IPOH: AirAsia may have just launched its services in Ipoh but the airline is already planning to expand its network to destinations within a four-hour flight from here.
These destinations include several areas in China, Thailand and Vietnam.
AirAsia chief executive officer Riad Asmat (pic) said he was given the mandate to expand the airline’s network from Ipoh and would look into all opportunities.
“I can’t divulge now but there are multiple destinations within a four-hour flight from here.
“We will leave it to your imagination,” he told reporters after welcoming AirAsia’s AK6082 Johor Baru-Ipoh flight at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here yesterday.
The flight arrived at 8.40am, having departed Johor’s Senai International Airport at 7.30am.
Passengers were greeted by Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who gave them each a goodie bag.
Also present were state Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing, Tourism Perak chief executive officer Zuraida Md Taib and Tourism Malaysia Perak director Mohd Roslan Abdullah.
On the Johor Baru-Ipoh route, Riad said it was a long-anticipated addition to airline’s route network and they felt positive about it as Ipoh shows a lot of promises.
He said there were 120 passengers in the inaugural flight here and 126 to Johor.
“Our target is for each flight to be 80% full. We will have four flights every week and hope to increase it later,” he said, adding that the Airbus A320 could accommodate about 160 passengers.
Taking off in a big way: Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu (centre), Riad (on MB’s right) along with AirAsia and state officials welcoming the inaugural flight from Johor Baru to Ipoh at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh.
Besides the flight to Ipoh, AirAsia also commenced another direct flight from Senai International Airport to Alor Setar.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Perak chairman Chong Yu Ken said the state should consider flights to several countries up north.
“I think the possible destinations should include Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Vietnam and also Hong Kong.
“Perakians love to travel. And with the recent announcement that a flight to Bangkok will commence early next year, I think this is a good sign for all of us,” he said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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