysian001.jpg)
I still prefer Malaysia Airline's sarong kebaya outfit. So classy.

[Aranadhel]

[quote=malaccan,Nov 30 2005, 03:25 PM]
Air Asia also allows the stewardesses to dress more conservatively if they want, and unlike conventional carrier, they don't discriminate body sizes! Although by far most of the stewardesses are really petite.
(IMG:http://www.malaysiasquash.com/gallery/asian/press%20con1/Air%20Asia%20Stewardess.JPG)
They're watching squash think

oh my godd... look at how sexy the ones in short skirts are... shoot, wish I was sitting there with them... I'd ogle at them all day long.. ahahhaha (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggthumpup.gif)

[Icez]

ahakz..cheeky man, u Arn. ahakz...naughty2..
anyway cheers (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[caramel]

Hahaha. The air stewardess of Air Asia is definitely better looking than any of the ones in the budget airlines company in Australia. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/embarassedlaugh.gif)

[Icez]

Aiseyman..i really donno.. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/confused.gif)

[Aranadhel]

ahakz..cheeky man, u Arn. ahakz...naughty2..
anyway cheers (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

ahhahahaha... boys will be boys, you know? (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif) cheers to you too!