Air Asia's CEO Tony Fernandes talks refunds

The chiasmatic Chief Executive Officer at AirAsia Group, Tony Fernandes took to social media recently to offer this video of the group's stance on refunds.

He told how his job at the group has seen him handle things he'd never have thought could p[possibility happen,  such as how to balance 245 grounded planes, pay over 22,000 staff, keep the jobs going, make sure to hire back over 2,000 staff they had to let go at the height of the pandemic. 

Air Asia has flown over 600 million people, many of whom never had the chance to fly before, Fernandes says as he addresses the issue of refunds.

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AirAsia Group Berhad Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Turning Deep Crisis Into Digital Diversification Opportunity

Fixed Costs Reduced 52%, Exceeded Target of 50%

Established Leaner and Optimised Operations in 2020

Encouraging Quarter-on-quarter Trends

International Travel Expected in 2h2021

Full Recovery in the Next Two Years

AirAsia Group Berhad has reported its financial results for the quarter ended 31 December 2020, the Consolidated Group¹  posted 4Q2020 revenue of RM267 million, lower by 40% quarter-on-quarter (“QoQ”) and 92% year-on-year (“YoY”). Airline revenue decreased 92% YoY due to partial lockdowns in Malaysia in October and November. Less impacted in the quarter, non-airline revenue declined 46% YoY. 

The Consolidated Group posted a 4Q2020 EBITDA loss of RM2.1 billion, as compared to positive EBITDA of RM235 million in 4Q2019. While the Group successfully reduced fixed costs by 61% YoY, the loss was primarily attributed to a shortfall in revenue amidst subdued travel demand as international borders remained closed. In addition, the Consolidated Group was impacted by a fuel hedging loss of RM391 million and a one-off impairment of right-of-use assets, receivables and finance lease receivables of RM1.5 billion, and bankruptcy costs for AirAsia Japan of RM20 million. Stripping off these one-offs, AAGB would have reported a negative EBITDA of RM223 million. 

AirAsia Digital’s performance for the quarter was commendable as EBITDA grew 13% YoY. The airasia super app increased revenue by 15% YoY to RM12 million while BigPay narrowed EBITDA loss by 41%. Teleport reported positive EBITDA of RM17 million despite a decline in revenue from impacted cargo capacity due to closed borders. BIG Rewards also reported positive EBITDA for the quarter. 

AirAsia updates flight schedules to assist Filipinos flying home this Holy Week

Commercial flight schedules are being updated regularly in line with the recent announcement of new guidelines under Resolution No. 104 by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), allowing only essential travel for flights originating from and going to NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite) from March 22 to April 04, 2021. 

Select flights are open for booking via airasia super app or airasia.com. Guests may use their credit accounts to redeem these flights. Additional routes and flight schedules will be on the AirAsia website and mobile app, subject to approval from the authorities.

The airline urges guests to check the latest travel restrictions and advice of respective governments before travelling, as policies may change frequently. 

AirAsia Spokesperson Steve Dailisan said, “As our guests fly to their respective provinces this Holy Week, AirAsia is committed to ensuring that all essential travelers get to their destinations in the safest way possible. We know how important it is for a lot of Filipinos to be able go home, rest, and reflect especially during this time. 

AirAsia supports strict implementation of COVID-19 health protocols; reminds guests to comply to avoid hefty fines and penalties

AirAsia supports strict implementation of COVID-19 health protocols; reminds guests to comply to avoid hefty fines and penalties

 AirAsia reminds its guests to strictly observe established health and safety protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield within the airport premises, and during the entire duration of the flight as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). 

In a joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01 issued on 08 January 2021, all scheduled air operators are reminded to stringently observe the advisories, orders, rules and regulations by aviation related agencies such as Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA),  and Clark International Airport Corporation  (CIAC) in relation to COVID-19-related protocols and guidelines. 

The aviation agencies have also reiterated that those found violating existing rules can be fined  from “Three hundred thousand pesos” (PhP 300,000) to “Five hundred thousand pesos” (PhP 500,000) for each violation.

AirAsia will strictly adhere to the allowable number of passengers per flight, as prescribed by the respective Local Government Units (LGUs).

 AirAsia has a robust multi-layered approach to safety from check-in to inflight. Numerous digital and contactless solutions have also been put in place to  ensure a safe, affordable and comfortable guest experience.

Pre-flight advisories and travel guidelines are  communicated directly to guests travelling in the near future, through email, SMS, various social media platforms, and airasia.com to provide a timely reminder  as  guests prepare for their flight, as well as to ensure their 100% compliance.  

AirAsia staff, cabin crew and members of the flight deck  observe the highest level of safety at all times to facilitate the safe journey of our guests. 

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AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said “AirAsia has always been compliant and committed to all existing guidelines set by the authorities. This allows us to assure our guests to travel safely and confidently during this period.

“Our perfect 7-star rating for COVID-19 compliance as presented recently by AirlineRatings.com is testament to our commitment to always go above and beyond to ensure the protection of our employees and our guests.”

Follow AirAsia on Twitter (@AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) for the latest updates, or contact our customer support team at support.airasia.com.

   

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AirAsia Thailand receives Tourism Authority of Thailand’s SHA certification

AirAsia Thailand, under the management of Thai AirAsia Company Limited, has received Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) certification from executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Department of Health and the Ministry of Public Health in an affirmation of the strict health and safety measures observed on its every flight. The certification acknowledges the measures put in place  to prevent the spread of COVID-19,  and help restore  consumer confidence to travel again.  

Sqn.Ldr. Damrong Phaspipatkul, Director of Flight Operations for AirAsia Thailand, said  “As one of Thailand’s most popular airlines, AirAsia Thailand places the  utmost importance on the health and safety of our staff and guests from the ground to the cabin. We are thrilled to receive this certification following numerous new processes and innovations that we have implemented over recent times to make flying not only safe and affordable, but also more hygenic and contactless at the same time.”

Air Asia Group scales back investment in Air Asia India

Is the mighty AirAsia Group starting to consolidate its global holdings and operational footprint?  Could this be an indication that a sale is on the way in the not too distant future. That may be the case, as the group has just confirmed it has disposed of 32.67% of its equity shares in AirAsia
(India) Limited (AAI) held by the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, AirAsia Investment Limited (AAIL). This brings down its shareholding in AAI to 16.33%. 

Bo Lingam President of the airline's division of the AirAsia Group, said, “This transaction is in line with our initiatives towards reducing cash utilisation for the Group and will allow us to use cash to grow market share in our core markets in Asean, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as for our future expansion into Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. 

“AirAsia Group has been reviewing its forward business strategy regularly, including its investment in AAI. This transaction will ensure strict cost containment for AirAsia Group in the short term, and strengthen our presence in Asean while continuing our market dominance for travel from Asean to India and North Asia.

AirAsia Group Berhad Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

                          AirAsia Group Berhad has reported its results for the quarter ended 30 September 2020, this week with some surprises.  The Consolidated Group posted a revenue of RM443 million, up 272% quarter-on-quarter for the third quarter of this year, but declined 86% year-on-year (“YoY”). Airline revenue decreased 87% YoY but grew 5 times QoQ with the gradual increase in capacity in line with demand as countries began to ease lockdowns and travel restrictions. Less impacted in the quarter, non-airline revenue declined 45% YoY. 

The Consolidated Group posted a 3Q2020 EBITDA loss of RM454 million, as compared to EBITDA of RM691 million in 3Q2019. Net operating loss for the period was RM1.2 billion, compared to RM2 million in profit in the previous corresponding quarter. While the Group successfully reduced fixed costs by 50% YoY, the loss was primarily attributed to a shortfall in revenue amidst subdued travel demand as international borders remained closed. A significant RM663 million of the loss was related to depreciation of right-of-use assets and lease interest costs. In addition, the Consolidated Group was impacted by a fuel hedging loss of RM281 million and one-off impairment of receivables amounting to RM444 million, which was offset by a gain on disposal of RM394 million. 

AirAsia implements innovative technologies to improve the customer journey, making flying more hygienic and seamless

 

AirAsia continues to revolutionise air travel with numerous new innovations deployed over recent times to further improve the customer experience and make flying not only safe and affordable but also more seamless and contactless than ever before.

AirAsia has partnered with digital transformation company GrayMatter to launch Scan2Fly, an industry-leading technology that can determine a passenger’s eligibility to fly before they arrive at the airport, including real-time verification of relevant health documentation. 

With Scan2Fly, AirAsia guests can scan and upload their medical certificates during the online self-check-in process. This includes the corresponding processing of any required documents to verify whether the passenger is approved to fly by the various authorities and possesses a valid COVID-19 Negative Certificate. 

AirAsia Group remains confident of returning stronger and more robust post pandemic

AirAsia Group remains confident of returning stronger, more robust and faster than many competitors in this new world of travel.

Given recent positive developments in the fight against COVID-19, and coupled with its stringent cost containment strategies, the successful pivot of airasia.com into a leading Asean digital travel and lifestyle super app and the steady growth of its non-airline businesses, AirAsia is positive it will continue to chart stronger growth in the coming months and well into 2021. 

AirAsia’s third quarter 2020 operating statistics highlight the clear, quick path to recovery is well underway. There were strong improvements from every major domestic airline in the Group across many key metrics in comparison to the preceding quarter. These include a 36% increase in passengers carried by AirAsia Malaysia, 79% increase in passengers carried by AirAsia India and an increase of 65% of passengers carried by AirAsia Thailand. 

AirAsia has been awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards (WTA)

 AirAsia has been awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards (WTA) - 

One of the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programmes commemorating excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality. 

AirAsia emerged top in the category having received the highest votes from travel professionals and industry players from around the region, ahead of regional players such as Scoot, Nok Air, VietJet Air, Jetstar and Firefly to win the top low-cost carrier awards - Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 and Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2020.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 Award for the eighth consecutive year. Winning the award this year is more important than ever and is of profound sentimental value as the  industry is going through the most  turbulent times. Our gratitude goes to every one of our over 600 million guests for their continued support and faith in us since day one, and their understanding as we weather through the most difficult period in AirAsia’s history. Most importantly, this award is dedicated to AirAsia’s Allstars (staff), including those who have left us recently through no fault of their own. I thank every Allstar for their commitment, perseverance and dedication  as we navigate our way through this incredibly challenging year.”

AirAsia Group releases its preliminary operating statistics - 3rd quarter of 2020

Domestic Recovery Seen in 3Q20 Operating Statistics  

AirAsia Group Berhad continued its recovery momentum into 3Q2020 as key operational metrics improved in September as compared to July, including a 36% increase in passengers carried by AirAsia Malaysia, 79% increase in passengers carried by AirAsia India, and an increase of 65% of passengers carried by AirAsia Thailand. Load factor for the Group increased 7 percentage points (“ppts”) in September as compared to July 2020. These improvements highlight a strong upward rebound trend for air travel demand across key markets for the Group.  

AirAsia Malaysia operated 52% of its domestic capacity in September, in comparison to 40% in July 2020 as travel demand has been on an upward trajectory since 2Q with the easing of restrictions on interstate travel. AirAsia Malaysia achieved a 68% load factor while carrying close to 1.8 million passengers during the quarter. While capacity has been reduced in October 2020 given the conditional movement control order by the government, AirAsia Malaysia is striving to recover to 60% of its pre-Covid domestic capacity by 4Q.   

AirAsia offers Buy 1 Take 1 for 2021

                                               To celebrate impressive commercial flights sales in August and a return in confidence in air travel, AirAsia in the Philippines is offering an exclusive buy 1 take 1 promo on all domestic and international flights for a limited time. 

AirAsia Philippines closed the month of August with a 140% increase in seats sold, compared to the previous week’s 42%. A third of bookings registered were for 2021 reflecting a demand for future travel. 

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said, “We have noticed an increase in advanced bookings with guests looking forward to travel next year. AirAsia is pleased to offer amazing deals so everyone can fly affordably once travel restrictions relax. We are also prepared to increase flight frequencies, launch new destinations, while utilizing all four hubs flying to both domestic and international destinations. 

AirAsia revises its September flight schedules

Following AirAsia’s resumption in the Philippines, the carrier is slowly scheduling more commercial flights as it works hard to gradually restores its route network.

Updated routes are based on new developments following coordination with officials from both local and national government units.

Select flights are open for booking on the carrier's website, customers may also use their credit accounts to redeem these flights. Additional routes and flight schedules will be on the AirAsia website and mobile app, subject to approval from the authorities.

The airline urges guests to check the latest travel restrictions and advice of respective local and national governments before travelling, as policies may change frequently.

AirAsia.com now enables flight booking of other airlines in Indonesia

Air travellers in Indonesia now have even more options to fly to various destinations within the archipelago as AirAsia.com ramps up its flight offering in Indonesia to include other local and national airlines. 

Through its partnership with Kiwi.com, AirAsia now connects more destinations within Indonesia by adding the Multi-city feature for flight bookings on AirAsia.com, its travel and lifestyle platform, allowing customers to fly to various domestic destinations with AirAsia and other national carriers.

The strategic partnership reinforces AirAsia.com's strategy to transform into a leading travel and lifestyle platform in Indonesia and the region.

CEO of AirAsia Indonesia, Veranita Yosephine Sinaga said, “Amidst this unprecedented period of national economic recovery, the aviation industry plays a major role in boosting the local economy. This collaboration is a testament to AirAsia’s commitment to providing the best travel experience for our guests. The Multi-city feature offers a more convenient and integrated way to book flights on AirAsia.com - both the website and mobile app -  by providing a wide selection of national carriers that connect various cities in Indonesia, such as Bengkulu, Ambon, Manado, Kupang, Merauke and many more.”

Air Asia BIG Loyalty introduces BIG Deals

AirAsia BIG Loyalty members now have more ways and options to use their BIG Points with its latest mobile app feature. 

BIG Loyalty today launches BIG Deals, an all-new feature that allows BIG Members more choice to use their BIG Points beyond flights and travel, allowing members to redeem discount coupons to purchase products on other partnered lifestyle platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, Starbucks, Joox and VIU. Members now can enjoy redeeming their BIG Points on AirAsia’s  newly-revamped mobile app. 

BIG Deals offers BIG Members the flexibility of using their BIG Points to redeem a variety of lifestyle vouchers directly and instantly on the BIG Loyalty app. This marks another milestone for BIG Loyalty’s transformation from an airline loyalty programme to a comprehensive digital lifestyle platform, as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

AirAsia resumes Kuala Lumpur - Singapore flights for essential and official travellers under RGL scheme

AirAsia resumes Kuala Lumpur - Singapore flights for essential and official travellers under RGL scheme

AirAsia has resumed its Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flights today, allowing cross border travel for essential and official travellers following both countries’ announcement on the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme. 

The flight departed from klia2 today at 11:50hrs to Changi International Airport, and returned to klia2 at 14:35hrs. 

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said, “Both countries have taken relentless efforts and strict discipline in containing the spread of COVID-19, and the RGL is a first step towards reviving the economy, especially for those who have essential travel needs between both countries. 

“We look forward to seeing more ‘travel bubbles’ and ‘green lanes’ formed between countries with low infection rates or active cases, and proven pandemic curbing systems to facilitate the need for air travel. At the same time, we urge all guests to adhere to the required regulations and follow the safety measures for a safe flying journey.” 

AirAsia accelerates digital transformation with robotic process automation in partnership with JIFFY.ai

AirAsia Group is accelerating its ongoing digital transformation journey further by implementing robotic process automation (RPA) in collaboration with Silicon Valley and India-based enterprise automation platform JIFFY.ai.

Chief Transformation Officer Azli Mohamed said the implementation of RPA followed a review of AirAsia’s internal processes and workflows, which showed that business process automation can be done easily with the right tools in place.

“At AirAsia, we continuously seek to push the boundaries of innovation. RPA will allow our workforce to automate mundane and repetitive tasks, which will free up valuable time to focus on other tasks that require thinking and experience-based judgment.

Air Asia X' disappointing results

AirAsia X Berhad has announced its operating statistics for the second quarter of 2020 (“2Q20”).

The Company had announced the temporary hibernation of its fleet towards the end of the first quarter of 2020. To date, the hibernation remains in place as international borders at our destinations remain closed. In 2Q20, the Company posted a Passenger Load Factor (“PLF”) of 38%, while the number of passengers carried was recorded at 2,291, which came on the back of flights ferrying cargo with minimal passenger take-up during the month of April 2020. The Company’s Available Seat Kilometres (“ASK”) reduced to 31 million from 8,442 million during the quarter under review.                                    

AirAsia Wins ‘Premium Selected Social Responsibility Pioneer Airlines of The Year’ Award at China’s 2020 Premium Travel Awards Ceremony

 Asia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to China during the Covid-19 pandemic through a ‘Premium Selected Social Responsibility Pioneer Airlines of The Year’ award at the 2020 Premium Travel Awards last Friday. 

The airline was voted best in the social responsibility excellence category for the significant role it played to assist the community in China during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan, AirAsia has leveraged its strong network in Asia Pacific to transport critical medical and protective supplies such as face masks, gloves and other protective materials, as well as helping organisations and individuals worldwide who donated humanitarian goods and equipment to frontliners in China.

CEO of AirAsia Group Tony Fernandes said, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. Our heart is with China and we are humbled to see that our small assistance actually contributed to the efforts in combating Covid-19 by the Chinese government and frontline fighters. The principle of sustainable development, focusing on the essence of corporate development and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities has always run through AirAsia’s strategy and business. I would like to dedicate this award to our Allstars in China and across the Group who have worked hard and dedicated themselves to this noble cause.”

AirAsia launches 2 brand new routes in Thailand in support of domestic tourism

As the country is aggressively promoting domestic tourism to stimulate economic recovery post-COVID-19, AirAsia is proud to launch two brand new routes within Thailand, connecting the beach resort city of Hua Hin with Chiang Mai in the north and Udon Thani in the northeast.

This marks a significant milestone for AirAsia in Thailand as not only the two flights took off amidst the uncertainties brought about by the global pandemic, but it was also the first time it was connecting the beach resort of Hua Hin to other cities in the country.

The biweekly flights depart every Friday and Sunday, and are available for sale on AirAsia’s lifestyle and travel platform -- the AirAsia.com website and mobile app.

These new flights are making the total of 30 domestic routes that AirAsia has reinstated in Thailand since it resumed domestic services on 1 May 2020.

You can book Air Asia flights here.