Latest news with #FarehMazputra
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
AirAsia eyes increased connectivity to Penang in regional expansion push
GEORGE TOWN: AirAsia is actively exploring the possibility of increasing flight connectivity to and from Penang as part of its ongoing regional growth strategy, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional accessibility. AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the airline is currently evaluating several potential new routes involving Penang, one of Malaysia's most popular travel destinations. "We will be doing a lot more study on it. One thing is for sure, as an airline, our job and business is to connect places and people. But of course, we also need to ensure that the connectivity is sustainable. "So, there are many destinations we want to connect to Penang," he told reporters after a press conference on 'AirAsia RedRun lands in Malaysia for the first time in Penang', which was also attended by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, here today. Elaborating further, Fareh said any expansion plans must align with operational sustainability and long-term viability, with the airline particularly focused on 'low-hanging fruit' routes that demonstrate strong demand and immediate commercial potential. While no specific new routes have been confirmed yet, he indicated that AirAsia's focus remains on regional destinations, with plans to enhance Penang's connectivity within ASEAN and nearby markets. Meanwhile, Wong said AirAsia carried over 1.8 million passengers through Penang across the region in just the first half of this year and contributes 38 per cent of passenger aircraft arrivals at Penang International Airport based on airport data. "Currently, AirAsia connects Penang to seven international cities, namely Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Shenzhen, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, and five domestic destinations, including Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. "There are 239 weekly AirAsia flights to Penang from international and domestic destinations. Additionally, it facilitates connections from other international cities via the AirAsia Fly-thru programme and provides timely transit flights from international cities through KLIA to Penang," he added. AirAsia is bringing its highly anticipated RedRun to Penang for the first time, marking the next leg of the airline's regional initiative to energise travel and spotlight key tourism destinations across ASEAN. The RedRun Penang will take place on Sept 28 at Gurney Plaza, inviting thousands of participants from across the region to join in three race categories: 3 kilometres (km), 5 km, and 10 km. Registration for the RedRun is open until Aug 18, 2025. - Bernama
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AirAsia plans expanded Penang flights to boost regional connectivity
GEORGE TOWN: AirAsia is considering expanding flight routes to Penang as part of its regional growth strategy, aiming to enhance connectivity for one of Malaysia's top tourist hubs. The airline is assessing potential new destinations while ensuring operational sustainability and commercial viability. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra stated that the airline prioritises routes with strong demand. 'Our role is to connect places and people, but sustainability is key. We're studying multiple Penang routes,' he said during the 'AirAsia RedRun' press conference. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted AirAsia's significant role in Penang's air traffic, with 1.8 million passengers in the first half of 2024. The airline operates 239 weekly flights, linking Penang to seven international and five domestic destinations, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia's RedRun event will debut in Penang on September 28 at Gurney Plaza, featuring 3km, 5km, and 10km races. Registrations close on August 18, 2025. - Bernama
Hype Malaysia
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
AirAsia Adds Wings To Indonesia: Fly Direct From KL To Palembang & Semarang From RM159 All-In!
Pack your bags, wanderlusters! AirAsia Malaysia has announced two new direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang and Semarang, further enhancing travel access between Malaysia and Indonesia with a total of 188 weekly flights now operating between the two countries. With these additions, AirAsia Malaysia now connects to 15 destinations across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok and from Penang to Jakarta and Medan, making it one of the most connected foreign carriers in Indonesia. These latest routes come as Indonesia targets 16 million international arrivals in 2025, with Malaysia consistently ranked among the top source markets. The timing also aligns with the reopening of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (Palembang) and Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang) for international services, making AirAsia the first international airline to return to both cities. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations. Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: 'This launch reflects our ongoing efforts to serve more cities across Indonesia, especially those that have been underserved. We are proud to return to Palembang and Semarang and we were among the first to reopen seats to both PLM and SRG reaffirming our commitment to these key destinations, two vibrant cities that deserve a wider audience. 'Each new route opens up more opportunities for business, tourism and for people to reconnect. We are also proud to bring them closer to Kuala Lumpur and beyond with convenient, affordable flights. We thank the government and all stakeholders who have supported this milestone.' In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang starting from just RM159* all-in, one way. Flights from Palembang to Kuala Lumpur are also available from IDR499,000* all-in one way from now until 29th June 2025, for travelling between 17th July 2025 and 28th March 2026. Meanwhile, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Semarang start from just RM199* all-in one way, while flights from Semarang to Kuala Lumpur are available from IDR799,000* all in one way. Guests can book their flights from now until 29th June 2025, for travelling between 5th September 2025 and 28th March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra and Sumatra's second-largest city, is known as one of Indonesia's top travel destinations. Once the heart of the powerful Sriwijaya Empire, it now offers a mix of rich history, local cuisine, and riverfront charm. The Musi River, Sumatra's longest, flows through the city, with the iconic Ampera Bridge – built in 1965 – standing as a proud symbol of growth and unity. Semarang, the capital of Central Java, blends Javanese and Chinese cultures and was named the cleanest tourist destination in Southeast Asia by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2020–2022). Highlights include the vibrant Kampung Pelangi (Rainbow Village), with its brightly painted homes, and Kota Lama (Old Town), a historic area known for its colonial charm and lively street scene. With their cultural richness, scenic landmarks, and unique experiences, Palembang and Semarang are must-visit gems in Indonesia. Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Palembang (PLM): Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Semarang (SRG): *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
The Star
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
AirAsia launches new Kuala Lumpur–Palembang and Semarang routes
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Malaysia has launched two new direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang and Semarang, bringing the total number of weekly flights between Malaysia and Indonesia to 188. In a statement, the carrier said the new routes bring its total Indonesian destinations to 15, making it one of the most connected foreign airlines in the country. The new routes come as Indonesia targets 16 million international arrivals in 2025, with Malaysia among its top source markets. Their launch also coincides with the reopening of Palembang and Semarang airports for international flights, making AirAsia the first international carrier to return to both cities. 'This launch reflects our ongoing efforts to serve more cities across Indonesia, especially those that have been underserved. We are proud to return to Palembang and Semarang, and we were among the first to reopen seats to both Palembang and Semarang, reaffirming our commitment to these key destinations, two vibrant cities that deserve a wider audience,' AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said. 'Each new route opens up more opportunities for business, tourism and for people to reconnect. We are also proud to bring them closer to Kuala Lumpur and beyond with convenient, affordable flights. We thank the government and all stakeholders who have supported this milestone.' AirAsia is offering one-way promotional fares from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang from RM159 and from Palembang to Kuala Lumpur from IDR499,000, for travel between July 17, 2025, and March 28, 2026. Fares from Kuala Lumpur to Semarang start from RM199, and from Semarang to Kuala Lumpur from IDR799,000, for travel between September 5, 2025, and March 28, 2026.
Hype Malaysia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
AirAsia To Launch Kota Kinabalu To Fukuoka Route Via Taipei This August; Promo Fares Up For Grabs!
Pack your bags, wanderlusters! AirAsia Malaysia has further strengthened connectivity from its second-largest hub, Kota Kinabalu, with the launch of a brand new fifth-freedom route to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei! Starting from 15th August 2025, AirAsia will be operating the additional route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka through a short stopover in Taipei with daily flights. The new route underscores the airline's commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub, enabling more Sabahans to fly beyond ASEAN and offering more travel options for globetrotters seeking new adventures. Taipei is one of AirAsia's key virtual hubs within its extensive network. The new route provides more flexibility for Malaysians looking to explore more destinations in Japan, offering an alternative to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka via Don Mueang (Thailand), operated by Thai AirAsia. Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, said: 'We are excited to launch this new fifth-freedom flight from Taipei to Fukuoka, marking another significant milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities from our Kota Kinabalu hub. Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route three years ago, we have flown more than 130,000 guests, and the numbers continue to grow. This launch aligns with our vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities. 'With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government's vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination. We remain committed to facilitating air travel for everyone through enhanced connectivity, convenience and accessibility.' In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka starting from just RM609* all-in one way, whereas flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu are also available from JPY21,390* all-in one way. Guests can book their flights from today onwards until 8th June 2025, for travelling between 15th August 2025 and 29th March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and Flight Schedule Between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) & Fukuoka (FUK) Via Taipei (TPE): Fukuoka is a popular destination in Japan where tradition meets modernity. The city is renowned for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen and serves as a paradise for foodies. It is also the best go-to destination for nature lovers, especially as the city offers tranquility for a perfect getaway trip – stroll through the Ohori Park or the Fukuoka Castle and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. From 15th August onwards, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations across Asia from the Kota Kinabalu hub, with a total of 79 flights weekly, further solidifying the hub's position as Malaysia's second-largest hub. *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
