Sunday, July 26, 2009

Airasia celebrates Perth � Bali inaugural flight

20 July 2009

AirAsia, Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline celebrated the much awaited Perth-Bali flight The inaugural flight from Bali - Perth today carried 100% load both ways signifying the stout demand for the sector. Commencing August 19, 2009 AirAsia will be servicing the Bali-Perth route between Ngurah Rai International Airport and Perth Airport with 2 direct daily flights marking a major tourism and economic coup for both countries. Jointly, AirAsia Group has 21 flights weekly to Perth inclusive of one daily direct flight departing from Kuala Lumpur.

Perth is the first Australian destination to be serviced from Indonesia by AirAsia Indonesia and it is the 4th international route operated from the Bali hub after Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore.
AirAsia Indonesia has succeeded to pass the strict regulations of the Foreign Airline Operating Certificate of Australia and has met the requirements of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASAA), demonstrating AirAsia’s high safety standard.

In addition to that, AirAsia, the champion of low fares will bring its innovative products and services, spacious and comfortable cabin, fun and friendly crew to its guests so that they will enjoy unparallel level of comfort and convenience. AirAsia also offers the most extensive route network in the region hence AirAsia guests will enjoy seamless access in the region and beyond including routes serviced by AirAsia’s long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X.

Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia Dharmadi, says “Bali is an ideal and exciting choice as it is a prime holiday destination for Australians. With its unique culture, spectacular beaches, water sports activities, Bali needs no introduction to them. There are quite a number of Indonesians who are not only pursuing their studies but are also residing in Perth. The number of Australian tourists visiting Bali in the first quarter of 2009 rose 24.85 percent to 71,970 from 57,647 in the same period last year. The Australian tourists accounted for 14.67 percent of the total tourists coming to the Island of Paradise in the first quarter, out of the number, 71,199 of the Australian tourists visited Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar,”

“We are very keen to position Bali as the gateway to Indonesia and other Asean cities as the airport also offers strong domestic and international connections. Indeed we have recorded an increase of inbound traffic to Bali and other parts of Indonesia from Perth and surrounding Western Australia with the inclusion of this new Perth-Bali service.” added Dharmadi

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial of AirAsia Group commented “We are very thrilled with AirAsia Indonesia’s first foray to Perth, Australia today. AirAsia is breaking the trend with our aggressive expansion plans and increasing frequencies despite the challenging economic climate and when other airlines are cutting routes or downsizing capacity. The demand for Perth-Bali route has been phenomenal; we’ve sold over 75,000 seats since last May when we opened for sale. AirAsia is very competitive and committed in offering the lowest fares and many will find that AirAsia is a highly attractive option through our 8 hubs in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali, Bandung and a virtual hub in Singapore. This has enabled us to build an extensive route network with the greatest Asean and Indochina connection.”

Meanwhile Mr. Brad Geatches, CEO of Westralia Airports Corporation says "The introduction of this new route is great news for West Australians who can now expect more competitively-priced flights and greater access to this favourite holiday destination. This new service not only offers great value flights to Denpasar, it also opens up the entire Asia region to travellers who can use Bali as a stop over to other destinations. We expect both our inbound and outbound traveller numbers to continue to grow over the coming months thanks to the new service."

AirAsia is also offering great hotel rates and exciting packages under GoHoliday, its one stop travel portal

at goholiday.airasia.com. Guests can benefit from greater savings and value for money on their accommodation in addition to the low fares that AirAsia offers. Currently, GoHoliday has a wide range of over 50,000 hotel partners where guests can select from 3-star hotels, 5-star hotels or even Boutique hotels to cater to every traveler’s budget.

The new route will be served by AirAsia’s brand new Airbus A320 aircraft, one of the most modern aircraft that boosts efficiency, enhances reliability and provides higher service levels to AirAsia’s guests. The Airbus A320 family provides operators with the highest degree of operational commonality and ensures guests’ safety and comfort.

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