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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Air Asia X owes me a Sweet Snack and Beverage (thestar online)

Air Asia X owes me a Sweet Snack and Beverage
Posted by: yuilui
I recently flew with Air Asia X (D72009) from London to Stansted and had pre-booked my meal (Kid's Meal) to take advantage of the discount on pre-booked meals. I was served the Kid's Meal as expected, but was pleasantly surprised when during the 2nd service, I was not given the "sweet snack and beverage" that I should have been given. When asked about this, I was explicitly told by the air stewardess that the 2nd service Kid's Meal does not come with ANY sweet snack and beverage. However, she was kind enough to pour me a cup of water to quench my thirst (it was a 13 hour flight after all).

I would like to bring your attention to the Kid's Meal itinerary that is detailed out on the Air Asia X website, as well as in the in-flight food menu book.

Kids Meal - UK to KL
=====================
1st Service (Main Meal)
Penne Pasta with Chicken Bolognaise*

2nd Service (Light Meal)
Chicken Nuggets & Potato Wedges*

*Kids Meals are accompanied with a sweet snack and beverage.

As you can see, the asterisks denotes that the 1st service and 2nd service meals are supposed to come with a sweet snack and beverage. I would like someone from Air Asia to explain to me why I was not given a sweet snack and beverage in the 2nd service. The menu clearly states that it is accompanied with a sweet snack and beverage for journeys from the UK to KL.

Here are some of the excuses I do not want to hear :
1) The sweet snack and beverage have all been combined into 1 and served in the first meal.
2) You ran out of sweet snack and beverage after the 1st service.
3) Do not tell me that the 2nd service Kid's Meal does not come with any sweet snack and beverage, because unless I am blind and imagining asterisks where it shouldn't be, it does.


I Want my Sweet Snack and Beverage

Also, I noted that all the other passengers given the Kids Meal on the same flight did not receive any snack and beverage during the 2nd service. You should know that the Kid's Meal is MORE EXPENSIVE than a regular meal, and to be served a miserable polystyrene cup of water as opposed to a bottle of mineral water which normal meals have in the 2nd service is unacceptable to me.

I am not a kid, and am not throwing a tantrum :-). I just want to know what's going on and feel strongly that other consumers not be misled by your website or inflight menu. I would also love to have a refund, or for the sweet snack and beverage to be delivered to me.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Airlines tighten baggage rules to help trim costs (thestar)


Airlines tighten baggage rules to help trim costs
By YEOW POOI LING

IATA says every 1% improvement in fuel efficiency across industry can cut fuel costs by US$700mil annually

PETALING JAYA: Most airlines, in trying to mitigate the impact of fuel price volatility, have resorted to stringent baggage restrictions as part of measures to achieve better fuel efficiency.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), every 1% improvement in fuel efficiency across the aviation industry can lower fuel costs by US$700mil annually. This is unsurprising since fuel cost is the second-largest cost for airlines after labour.

Passengers on AirAsia flights are encouraged to travel light, like using carry-on luggage, to minimise checked-in baggage. They are allowed to have one carry-on luggage of up to 7kg, plus free 15kg allowance for checked-in baggage.

In comparison, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) allows for hand luggage to have a maximum combined weight of 5kg and free 20kg allowance for checked-in luggage for economy class (see table).

MAS general manager for corporate safety, security, health and environment, Ooi Teong Siew, said reducing weight was one of the static techniques, which include ensuring aircraft are well trimmed and engines cleaned regularly.

Dynamic techniques, meanwhile, are factors that have an impact on the flight path like direct routings, economical speeds, continuous descents and optimum altitudes.

“These efforts, without compromising on safety and quality, have reduced our fuel burnt rate and enabled us to contribute to cost reduction of RM2.3bil from 2006 to 2008,” Ooi said in an e-mail reply to StarBiz.

AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes noted that for every flight hour, an additional 1,000kg of take-off weight would burn up 90kg fuel.

AirAsia also achieved greater fuel efficiency with its new fleet of A320 planes, as they offered higher unit fuel consumption per flight while high dispatch ability and operational efficiency contributed to lower maintenance expenses, Fernandes said.

“We adhere to a quick turnaround of 25 minutes, which leads to high aircraft utilisation, lower costs as well as greater airline and staff productivity. Fuel consumption-wise, the quick turnaround means less time spent by an aircraft idling on the ground, which reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and harmful emissions,” he said.

Such practices kept costs down and ensured minimum aircraft weight, Fernandes said, adding that savings and benefits would translate into low fares for passengers.

Ooi said MAS also minimised the use of auxiliary power unit on ground, ensured faster connection of ground power, chose the best flight profile as well as adopted a continuous descent approach at applicable airports, and regular airframe and engine maintenance.

“Other examples include replacing the heavy unit loading devices with those which are 40kg lighter and using nearer alternate airports.”

MAS is anticipated to achieve greater fuel efficiency when it takes delivery of 35 B738 late next year and the A380 in 2011.

Meanwhile, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the airline did not practise overzealous efforts in enforcing one hand luggage and checked baggage limits.

“Firefly’s business model was designed to be light from the beginning because we chose a very fuel efficient and modern ATR72-500 aircraft,” he said.

The focus then is on eliminating hassles, enriching the travel experience and optimising costs.

“For example, our full complimentary food and beverage on board includes serving muffins on paper cups and ensuring that we cater exactly to the passenger count. Any extras would be given to passengers.

“In the end, there is no waste to offload, no wastage to worry about. Our ultimate gain is in the revenue side and loyalty from passengers,” Leong added.

Emirates Airlines, in contrast, increased the free baggage allowance across its network effective May 4, with the exception of countries that apply one-piece concept for checked-in luggage.

Economy class travellers are now given 30kg from 20kg previously.

An analyst with a local brokerage said the impact of strict baggage terms was unlikely to have a huge impact on bottomline.

Airlines also tried to carry the correct amount of jetfuel and to power planes by ground power units during waiting periods instead of jetfuel to achieve better fuel efficiency, he said.

IATA, on its website, indicated efforts being taken with air navigation service providers, air traffic controllers, airlines and other key stakeholders to save one minute per flight via better airspace design, procedures and management.

“If successful, this initiative could reduce total industry operating costs by over US$1bil a year and significantly reduce environmental emissions,” the association said, noting that on average, airlines spent US$100 per minute per flight in total operating costs.

Reduced gearing for AirAsia (thestar)

Reduced gearing for AirAsia
By LEONG HUNG YEE

Move to part-defer taking delivery of aircraft in 2010 should lower debt obligations

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd’s decision to defer taking delivery of eight Airbus A320 aircraft next year is expected to bring its gearing level down, say analysts.

AmResearch views the development positively, saying AirAsia would manage to avoid building up significant capital and finance costs in its books over a soft phase in passenger demand cycle.

The research house said the move would also lift the market’s previous concerns on AirAsia’s aggressive expansion plan amid a weak demand environment, which could have resulted in a mismatch between slowing earnings growth and escalating costs.

“Assuming the deferral were to materialise, we will lower our net gearing forecast to 2.7 times from 3.1 times in 2010 and 2.8 times from 3.6 times in 2011 – extending out the gearing up cycle over AirAsia’s growth phase.

“Due to earlier assumptions of poor load factors, the elimination of depreciation and finance charges actually raise our net profit forecast by 9% to 16% to RM537mil in financial year ending Dec 31, 2010,” AmResearch said.

On Monday, AirAsia said it was planning to defer taking delivery of eight A320s for 2010 and may defer taking delivery of another eight aircraft in 2011.

The low-cost carrier was originally scheduled to take delivery of 24 aircraft next year and another 24 in 2011.

OSK Research analyst Ng Sem Guan said the deferment could help the airline lower its “relatively high” gearing level.

“Although AirAsia announced a proposed private placement recently, its gearing remains a concern,” he said, adding that the deferment reflected the less-than-exciting outlook for the carrier.

“We think the deferment suggests that the outlook for the carrier is tougher than expected. The rebound in crude oil price and the fact that the company has unwound all its fuel hedge positions may pressure operating costs. This prompts us to revise downwards our FY10 earnings by 15.5%,” he said.

However, Ng said AirAsia’s on-going fund raising exercise might provide some excitement for its share price performance.

ECM Libra Investment Research said although the deferment of delivery of the eight aircraft next year might cap earnings for 2010, it would help lighten the the group’s debt obligations.

“AirAsia’s gearing level is expected to be five times in FY10. However, the deferment of the aircraft delivery will reduce it a little to a gearing level of about 4.3 times. We also expect its cash balances to improve in FY10 as a result,” it said.

The research house said it was less concerned about the earnings opportunity cost and was more positive about the effects the deferment would have on AirAsia’s balance sheet.

Asian carriers seek to delay deliveries (flightglobal)

By

Two major Asian carriers - AirAsia and Air India - are looking to defer delivery of airliners.

The former says it is due to capacity issues at its Kuala Lumpur hub, while the Indian carrier is mulling the move due to its poor financial state.

Malaysia-headquartered low-cost airline group AirAsia plans to delay eight of the 24 Airbus A320s it is due next year.




The delivery slip is being sought because of airport terminal space limitations arising from the delay in getting a new low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur international airport, says the airline.

It is unclear if the deal has been agreed with Airbus, or how far back the deliveries have been pushed.

According to Flight's ACAS database, the group has 115 A320s on order. It currently operates 76 aircraft - mostly A320s - and will phase out its remaining Boeing 737-300s next year.

AirAsia has complained that the current low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur is too small. The government has announced that a new one will be built, but it is unclear when it will be completed.

Meanwhile, Indian civil aviation minister Praful Patel has warned the country's parliament that the "rescheduling or cancellation of future aircraft deliveries" is one of the measures that Air India plans to adopt to "improve its financial position".

The loss-making flag carrier is seeking to restructure its business in order to get financial aid from its owner, the Indian government. It is seeking an equity infusion of Rp12.31 billion ($254 million) and a soft loan of Rp27.5 billion that will be repaid over 15 years.

It has taken delivery of 50 of the 111 Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft ordered in 2005. As a result, its debt swelled to Rp152.41 billion in June after paying for new aircraft.

Patel, who also told the parliament that Air India lost about Rp72 billion in the year ended 31 March, said that the carrier was taking other steps to stem losses.

These include cutting flights on traditionally loss-making routes, returning leased capacity, reviewing manpower requirements and cutting the head count.

Monday, July 20, 2009

DMIA posts 21% increase in passenger volume amid global economic crisis

DMIA posts 21% increase in passenger volume amid global economic crisis Print
Regions
Written by Jacob Cunanan / Correspondent
Monday, 20 July 2009 21:58

CLARK FREE PORT, Pampanga—Amid a downturn in the aviation industry caused by the global economic crisis, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here continues to attract more passengers as it posted a 21-percent increase in international passenger volume in the first five months of 2009.

 This was revealed by Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano during the 2009 DMIA product update at the Wow Philippines Central Luzon Tourism Fair at the Clamshell in Intramuros, Manila, recently. 

 A report from the CIAC corporate-planning department showed that 251,719 international passengers passed through the DMIA from January to May this year compared with 208,858 in the same period in 2008, or a difference of 42,861 passengers.

 The report also showed a significant increase of passenger volume in the month of January alone by as much as 27 percent with 53,068 compared with the 41,944 posted in January 2008, a trend that proves the DMIA is one of the busiest airports in the country. 

 “I am happy to report that despite a 16-percent slump in the first five months of 2009 in the entire aviation industry in the Asia-Pacific region caused by the global economic recession and the A[H1N1] virus, the DMIA posted a 21-percent growth over the first five months of 2009,” Luciano told some 200 participants of the DMIA product update. 

“CIAC is now at the forefront of aviation development in the Philippines. The DMIA is an airport that has, over the last four years, created a life of its own. From virtually nothing, the Clark airport will host around 700,000 international passengers, both incoming and outgoing, this year,” Luciano said.

He stressed that the DMIA is now known as “the low-cost airline airport of the Philippines” where low-cost airlines charge cheap fares and provide passenger convenience by making available online booking through the respective web sites of the airlines flying to Clark.

Airlines currently operating at the DMIA include Asiana Airlines of South Korea that flies to Incheon; Air Asia of Malaysia that flies to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu; Tiger Airways that flies to Singapore; Cebu Pacific Air that flies to Bangkok, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as domestically to Cebu; and Southeast Asian Airlines and Zest Air that both fly to Caticlan en route to the island resort of Boracay.

“Very soon, flights to Taiwan and the Middle East by the big legacy airlines will also soon be made available as soon as the new terminal is finished,” the CIAC chief said.

 “We are now promoting Clark to be the international gateway of the Philippines. The terminal is undergoing bidding and we are talking about a speed rail so that in the future, it would be easier for people to go to Clark and take their flights. When we finish the terminal in about two years, we will expect more and more airlines, especially the big airlines, to fly to Clark,” Luciano stressed.

He explained that this development will be beneficial to overseas Filipino workers because they can now fly home more often, could even bring their families along to their country of employment, and they can visit other countries in Southeast Asia.

Luciano also cited that people in Manila, particularly in the northern parts which include Quezon City and the Camanava (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area, find it more convenient now to fly via the DMIA that could be reached through the North Luzon Expressway that is now connected to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

  “Clark is the airport of the people of Central Luzon and Northern Luzon. The DMIA is our airport and you will soon see more and more flights for your convenience in the future,” Luciano stressed.

Luciano said CIAC is currently conducting a road show to promote the DMIA and the flights and services it offers.

“The 2009 DMIA road show that has gone around Northern Luzon for the past three months and is expected to reach more areas in the coming months has been a big boost to the airport’s promotional thrust to promote the international flights at the DMIA,” he said, adding there are now moves to bring the road show to countries in the Southeast Asian region.

“We invite the leaders of the travel agencies, the hotel industry, the chambers of commerce, socio-civic organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Jaycees, everybody, to come fly in and out of Clark,” Luciano stressed.

Prior to the Intramuros stop, the ninth for the DMIA road show, it was held in Baguio City on June 30 and has visited the provinces of Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon and the Northern Luzon provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
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AirAsia courts budget travelers (China Daily)


AirAsia is taking advantage of its position as a low-cost airline to increase market share among budget-minded travelers in a down economy.

"A low-cost carrier like AirAsia is better suited to maneuver challenging economic times, since more people are switching to low-cost carriers as their first choice when traveling," Kathleen Tan, regional commercial director for the airline based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, told China Business Weekly.

Tan said the H1N1 influenza outbreak has added to aviation's financial struggles since the second half of last year.

However, the downturn in tourism and the economy also offers an opportunity to revaluate policies and embrace change, she said.

The airline on June 24 became the first to remove administration fees from the cost of an airline ticket.

Now all airlines except AirAsia add an administration fee to the ticket price. Those administration fees can run as high as 20 percent of the ticket price.

AirAsia passengers just pay the cost of the ticket plus tax, which has been absorbed into the posted ticket price.

"The air ticket price will be an all-in-one price. It increases the transparency of the air fare system for AirAsia and helps passengers better understand the air ticket fare structure," Tan said.

"Abolishing the administration fee will reduce the fare and thus boost sales volumes for the company," she said.

AirAsia has already proven profitable in a tough economy.

The company's current EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent) is RM (Ringgit Malaysia) 46 million ($12.91 million) with 35 percent margins.

The airline recorded 21 percent growth to 3.1 million passengers year-on-year in the first quarter of this year.

The company reported year-on-year increases of 591 percent in core operating profits to RM 166 million for the first quarter, and a 33 percent increase in revenues to RM 714 million.

"It's also a year in which we are placing an even greater emphasis on innovation and quality," Tan said.

"With the abolition of the administration fee, we expect to see strong competition from other airlines, which to us is healthy in ensuring that we remain at the forefront," she said.

AirAsia last November became the first airline to abolish surcharges.

In addition to abolishing the administration fee in June, the company has added other incentives such as larger-sized baggage allowances, discounts on pre-booked on-flight meals and website and airport kiosk check-in procedures, she said.

Related readings:
AirAsia courts budget travelers AirAsia flies high on a small budget
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AirAsia courts budget travelers China's private airline faces bankruptcy amid huge losses
AirAsia also has implemented an "On Time Guarantee" policy that compensates passengers who experience flight delays of more than two hours.

AirAsia, which has carried 4 million passengers to China since its inception, has nine destinations in the country: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macao, Hong Kong, Guilin, Haikou, Hangzhou, Tianjin and Taipei.

"Our unique selling proposition is allowing us to continue to grow and expand in China," Tan said.

Tan said the airline is considering adding Chengdu as a destination and also will be adding more flights to existing cities in China.

AirAsia was founded in 1993 and began operations in November 1996 in Malaysia.

The airline was founded by the government-owned conglomerate DRB-Hicom, Malaysia's largest automotive company.

In December 2001, the heavily indebted airline was purchased by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, owner of Tune Air Sdn Bhd and a former executive for US-based Time Warner Music Group in Malaysia.

Fernandes was hailed in business circles for his fast turnaround of AirAsia, which posted its first profit in 2002.

The airline also quickly launched a series of new routes from its hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

AirAsia began flights from Bangkok to Xiamen in 2005, becoming the first low-cost airline in Asia to gain entry to China.

Friday, July 17, 2009

AirAsia plans to sell three B737 aircraft (thestar)

AirAsia plans to sell three B737 aircraft

By B.K. SIDHU


PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd plans to sell the three B737 aircraft it owns as part of a plan to have a fleet comprising only A320s, says group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

The airline’s 16 B737s are used by its associate companies in Indonesia and Thailand for their operations. Of the 16, three are its own with no financial obligations while 13 are leased from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS).

The plan is to replace the entire fleet of B737 with new A320-200s by selling three and returning the rest to GECAS.

However, the leased aircraft have different leasing tenures. If AirAsia can find a buyer for its aircraft and get “replacement” lessors for the 13, it would not have to worry about keeping the B737s for the full tenure.

If it decides to return the leased aircraft sooner, there may be a penalty but finding a new lessor would help. AirAsia is therefore working out arrangements to minimise its liability by helping to find a new lessor but this is subject to GECAS’ approval.

That is why AirAsia has started talks on both the sale and leasing arrangements for the B737s.

“We are currently in negotiations with several parties, both potential lessors and buyers,’’ said deputy CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

But as he pointed out: “AirAsia is not in a rush to sell the planes and certainly not at fire-sale prices. We will only dispose of them if the price is right.’’

Both Fernandes and Kamarudin said no timeline had been set for the aircraft disposal.

AirAsia ordered 175 aircraft with an option for 50 more from Airbus SAS in December 2007. Thus far, it has taken delivery of 61 A320-200 and will receive a further nine this year. It is slated to take delivery of 24 aircraft this year and another 24 in 2011.

Recently, the low-cost carrier decided to delay the delivery of eight aircraft scheduled for next year and negotiations are under way to delay a further eight for 2011.

That means it will only take delivery of 16 aircraft next year. This year it has received five of the 14 new aircraft, of which three will be used for the Malaysian operations, seven for Indonesia AirAsia and four for Thai AirAsia.

With the A320-200 fleet slowly but surely taking shape, the pressing question is whether AirAsia would be able to dispose of its B737s given the lack of demand for air travel and airlines are contracting capacity.

“There is a market for the aircraft but it depends on pricing, quality of aircraft and its maintenance record,’’ Kamarudin said.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Redbox is world’s first low-cost courier service (thesundaily)


AIRASIA has launched a low-cost courier service called Redbox.

The new service will offer an average of 50% savings in costs when compared to existing courier services.

The price range is RM47 to RM193 for delivering packages to several areas between the central region (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and selected parts of Negri Sembilan) and places in East Malaysia like Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan and Sandakan.

The company is targeting a revenue of RM25 million to RM30 million from RedBox next year.

“This is the first of initiatives this year to build stronger revenue,” said AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes.

The company is looking to monetise on the AirAsia networks and hits that the AirAsia website has received.

“We are using our brand, networks and the internet to offer services to customers. There is a huge market here for courier services.

The courier market is estimated to be worth RM500 million,”said AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani.

“The key part is our network because we are using our airplanes,” said Fernandes.

Local flights only use 11% of AirAsia planes’ cargo space while heavy flights use 43% of the plane’s cargo space so “there is a lot of capacity for this kind of service,” said Fernandes.

According to Fernandes, RedBox’s low-cost service can be attributed to the fact that users have to visit the AirAsia website to use the service which reduces the company’s need for manpower and the liaison between Mail Boxes ETC (MBE) which already offers courier services through UPS, DHL, PosLaju and CityLink Express.

“We are working with an established infrastructure. So, we don’t have to spend on new infrastructure,” said Fernandes.

Customers that intend to use RedBox will have to visit redbox.airasia.com or
www.airasia.com and select the shipment destination, box size and package weight.

Customers will have to pay for the service via online credit card or direct debit payments.

Credit card and cash payments can also be made at Sales Centres.

The box sizes are available in 10 sizes. The weight breaks offered by the service is between 5kg and 25kg and the options increases in 1kg increments.

Customers can also drop off packages at any of the 17 MBE outlets for delivery.

RedBox uses Google Maps to track the packages and is also the first courier service to do so.

AirAsia Never Considered Race a Factor (WSJ)

I refer to the story headlined "Affirmative action is viewed as barrier to growth in Malaysia; AirAsia's plans for a new hub run into opposition from ethnic Malays" (News in Depth, July 9).

I strongly resent the implication in the headline and the story that AirAsia's issues with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. regarding a new low-cost carrier terminal are caused by the "tenet" of "affirmative action" and "opposition from ethnic Malays." Not once during the interview did I mention the issue of race or "affirmative action." And never in my numerous public statements on this dispute have I indicated that racial discrimination was a factor.

AirAsia's issues with MAHB center on the dispute between the two entities regarding airport charges and fees. AirAsia feels we have been overcharged. We also feel, rightly or wrongly, that our concerns may not be given a fair hearing because of the lack of a level playing field, as both MAHB and Malaysian Airlines System are government-linked companies owned by Khazanah Nasional.

The issue of a level playing field was addressed by Prime Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak on June 30, when he declared that government-linked companies would have to compete fairly with the private sector and would no longer enjoy any special consideration from the administration. I publicly hailed the announcement. I believe the prime minister's commitment to a level playing field will remove any doubt or perception that the concerns of the private sector, of which AirAsia is a vibrant member, will be treated as secondary to the interests of government-linked companies.

The New Economic Policy was born out of necessity and served a crucial social and national goal. Prime Minister Najib, despite just over three months in office, has already moved to adapt the NEP for the current era.

Tony Fernandes
Group CEO
AirAsia Berhad
Kuala Lumpur

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Jet Fuel Price Monitoring 03-07-2009

AirAsia Chief Denies Newcastle Purchase (BERNAMA)

July 04, 2009 23:03 PM


KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes has denied that the low-cost airline (LCC) is keen on buying English football club, Newcastle United.

Contacted by Bernama on the matter, Tony Fernandes said: "We are not either directly or indirectly part of the said Malaysian-led consortium intending to purchase Newcastle United. We deny any involvement whatsoever."

A report published today in a Malay daily, Harian Metro, said AirAsia had confirmed that it was in discussions to become the biggest shareholder of Newcastle United.

The daily had quoted an unnamed source within the airline as claiming Tony had an interest to buy a British soccer club.

The British media Friday reported that a Malaysian consortium led by several well-known businessmen had put in a 80m (RM456 million) bid to take control of Newcastle or 'The Magpies' from its owner Mike Ashley but they were bound by non-disclosure agreements.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia starts courier service (Straits Times)



AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes said the new venture would expand the low-cost carrier's non-airline revenue and help protect it from future oil-price spikes. -- PHOTO: AP

KUALA LUMPUR - BUDGET carrier AirAsia on Thursday launched 'Redbox', an express courier service it says will be 50 per cent cheaper than its rivals.

AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes said the new venture would expand the low-cost carrier's non-airline revenue and help protect it from future oil-price spikes.

'There is a huge untapped consumer market. I don't think many individuals use courier services,' he told a news conference.

Mr Fernandes said the Malaysian courier industry was worth 500 million ringgit (S$204 million) annually and that he intended to capture 30 million ringgit of that in the first year, a goal he said was 'easily achievable.'

The company is billing Redbox - named after the airline's signature colour - as the world's first low-cost courier service.

'It will build strong revenue, and bring costs down for business so they can be more efficient,' Mr Fernandes said.

Currently, 12 per cent of AirAsia's revenue is from ancillary services like food sold on planes, and Mr Fernandes is aiming to boost that figure to 20 per cent within the next few years.

AirAsia is partnering with Mail Boxes Etc, which will provide collection points for packages, and technology consulting firm DMSBT, which will establish an Internet service to track individual shipments.

Transport firm DHL will convey cargo to and from the airport.

Redbox will initially operate only within Malaysia, and next year extend to AirAsia's 65 destinations in Australia, Britain, China, India and Southeast Asia. -- AFP

财务支援二海外联号 亚洲航空面对亏损风险 (联合早报)

(吉隆坡讯)在计划脱售20%股权有助降低负债率之际,亚洲航空(AirAsia)为两家海外联号公司提供财务支援的举措,却导致其业绩具备蒙亏风险。

  为了协助各持股49%联号公司——印尼亚航和泰国亚航筹资及应付营运资本,亚航分别预先支出3亿5500万令吉及2亿4800万令吉的款额。

  马银行投资银行分析员指出,上述两个款额分别占亚航截至去年12月31日止净有形资产值的22.2和15.5%;截至今年首季,泰国亚航和印尼亚航对亚航的净未审计欠款,进而分别增加20%至3亿1800万令吉,以及27%至4亿3400万令吉。

  他表示,若联号公司(以及持股16%的亚航X)继续蒙亏(进而需要更多资金),亚航可能需注销截至去年第四季的6亿300万令吉和截至今年首季7亿5200万令吉的欠款,以及(或者)注入更多现金投资给其联号公司。

  “这可能导致亚航在注入新资金给联号公司之后面对亏损,并需要私下配售超过20%的股权来平衡其资产负债表。”

  因此,他建议投资者趁高脱售亚航股票。

  另一方面,马国研究分析员表示,亚航欲脱售20%股权给单一机构基金或策略投资者的计划,解决了他对该公司高杠杆资产负债表的问题。

  他说:“透过脱售该股权,亚航将能筹集逾5亿令吉资金,料会将其净负债率调降至更能承担的水平,即由四倍降至3.1倍(2010财年)。”

   他将亚航2009和2010财年的净利预测,分别提高153%和167%至4亿1000万令吉及4亿9300万令吉。这个新预测意味着2009财年的盈 利按年激增263%,2008财年核心净利为1亿1300万令吉。这主要因为燃油价下跌41%、航班扩大20%和辅助收入增加77%。

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Jet Fuel Price Monitor 26-06-2009





水柱慶首航 台北飛吉隆坡1,888元

水柱慶首航 台北飛吉隆坡1,888元

民生@報╱民生@報 2009-07-02 15:00

圖說:亞洲航空看好吉隆坡台北航線的商機,7月1日起一周五個航班,台北、吉隆坡單程特惠全包價(機票價+機場稅) 1,888元起。亞洲航空/提供

〔記者畢寶/報導〕台北飛吉隆坡,單程機票全包價只要1,888元!

根 據交通部觀光局統計,96年馬來西亞來台旅遊人數成長高達22%,去年達到15萬6千人次,反之台灣人到馬來西亞旅遊人數在去年創下近16萬人次,今年雖 受到經濟景氣和H1N1影響有萎縮,但仍不減國人出遊到馬來西亞的熱潮。亞洲航空看好吉隆坡台北航線的商機,7月1日起一周五個航班,台北、吉隆坡單程特 惠全包價(機票價+機場稅) 1,888元起,旅行期限為2009年10月1日至2010年4月30日止,有興趣的消費者可以上網www.airasia.com訂購。

迎賓水柱慶首航

亞 洲航空長途公司是首創提供低價遠程航線的航空公司,在台灣交通部觀光局局長賴瑟珍、馬來西亞駐台友誼及貿易中心主席拿督阿杜拉莫哈默薩列、馬來西亞駐台觀 光局處長莫哈默納西帕、桃園國際機場航站主任蕭登科、馬來西亞駐台觀光局副處諾曼、馬來西亞駐台友誼及貿易中心經濟處處長林佑穰的見證下,亞洲航空紅色空 中客機A330降落在台北桃園國際機場。

首航飛機通過迎賓水柱,象徵開啟台灣及馬來西亞旅遊新世紀,首航載客率高達86%,超過300名旅客抵達獲得台灣觀光局準備的伴手禮。

吉隆坡-台北航線載運量高

亞 洲航空今年首度從4月24日開始在網路上預售RM101班機吉隆坡台北航線888元的單程機票,2萬張機票在12個小時之內搶購一空,截至6月底總計銷售 已超過7萬張機票。亞洲航空長途公司首席執行長阿茲蘭‧奧斯曼冉霓(Azran Osman-Rani)表示,他充分感受到台灣消費者熱情,也非常高興見證這條航線的開通。

亞航長途公司2007年11月開通吉隆坡及澳洲 黃金海岸的航線,又在2008年先後開通了吉隆坡至中國杭州、印度崔琦、澳洲柏斯和墨爾本的航線。2009年,由吉隆坡飛往英國倫敦和中國天津的航線也已 相繼開通。亞洲航空長途公司首席執行長Azran Osman-Rani表示,預期吉隆坡-台北航線今年底將達到8萬旅客的載運量,未來持續以馬來西亞吉隆玻為航運基地,以高頻率、點對點、中長距離飛行滿 足消費者的需求。

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

COLLECTION ADVERTISING ON AIR ASIA
















  • ADVERTISING 06/2009






亚航CEO称可能在一两年内完成同亚航X的合并 (凤凰网)

亚航CEO称可能在一两年内完成同亚航X的合并

2009年07月01日 11:46民航资源网 】 【打印0位网友发表评论

综 合外电7月1日报道,马来西亚廉价航空公司亚洲航空公司(AirAsia Bhd,简称“亚航”)首席执行官费南德斯(Tony Fernandes)称,亚航将在一至两年的时间里完成同低成本长途航空公司亚航X航空公司(Air Asia X,简称“亚航X”)的合并。

费南德斯在马来西亚投资会议上发言时称,亚航X可能将在未来一两年的时间里寻求首次公开发行的机会或和亚航合并。他未提供其他相关细节。

他在讲话中称,预计亚航X拥有的客机将在2013年之前扩充至32架,载客量将增至736万人。亚航X目前拥有4架飞机,载客量达146235人。

亚航X首席执行官Asran Osman-Rani称其董事会尚未收到任何正式的收购邀约。

联昌国际研究(CIMB Research)分析师称,亚航和亚航X的合并存在合理性,因亚航的短途航空业务将在未来5年内逐步进入成熟期,而长途业务将可能为其提供长期的增长动力。

亚航和英国维珍集团(Virgin Group)分别持有亚航X20%的股份,该航空公司从07年11月开始运营,拥有澳大利亚和英国航线。

(张萌 编译)

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Malaysian airliner gets Raiders eye patch (san francisco business time)

Malaysian airliner gets Raiders eye patch


AirAsia sports an A340 in Raiders livery.

The Oakland Raiders’ newest sponsorship has an interesting twist: The product carries the team logo but is not available in the United States.

The Raiders have a deal with AirAsia, a low-cost Malaysian airline. As part of its sponsorship, AirAsia replaced the red and white color scheme of one of its planes with the Raiders’ distinctive silver and black. The A340 plane even sports a Raiders eye patch.

So why would AirAsia want a deal with a team in Oakland when it does not even fly there?

“In this particular instance, AirAsia recognizes the Raiders’ brand is global,” said team CEO Amy Trask. “They like the brand association.”

The Raiders for years have been at the forefront of pro sports in reaching beyond the United States to broaden the appeal of the team. In addition to English, for example, the Raiders have web sites in Tagalog, Japanese, German, Chinese and Spanish.

“There are 31 teams in the NFL,” Trask said, “and then there is the Raiders. We’re different and one of the things that makes us different is our global appeal.”

While AirAsia doesn’t fly to the United States now, that could change. There are reports that the company is setting its sights on the United States. The first destination? Oakland, of course.

AirAsia placement to raise RM500mil (the star online)

AirAsia placement to raise RM500mil


Low-cost carrier hopes to complete exercise in two months

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd, which has announced its intention to do a 20% private placement, expects to raise about RM500mil from the exercise.

“The private placement is subject to approval from Bursa Malaysia. We hope to complete the exercise in two months.

“The idea is basically to try to raise around RM500mil to reduce our loans and have more cash,” chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2009 yesterday.

“There’s been a huge appetite for our equity. It’s always good to have cash, especially for an airline; hence we’ve decided to do a private placement,” he said.

Fernandes added the group would be working on the terms of the private placement.

“The first stage is to appoint bankers to see how best to do the exercise; whether it should be in two blocks of 10% each or a straight 20%,” he said.

Fernandes said its plan had been “warmly welcomed” and had received “very good feedback” although many people had been asking about AirAsia’s high gearing.

He said there was ample liquidity in the market and that it was a good environment to raise equity.

On the new measures announced by the Government, Fernandes said: “Today is a very big day for AirAsia. It’s what I’ve been asking for seven years and today we get a level playing field.”

“The Government has created a level playing field and, hopefully, this will prevent any excursion to hospital,” he joked.

Fernandes was admitted to a hospital recently after he fainted at the low-cost carrier terminal due to exhaustion.

Asked if the setting up of Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) would help AirAsia, he said: “I think so. When we started seven years ago, we couldn’t get a cup of coffee from any bank for private equity.”

Fernandes said there was enormous talent in the country and there could be many more (like) AirAsia but lacked funding and hoped that Ekuinas would provide them support to grow.

“There’ll be mistakes but if they (Ekuinas) are too conservative in their approach, they will miss some fantastic opportunities,” he added.