Airasia, Airasia X, Fax And Mas

[sarawakian]

Howdy howdy!!!!...Anyone realise that suddenly AirAsia kept mum of its AirAsia X? Maybe it's a scam and will never happen. It's already March and still no sound yet. MAS also seemed to have something called Firefly as read in NST soon. Hmmm...wondering the stock market has any effect on this. :eek:

[jianwei85]

i tot...JULY?????

[smoothead]

AirasiaX service postponed/delayed till next year August 08. Could'nt get planes on time.

[sarawakian]

:mad: That is truly horrible news smoothhead...aiseh, apamacam dah jadi. I gues AirAsiaX are just too ambitious and spoiling their own credibility. Hopefully someone looks at this. Heard that Airasia even cut frequenceis in Sabah and Sarawak and their FX is doing a worse off service taking over MAS' fokkers and twin otters

[sirgalahad2010]

AirasiaX service postponed/delayed till next year August 08. Could'nt get planes on time.

I suspect that it's more to do with getting traffic rights from Msia to the international destinations that Tony F has in mind. I believe that Msia has used up all the assigned flight frequencies to the UK, Australia and India.

Most probably the Msian govt will have to go back to negotiate "open skies" agreements with all these countries.

[layman]

I suspect that it's more to do with getting traffic rights from Msia to the international destinations that Tony F has in mind. I believe that Msia has used up all the assigned flight frequencies to the UK, Australia and India.

Most probably the Msian govt will have to go back to negotiate "open skies" agreements with all these countries.

u reckon?

perhaps you are tony's confidante and PR in this forum or behind the scene special adviser to the malaysian government on our country's aviation policy

kudos to you and your illuminating analysis of malaysia and her impending open 'skies' policies

FYI,long haul low cost flights is not a proven business model.HK's new entrant to this cut throat long haul low cost carrier business is haemorrhaging profusely and most industry players has already written the airline off not unsimilar to lakers of the 70's

perhaps thats the reason they are postponing the inevitable.

[smoothead]

This article is from this source: http://www.theedgedaily.com

08-03-2007: FAX postpones long-haul services by as long as a year

Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) has postponed its long-haul budget services by as long as a year as it cannot get the aircraft it needs to start operations in July, said FAX shareholder Datuk Tony Fernandes.

“We can't find the planes. AirAsia X will definitely start at the latest in August 2008. If they can find planes before then, they will start, otherwise they won't,'' Fernandes, who owns 10% of FAX, told Bloomberg in Singapore on March 8.

He said FAX planned to order 15 twin-aisle aircraft from Airbus SAS or Boeing Co, valued at as much as US$2.9 billion (RM10.17 billion) at list prices. He said AirAsia X, the new airline, would pick Boeing's 777-200 or the A330-300 aircraft by Airbus.

Flights were initially scheduled to start in July after FAX in January won government approval to begin services. AirAsia X had planned to lease two or three planes this year and purchase more for delivery in 2008.

Meanwhile, Fernandes, who is also AirAsia Bhd’s chief executive officer, said the budget carrier would need to buy more planes to meet rising travel demand.

It already has total firm orders for 150 aircraft. AirAsia expects a 50% rise in passenger traffic this year, driven by demand in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The carrier expected to hedge 100% of its fuel needs this year and had hedged 80% of its requirement this quarter, Fernandes said.

[sarawakian]

Wow.....that is truly bad news. I think that T Fernandes should stop pulling everyone's leg and start improving what he has. I think for starters, there is a very urgent need for queing systems at the gate. Also, the allowing of all states to negotiate directly with airlines. We note from last weekend's papers that Dragonair will ply KK and HK daily. Why not Kuching and Penang as well? MAS has done well but I think the policies are drawn at the ministry's levels as they control the skies. No use talking and talking and nothing done. The issue of protecting is ridiculous. We had KLIA since 1998 and 10 years down, we still have not gone anywhere but attarcting ARAB flights.

[KakiLang]

Low load factor coupled with low yield, of coz many airlines r not interested in coming here. Those who had withdrawn their flight services also hesistate to resume their flights in KLIA, even Msia Airport Berhad & our gomen r giving concessions like free landing, free parking etc also doesnt seem to attract many airlines flying here.

[uchangeng]

airasia-x? the news excited the share market for a while and the Pak Ham*n sold his entire stake. Coincidence? think my frens..think..who made the money? It is all about manipulation, a case of the smart ones "eat" the misinformed ones!

[sarawakian]

:mad: Yeah, guess so....make money then quit. same script. Now they got Tune Hotels...and Tune money next....what else? Tune Buses? Tune Resort? Tune Guidebooks? Tune Travel Show?

Hopefully MAS will be able to do something and that perhaps, Jetstar with the new KL-Sydney route in September would be a shot in the arm. Enough said.

[Teeque]

This just in. Mas has launched Firefly, their new low cost airline. (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Wednesday/NewsBreak/20070314180609/Article/index_html) They will operate out of Penang Airport with Fokker F50s.

They just hv to get in on the act. Then, why did they relinquish domestic routes to Airasia in the first place? Why the change of strategy now? conflicting directions in the air transport policies?

[sarawakian]

Yup..Firefly. the website is at www.fireflyz.com.my. Well, at least they are creative in using an insect that illuminates the dark...maybe we need a torch to take us out! This is a slo good as we can rest assured Tony will not rest on his laurels and maybe have flights to Ipoh and Melaka as well with a base from LCCT or even the base in Ipoh to Penang and Poh to Melaka as well as LCCT to Ipoh and LCCT to Melaka and Pulau Redang, Tioman.... :p

[sarawakian]

Yup.....finally we have firefly. The website looks and is very easy to use. Though not possible to book yet, but they have really prepared for this with the website 100% done except for electronic booking. That says alot about the new management running this though a subsidiary of MAS. Now, one ponders, is ASMARA AIR real? I guess we have to find out as I hear Firefly and Asmara are not the same..... As for AirAsia X, yeah, blame it on the planes, why don't they get Boeings instead of blaming the A380 for Airbus' delay in other crafts? Hmmmmm......I think MAS and Firefly are actually pulling their act together. For AirAsia and FAX, they better move fast....Heard that Tiger Air of Singapore would be ready to start Australia from Singapore on a full throttle. They already fly to Darwin. :confused:

[jianna]

Yup.....finally we have firefly. The website looks and is very easy to use. Though not possible to book yet, but they have really prepared for this with the website 100% done except for electronic booking. That says alot about the new management running this though a subsidiary of MAS. Now, one ponders, is ASMARA AIR real? I guess we have to find out as I hear Firefly and Asmara are not the same..... As for AirAsia X, yeah, blame it on the planes, why don't they get Boeings instead of blaming the A380 for Airbus' delay in other crafts? Hmmmmm......I think MAS and Firefly are actually pulling their act together. For AirAsia and FAX, they better move fast....Heard that Tiger Air of Singapore would be ready to start Australia from Singapore on a full throttle. They already fly to Darwin. :confused:

Tiger Air is starting Spore-Perth flights before end-March 2007, initially 4 flights per week.

For AirAsia X, it's not so much a question of shortage of planes as a refusal to pay exorbitant leasing charges for Boeing or Airbus aircraft that are in demand because of all the start-up budget airlines in Asia and mainstream airlines refleeting. Credit Tony F and his colleagues with a hard-headed business realism - they will only start Airasia X if they can get the aircraft at leasing rates consonant with their financial projections.

Now, if only MAS's previous managements had been as financially conservative (and tight-fisted), the airline would be in a much better position now.

[pcyeoh]

Yup..Firefly. the website is at www.fireflyz.com.my. Well, at least they are creative in using an insect that illuminates the dark...maybe we need a torch to take us out! This is a slo good as we can rest assured Tony will not rest on his laurels and maybe have flights to Ipoh and Melaka as well with a base from LCCT or even the base in Ipoh to Penang and Poh to Melaka as well as LCCT to Ipoh and LCCT to Melaka and Pulau Redang, Tioman.... :p

http://whois.mynic.net.my/index.php

SEARCH BY DOMAIN NAME
a [ Domain Name ] firefly.com.my
b [ MYNIC Registration No. ]
D1A074336
c [ Record Created ] 31-JAN-2007
d [ Record Expired ] 31-JAN-2008
e [ Record Last Modified ] 07-FEB-2007

[ Registrant MYNIC Handle: NIKAB8.ORG ]
Nikabina IT MSC Sdn Bhd
(T310704-X)
Lot 203 Jalan Kebun Sultan
15300 Kota Bharu
Kelantan
(Tel) 609-7444004
(Fax) 609-7444004

One thing I can say about MAS is that they are stupid enough not to register this domain name www.firefly.com.my first before somebody does it. And it looks like this company Nikabina IT MSC Sdn Bhd somehow went ahead just recently with this registration eventhough it has nothing there on their website except this message "Welcome To www.firefly.com.my" while the site is 'Under Construction' or is it "For Sale." Many people do not know or value domain names. I believe the above website may be worth RM 50,000 or even more and it is a matter of time MAS buys it. Who will remember www.fireflyz.com.my when ones wants to fly.

But I find that www.firefly.com is still available. When I tried to go to www.firefly.com and couldn’t get anything, I thought the domain name is up for grab so I went go ahead to register this domain name but found this message that ended my million ringgit hope and turned my dream into ashes.


Registration details for www.firefly.com

Registrant:
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
US

Domain name: FIREFLY.COM

Technical Contact:
Hostmaster, MSN msnhst@microsoft.com
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
US
+1.4258828080

Registrar of Record: TUCOWS, INC.
Record last updated on 22-Feb-2007.
Record expires on 29-May-2011.
Record created on 30-May-1996.

[sarawakian]

Yup..I have to agree with you noting the clarifications. I think it is a good idea instead of following the bandwagon and getting into trouble. Yeah, hopefully MAS will do what it has to do and not get somebody inteferring with the good work. I took MAs to Singapore last Thursday and it was an Airbus 330. It was good and I took SIA back on a B777. I think we have good services too but I seriously think our stewards and stewardesses could do with better cut suits and better cut kebayas with improved batik motifs. Grooming is a must. Hmmm...anyone out there has any comments?

[sarawakian]

If MAS do scrap the Airbus A380 order and concentrate on their turnaround as waht was reported today in the Star, this will be great news. It would prove that with good management, WE CAN turn around! :)

[sarawakian]

The only complaint I have with AA's food is that the nasi lemak really sucks! It does not look like the picture...yeah...nothing does but it is so pathetic that they should be slammed for even touting this as the best nasi lemak...aiseh man..sungguh memalukan.... The sandwiches and baguette are better. As with MAS, the food is better and their nasi lemak looks even better... some more with us paying at AA, they should be good. As for FAX, never tried the Fokker 50 planes yet as their MULU from KL flights via Miri packages are no more and it is expensive.

[sarawakian]

:confused: Recently, I took the shuttle bus from Subang Parade to LCCT and then another shuttle to KLIA as I had a flight to Singapore. The flight was at 3.40pm so I had to take the 11am bus from Subang Parade as there was no 12 noon one and the next was at 1pm which was too late as I had to take another shuttle from LCCT. Why did I do so? Well, I guess paying RM60 is just too much so I thought RM9 StarShuttle to LCCT then the Airport Liner from LCCT to KLIA at RM1.50 would be good...hahahahaha.

Anyways, the trip on the Satrshuttle from Subang Parade was good and reached at 12 noon. Then the shock, after a 15 min wait at LCCT, the Airport Liner came....I heard many horrible stories about it and when I actually went on it, the facts were compounded....The bus was an old wreck. It had no luggage storage, no racks, seats were dirty, drivers were unkempt, and no one to lead any tourists to the bus...man!!!! I guess the Tourism industry deserves to be whacked for not looking at such details.... It was a horrible ride. When we reached KLIA, another shock!!! The place did not look like world class KLIA!!! It looked like PUDU!!! My GOD!!!

I really think the Ministers should take this bus ride and see for themselves... Really bad governance!!!!

[evecyanide]

Firefly flies to Koh Samui from Penang! Yay :)

[sarawakian]

Hi all,

anyone flew Firefly yet? If so, please share the experience.... I also think it is great that they fly to Koh Samui...It is a great destination! :)

[sarawakian]

I think we really need to relook as the Visit Malaysia year was not at all planned carefully. Let us look at the airports. KLIA, LCCT, MAS, AIRASIA needs to have more materials. It is so hard to get a decent map of each states' tourism brochure let alone the favourite makan places and palces to vist and info on how. there is also a need to have more promotions and mailers on the front seat of airlines to take away...at least a summary on our beautiful racial harmony, culture, food, heritage sites, crafts and shopping.

The should be better promotion of Malaysian items in the airports as well as cultural dances especially in LCCT..Sad but true, but I think VMY2007 failed if we think tourists will follow last year's trend of June to Sept for the Mid East and Oct to Jan for locals, SEA countries and China. Ecotourism is sadly lacking as well as heritage tours...there seems to be a lack of transport opportunities to places like Melaka, Ipoh, Kampar, Kuantan diretc from the airport. Only sawa an express bus possibility from KLIA to Ipoh... :rolleyes:

[sirgalahad2010]

A Bloomberg report, carried in today's Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg), said that FAX plans to order around 15 aircraft, with the agreement to be signed on April 15.

FAX CEO Raja Mohamad Azmi said that the aircraft will enable AirAsia X to start operations as early as October this year.

The choice of aircraft will be between the Boeing 777-200 and the Airbus A330-300.

Analyst Rosnani Rasul of TA Securities is of the opinion that the order will go to Airbus.

And Tony Fernandes was quoted in the report as saying that AirAsia X will operate flights within an 8 to 12-hour radius, with a focus on India and China.

I think that flights to Australia, which are comfortably within the 8-12 hour window, will be next in line, followed by flights to London (which may need a refuelling stop midway).

[sarawakian]

I think the news is good. Honestly, I think the Airbus 330 is a good choice as it is wide bodied. They should seriously do the ones to Australia and New Zealand, China and India first before Manchester. These have more load opportunities. this is especially so if the fly from here to Australia and New Zealand. Boeing 777 are good too but if Tony gets a better deal by having the largest Airbus fleet, then it is wiser to get Airbus. Perhaps, they should also think of Penang and Kuching as hubs too. :D

[sarawakian]

Dunno if true, but man...it would be news. Heard that Bandar Aceh would be next on AirAsia's list. I was at Airbus' website and man was the A380 so large!!!! Heard that Airbus wanted to get MAS to take the A350X instead which is a superwide plane..check out www.airbus.com

I think we should not buy any...too mahal and what for... It is better we do ope skies.

[JoeJaffar]

i would speculate that tony and his crew will buy airbus aircraft since every airbus model has the same cockpit design. so type rating conversion and flight crew training will be minimal.

can't wait to check out the prices for flights to OZ.

[sarawakian]

Yup... I think it is a good thing if Airbus is used. Maybe an Airbus 330-200 model. I think it should be at max RM1,200 (tax inclusive) to make it as going to aywhere in OZ of higher than that would mean it is better to take MAS or Jetstar which are about RM1,500 to RM1,800 on promotion...Please correct me if I am wrong. They should really looking at NZ too as no one flies there with cost savings. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Anyone notice the reports about a safety audit of 54 aviation firms in Indonesia that was carried out by Indonesia's civil aviation authority recently?

For the record, AirAsia's Indonesian affiliate, Indonesia AirAsia was placed in Category 2, along with Garuda and some other Indonesian airlines. Category 2 airlines met the minimal requirements of civil aviation safety standards, but some had not been implemented.

Check out the report in The Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/news/travel/indonesian-airlines-safety-advice/2007/03/26/1174761316688.html)

None of the Indonesian airlines achieved the highest Category 1 ranking.

That's worrying, isn't it?

More to the point - what's the parent company (Malaysia-based AirAsia) doing about it? Surely it should be doing its best to get its Indonesian affiliate to observe the highest levels of civil aviation safety standards, as we in Malaysia would expect our own domestic airlines to do.

Airlines' compliance with the highest levels of civil aviation safety standards cannot be compromised. Its not a trade-off against lower operating costs and profitability.

[vsat]

I'm posting from LCCT's terminal here.....Let me share the journey from this morning..

My flight to Kuching departs at 950am. Round trip cost me RM180..not too bad... Woke up at 6am...took the LCCT bus at 7am from Subang Parade...
arrived LCCT at 8am......boarded the plane at 925am....10 minutes later, we were told to disembark because of aircraft problems.....one hour delay....
I just heard on the PA announcing hat our flight is rescheduled for a 1145am flight now.......

Thats what you get when you buy cheap stuff.....the only good thing that came out from this is the bus from Subang Parade to LCCT......
Thank god I have my Ipod and laptop or I would run down the tarmac for a jog....

[vsat]

Sneaky bastards.......

They're putting us on the next flight. I think they realized my flgiht was empty..and they purposely delayed it to fill up the next flight........

Anyway, I'm gonna board soon with an extra 100 passengers as compared to only 40 passengers from my flight....

bastards....

[vsat]

But for the price I'm paying......... I shouldn't complain......Some people spend more on Baskin's & Robbins on every 31st of every month.....

[sarawakian]

hahahhaha...yeah... Airasia should be looking at the improvement of schedules if it wants to seriously take the business market. Saw Firefly today on The Star's front page....yeah...they look interesting with the uniforms but I thought they would like fireflies too...hehehehehehehe...jokinglah. Noted taht someone wrote earlier that AirAsia Indon is also in the same category as Garuda in terms of safety...I think Tony should look at that seriously. Also, to be strict with queueing lah at teh gate...The poor over 55 and with children get hassled as they try to make to the front...maybe Airasia should cordon an area like in KK Terminal 2 for them so they would not get squashed. ;)

[KakiLang]

hahahhaha...yeah... Airasia should be looking at the improvement of schedules if it wants to seriously take the business market. Saw Firefly today on The Star's front page....yeah...they look interesting with the uniforms but I thought they would like fireflies too...hehehehehehehe...jokinglah. Noted taht someone wrote earlier that AirAsia Indon is also in the same category as Garuda in terms of safety...I think Tony should look at that seriously. Also, to be strict with queueing lah at teh gate...The poor over 55 and with children get hassled as they try to make to the front...maybe Airasia should cordon an area like in KK Terminal 2 for them so they would not get squashed. ;)

Faster turnaround means compromising safety?? This is the question applies to all LCCs, not only AirAsia...

[sirgalahad2010]

It should be a matter of concern that AirAsia is doggedly ploughing on while ignoring all the complaints and bad press in Internet postings.

I am sure that Tony F and his colleagues are not ignorant of what people are posting out there.

The question is why they don't respond publicly and say what they are doing to make the situation better such that people look forward to flying AirAsia.

This is elementary PR. A seasoned pro like Tony F should know how it works.

I just hope that success hasn't gone to his head!!!!!

[sarawakian]

:D Yup, I think it is ashame if Tony forgot that it is the people who made Airasia what it is today. Let us hope and pray that he still remembers and that he will also have the AMAZING sensitivity to heed the queing system and to print the seat nos on the ticket which Airasia issues at check in. It is just a print.

Anyone tried the Firefly by MAS yet? Please share if anyone has and pics too.... :D

[sarawakian]

Man..first it was Manchester United...now F1? I think Tony should also help Karamjit Singh in the rally by sponsoring his car and also the Malaysian League...he should take one obscure team like Sarawak and sponsor it. yeah..heard Firefly has flown and this looked good in the papers...Anyone flew them yet? :o

[sirgalahad2010]

To mark AirAsia's collaboration with the F1 team, AT&T Williams, the airline took out a full-page ad in the Spore ST today. The text of the ad:

"We're proud to collaborate with one of the world's leading and most enduring Formula One teams, AT&T Williams.

Likewise, AirAsia is a true racer at heart -precise, innovative and extremely focused.

We never stop when it comes to delivering the most inspiring performance. And the most unbeatable low fares."
(emphasis mine)

Did I hear some sniggers out there? :D

[Teeque]

The partnership statement here (http://www.airasia.com/site/en/page.jsp?reference=wpartner).

[sarawakian]

yeah....cool. Formula 1, now, before Manchester United...hmmm what else next? maybe they should go into sposoring Karamjit and the Asian Cup too :)

[sarawakian]

Hello hello!!!

News! www.fireflyz.com.my would be online tomorrow at 7am. Anyone there used them yet? :eek:

[sarawakian]

Wow....firefly's new website looks like airasia's!!! ahaha...those in Penang have great value to Koh Samui and Phuket!!!! Airasia is also doing its holiday getaway and RM39.99 looks normal in both airlines...Good for us!!!!

[mimosa]

Huh? Price coming out all RM0.00 for me.

New promotion?

Depart
Depart Penang Intl Arpt (PEN), Penang
11:10 Tue, 17 Apr 2007
Arrive Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmood Arpt (TGG), Kuala Terengganu
12:25 Tue, 17 Apr 2007

Class : N
Duration : 01:15
Flight No. : FY3150

Price:
MYR 0.00

Fare Rules

[sarawakian]

Yup...I think that's one of the free seats on offer on firefly to Terenganu. But you still will be taxed but at least the base is free.

Yeah, yesterday's The Sun stated that AirAsia X will will start next year in Sept 2008...but Jetstar will fly to LCCT in September this year from and to Sydney Australia...huh? Hopefully this is correct and that they will indeed go to LCCT as in Singapore, Jetstar refused to use the Budget Terminal. :p

[sirgalahad2010]

See report in the Business Times section of today's New Straits Times (http://www.nst.com,my).

Tony Fernandes is one smart cookie! Hive off the loss-making rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak to Firefly.

The plot thickens!

[sarawakian]

Yeah....at least sarawak and Sabah has better services! FAX is quite bad in my home state. Maybe then, we can start having Firefly connecting Kuching to places like Miri and Mulu direct as with Sibu and Bintulu cheaper. Then to Pontianak, Balik Papan in Indonesia etc....

[sirgalahad2010]

Actually, Tony F, being the astute businessman that he is, obviously saw no future in running the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

Why?

- low-margin and possibly unprofitable routes in Sabah and Sarawak
- a fleet of turboprop aircraft doesn't fit in with his plan to operate an all-Airbus fleet of narrow-body aircraft

It's better for the federal govt and the Sabah and Sarawak state govts to acknowledge that the rural air services are an essential part of the states' infrastructure. Which means that they will have to subsidise any airline that operates these services - on an open and transparent basis.

No airline, not even MAS/Firefly will want to operate the rural air services if it means making losses from day one.

Just take a look at how rural air services in Australia are run.

[chookyan]

At least Tony F has the guts to speak out, what is the meaning of MAS dumping some of the domestic and rural routes and forcing some one to take it up but a few months later set up firefly to operate turbo services again, this only shows that MAS has the means to continue operating the rural services. After all if MAS or Firefly lose money it is OK, being GLCs, the rakyat and tax payers hard earned money will be called upon to rescue. It does not really make much sense, say for someone from KL to go up to Penang and fly Firefly to Phuket from there. :confused:

[sarawakian]

True..but we should not be blinded that it could also be that they are dumping FAX as they suddenly figured out the difficulty. Sadly, Kuching was promised by Tony as ahub but still no International flights unlike KK. It would have been great to a have KCH to Bali or KCH to Bangkok or KCH to Macau for a start.

Anyways, Firefly is at Penang and it is good that someone rivals. I was in Australia for a long time and the rural airlines are ok and in fact better that FAX even as it truly a rakyat one but FAX is quite the opposite though. Cannot bring commodities like before especially from the places like B Kelalan and Mulu but priced the same. Also had many East Malaysians working there with Tony and we only asked that we not be kicked around. We all like him as good businessman, but hope that it could be also to the rakyat.

Funny thing is that the risk is higher with medium to long haul. It really depends on whether he does this properly as Oasis Hong Kong failed to get full loads to London.

I for one am proud if we do this well. As with Firefly, I think as Penang was somewhat removed form everyone's destination, Firefly took the opportunity to plug a hole. We forget that Idris Jala turned MAS around too but he has not got support. I think we should support all in their endeavours and with many parties, at least the rakyat benefits for choice instead of monopolistic again.

Hopefully, the transport minister agrees on Singapore to have Tiger Air in as well. With Cebu Pacific in and Jetstar coming over, it would be interesting if Tiger Air joins in as with Viva Macau.

But first, we have to tidy up the queing system in the LCCT airport for the gates and be strict of hand luggage.

Looking overall, I think we have good AirAsia and MAS flights if we were in Klang Valeey but elsewhere need the turbo props. These can be handled with 2 companies too. If the rakyat gets the benefit, why not? We look at the masses and hopefully great individuals like Tony and Idris do very well. At least Idris does not meddle with hotels and finance as well. Can affect bottomline though different co. :) :rolleyes:

[sarawakian]

Yup, MAS is looking at disposing of its B747-400 to maybe a B747-800 series or B737-NG...can see boeing's website. Also, Firefly is looking at the Embraer 170/190aircraft...dunno what that is...or even the Bombardier. This was in the NST Biz news today.

Yesterday, I read Tony Fernandes' dreams and one thing caught me...he is thinking of getting people who wants priority service ie first to board plane to pay a premium...aiseh man...apa ni I though everyone can fly is already good but need to get people to just queue properly and also print seat nos what...what lah now wanna charge premium...

Also talking of websites...something happened to the main page...the please click here for flights have replaced the old selection button at top left of the page. this is also in FAX's page? apa jadi? :confused:

[JoeJaffar]

he's following ryanair's concept. want seat number? sure, you'll get one if you pay for it.

[sirgalahad2010]

Yup, MAS is looking at disposing of its B747-400 to maybe a B747-800 series or B737-NG...can see boeing's website. Also, Firefly is looking at the Embraer 170/190aircraft...dunno what that is...or even the Bombardier. This was in the NST Biz news today.

Yesterday, I read Tony Fernandes' dreams and one thing caught me...he is thinking of getting people who wants priority service ie first to board plane to pay a premium...aiseh man...apa ni I though everyone can fly is already good but need to get people to just queue properly and also print seat nos what...what lah now wanna charge premium...

Also talking of websites...something happened to the main page...the please click here for flights have replaced the old selection button at top left of the page. this is also in FAX's page? apa jadi? :confused:

If that's what MAS is thinking of doing, it doesn't make sense at all.

If you look at SIA, who know what re-fleeting is all about, they are getting rid of their Boeing 747-400s and going with the Boeing 777-200 and 777-300ER aircraft for their regional and long-haul services. For the high-volume long-haul services, they have decided to use the Airbus A380 (if Airbus will ever deliver the aircraft!), but knowing SIA, they have a contingency plan all worked out already.

Embraer is a Brazilian manufacturer of business jets; they have just started pushing into the regional short-haul markets and have opened a regional sales and marketing office in Spore. Why not in Msia? That's a good question!
;)

As for Tony F, he'd better address the issue of AirAsia's on-time performance and delayed/cancelled flights if he is to retain his credibility. Skip the press conferences and grandiose objectives and get the basics right. The rest will fall into place.

[sarawakian]

Hmm...heard AirAsia is going to Shenzhen in July...well, that's another destination that is good. Still waiting as to why Airasia not making Kuching a hub as promised. Also, Mulu is losing much due to the erratic FAX. Tony, please help!!!

Anyways, yeah, I think MAS is going right, they should remove the behemoths. Airbus 380 is just to big even for SIA. Heard that their crew are shortchanged as those who serve B747 should serve A380 at same salary...knowing that an A380 is like a double decker.

I think I would prefer more frequencies as opposed to larger behemoths. Yup, I also got this feeling that Firefly will eventually run Embraer or Bombardier for its routes to possibly connect Penang to the north ie Vietnam, South China, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and the maybe go south to JB. Then do JB as another hub and spoke to go to Indonesia and maybe Bali and to India on the East Coast. The maybe they then do another to Kuching which is aother hub and go to Macau, Bali, Balik Papan, Darwin and Perth.


Then AirAsia X will start to do Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, London, Manchester, Rome, Kolkotta, Amritsar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea etc. Then he will have his LCCT expanded and then remove the X so Airasia is the main brand.

Yup....how is that for Conspiracy Theory. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Hmm.....interesting arguments!

I think all these only go to show that Msia has no national aviation policy worth mentioning!

How else to explain the following?


- Msia has had an open skies agreement with the US, I think, for some years now. Yet no US airline flies to KLIA, and MAS is stuck on flying to Los Angeles and New York (Newark).

- the ongoing debate about rural air services in Sabah & Sarawak.

- the number of "air hubs" the country needs. Realistically, KLIA should be THE air hub for the country, with Penang, JB, KK and Kuching as subsidiary feeder airports (don't call them "hubs"). KLIA has to build up its traffic volumes to get more international airlines to fly there (cf Changi which is served by 80+ airlines flying to 180+ destinations).

- the difficulty in launching more flights from KLIA to Australia, the UK, India, China and the US - all proven markets and sources of tourists and investments for Malaysia.

- there is no clue, apparently, how MAS and AirAsia could work together for their mutual benefit and for the country's interests.

Much of the blame can be laid on the former long-serving Transport Minister, I think.

[KakiLang]

Yup, MAS is looking at disposing of its B747-400 to maybe a B747-800 series or B737-NG...can see boeing's website. Also, Firefly is looking at the Embraer 170/190aircraft...dunno what that is...or even the Bombardier. This was in the NST Biz news today.

Yesterday, I read Tony Fernandes' dreams and one thing caught me...he is thinking of getting people who wants priority service ie first to board plane to pay a premium...aiseh man...apa ni I though everyone can fly is already good but need to get people to just queue properly and also print seat nos what...what lah now wanna charge premium...

Also talking of websites...something happened to the main page...the please click here for flights have replaced the old selection button at top left of the page. this is also in FAX's page? apa jadi? :confused:

TF also said "very soon, we will give ur money back if we're delayed" as reported in Bizweek Star on last Sat. Do u think he can do that?? If his dream comes true, then AirAsia will hv a new tagline "Everyone can arrive on time" :D

[KakiLang]

Hmm.....interesting arguments!

- the number of "air hubs" the country needs. Realistically, KLIA should be THE air hub for the country, with Penang, JB, KK and Kuching as subsidiary feeder airports (don't call them "hubs"). KLIA has to build up its traffic volumes to get more international airlines to fly there (cf Changi which is served by 80+ airlines flying to 180+ destinations).

KLIA is THE air hub for Msia mah....an air hub for middle eastern airlines.. :D :D

[sarawakian]

yeah..I think the Transport Minister should come clean and do something for the rakyat!!!..Come one, I think the conspiracy theory as above says much...somemore the Visit Malaysia thingy is a scam..apalah, what tourists but those from Mid East and they come in June to Sep...so waht do the Tourism ministry and Transport Ministry wanna bluff??? See how Mulu even is lop sided off? :mad:

[sarawakian]

Anyone got experience to tell of Firefly and FAX? :)

[sarawakian]

Yup, the news today mentioned that that Firefly looks good and that the Penang to Phuket /Koh Samui is picking up very well for expatriates in Thailand. With their proposed packages, this will bode well wioth Penangites.

Also on the issue of Tony's idea of FAX giving up RAS routes has got some comments for the separation of Firefly and FAX. So far 2 comments have stated that FAX should honour the agreement and they need not have just left the rural people out.

Firefly is a different entity and 2 are better than one. :D

[sirgalahad2010]

Yup, the news today mentioned that that Firefly looks good and that the Penang to Phuket /Koh Samui is picking up very well for expatriates in Thailand. With their proposed packages, this will bode well wioth Penangites.

Also on the issue of Tony's idea of FAX giving up RAS routes has got some comments for the separation of Firefly and FAX. So far 2 comments have stated that FAX should honour the agreement and they need not have just left the rural people out.

Firefly is a different entity and 2 are better than one. :D

Why should FAX continue with a loss-making operation? If they are not allowed to charge "market rates" and make a decent return on their investment, why should they carry on?

This is the typical Malaysian syndrome - make losses, never mind, lah. Its the social obligation and "national service" that counts. Proton, Perwaja, MAS (before Idris Jala came on board)................

Truly, the bull**** that prevails in the name of "national service" is breathtaking!

[sarawakian]

Yup...that's why they should have made the roads proper in the first place...blame Ministry of Works and Ministry of Transport...both.

Maybe the way fowrad is for FAX to look at doing cargo flights too ie half plane with cargo and half with seatings...ie 25 seater and remove 25 as the F50 has 50 seats only... Could work. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

See report "Single rural airlines" in the Business section of The Star (http://biz.thestar.com.my) today.

I think what the FAX guy said, according to the report, makes sense. That is, if it is cost-effective to use only turbo-prop aircraft on the rural routes in Sabah and Sarawak.

Somehow, I can't see routes like these justifying the use of short-range jet aircraft like the Boeing 737 or the one from Embraer. The small rural airstrips in these states are not long enough for jet aircraft.

Australia operates rural air services to remote towns and settlements in the interior using turbo-prop aircraft. What I am not sure of is whether these services are subsidised by the federal govt or the state govts there. Maybe another lawatan sambil belajar is called for! ;)

[sarawakian]

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/business/17499505&sec=business

The website from The Star online informs the FAX' stand on a single turbo prop operator. Let us see, yes you are right that Embraer is not feasible for rural services as with 737 or even Bombardier if we think that Firefly is looking at rural air services.

Now, let us firtsly look at the stories so far:

a. Firefly is MAS' new low cost community airline using turboprop. It flies from Penang to Kuantan, Kuala Terenganu, Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Phuket and Koh samui. Its tagline is "Malaysia's First Community Airline".

b. FAX is a rural air services' airline flying previously MAS' routes in Sabah and Sarawak. Its tagline is "Affordable Accessibility. Now Connecting Sabah & Sarawak".

c. Firefly has plans to upgrade to Embraer or Bombardier. Again, they never said they were rural air services.

d. FAX claims that they were part of the air rationalisation for Airasia, MAS and hence FAX. They claimed they have so many complaints on delays. They mentioned they have losses. They mentioned they would like MAS to take back so they can focus on long haul.

e. Let us see, what about Berjaya Air and its De Haviland Dash 7? These are turboprops too...so why the fuss now of saying we need only one when what FAX and Airasia mention is only that they would like to see only one turboprop and debates seem to only mention Firefly and FAX?

f. Let us say...if FAX or Airasia could have been given the same before or they could have porposed for the same or better than Firefly, why did they not? Blame MAS for stopping?

g. If credibility is at stake, why JB, Penang and Kuching were forgotten, when promised as hubs?

h. Why is RAS being discussed when the rakyat is still not served?

i.FAX is full or flaxi fare. Berjaya Air is fixed. Firefly is low cost.

j. Airasia X announced today that they will be probably buying the A330. Long haul at cost but is the staff at cost too as the flights are long and crew needs care to pilot and to man the cabins. I hope it is taken care of and the flights do work for the sake of us who are eager for travelling at budgetary constraints.

The debate will not on. :)

[wAISEKMAo]

AirAsia X aims to list in 5 years

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8OK7IK00.htm

[Teeque]

Minister Chan says, 'we'll look into it' (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/nation/17500588&sec=nation)...

[wAISEKMAo]

Minister Chan says, 'we'll look into it' (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/nation/17500588&sec=nation)...

Well, those unprofitable route; gomen, pls get MAS to serve this route out.

For those profitable route, we gonna list this unit in 5 yrs and make tons of money ourselves.

For those existing route with delays problems and many many problems of a listed unit. We have make ourselves billions of dollar dah..who cares those suckers have to bear with delays, lost luggage, cancellation, no tar road and etc etc. Let them suffer lar...anyway they have no choice wat.

[sirgalahad2010]

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/business/17499505&sec=business

The website from The Star online informs the FAX' stand on a single turbo prop operator. Let us see, yes you are right that Embraer is not feasible for rural services as with 737 or even Bombardier if we think that Firefly is looking at rural air services.

Now, let us firtsly look at the stories so far:

a. Firefly is MAS' new low cost community airline using turboprop. It flies from Penang to Kuantan, Kuala Terenganu, Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Phuket and Koh samui. Its tagline is "Malaysia's First Community Airline".

b. FAX is a rural air services' airline flying previously MAS' routes in Sabah and Sarawak. Its tagline is "Affordable Accessibility. Now Connecting Sabah & Sarawak".

c. Firefly has plans to upgrade to Embraer or Bombardier. Again, they never said they were rural air services.

d. FAX claims that they were part of the air rationalisation for Airasia, MAS and hence FAX. They claimed they have so many complaints on delays. They mentioned they have losses. They mentioned they would like MAS to take back so they can focus on long haul.

e. Let us see, what about Berjaya Air and its De Haviland Dash 7? These are turboprops too...so why the fuss now of saying we need only one when what FAX and Airasia mention is only that they would like to see only one turboprop and debates seem to only mention Firefly and FAX?

f. Let us say...if FAX or Airasia could have been given the same before or they could have porposed for the same or better than Firefly, why did they not? Blame MAS for stopping?

g. If credibility is at stake, why JB, Penang and Kuching were forgotten, when promised as hubs?

h. Why is RAS being discussed when the rakyat is still not served?

i.FAX is full or flaxi fare. Berjaya Air is fixed. Firefly is low cost.

j. Airasia X announced today that they will be probably buying the A330. Long haul at cost but is the staff at cost too as the flights are long and crew needs care to pilot and to man the cabins. I hope it is taken care of and the flights do work for the sake of us who are eager for travelling at budgetary constraints.

The debate will not on. :)

That's a long litany of stuff, but nowhere have you addressed the issue of whether any airline operating the rural routes in Sabah and Sarawak should be allowed to make a profit.

I know that some people think that 'profit' is a dirty word, but why should any company, listed or unlisted, be expected to operate something, or sell something, that makes losses consistently?

If the govt thinks that the rural air services are essential to the folks in Sabah and Sarawak, then let let them operate the services themselves or else subsidise an airline or airlines to operate the services. The point of the subsidy being that the airline/s don't lose money operating the services.

The fact of the matter is this - if FAX or MAS or anyone else think that they cannot run the rural air services and make a profit, they are not going to do it. No matter how many licences the govt hands out.

Basic facts of life.

Oh, yah, one more thing - I believe that Berjaya Air operates only charter flights. At least, out of Spore's Seletar Airport.

[sirgalahad2010]

Well, those unprofitable route; gomen, pls get MAS to serve this route out.

For those profitable route, we gonna list this unit in 5 yrs and make tons of money ourselves.

For those existing route with delays problems and many many problems of a listed unit. We have make ourselves billions of dollar dah..who cares those suckers have to bear with delays, lost luggage, cancellation, no tar road and etc etc. Let them suffer lar...anyway they have no choice wat.

Your point being what, precisely?

If Malaysians believe that operating a budget airline or low-cost carrier is a licence to make money, then why aren't more Msian entrepreneurs or tycoons taking the plunge to set up one?

It's easy to be cynical when you are not in the driving seat. The Aussies call it the "tall poppy syndrome".

[sarawakian]

Noted...but let us see...

Berjaya Air flies out of Subang Airport...it still does dude.

Yup...I did in one of my notes for all to look at making some cargo for the F50 if not already done for some profit. Australia or not, this is home. Malaysia...we try to help out. Also, look...why make promises one cannot do? Like said, it is just that bitter pills are always there, life can be as such, but we should also look at the people as well...if flights not profitable, then do some areas where it can ie roads etc.

We cannot just take this and swallow lah dude. The thing is, while we make praises for all, let us not over praise as there are who will become more profitabkle and then the common man suffers lah..

If promises not doen...then do change the tag line. That goes for FAX.

Sounds that being a cynic is not good...maybe being cynical is dependant on perception... I am not cynical...in my opinion, but ok lor if people say I am. Just wanna have a debate on how the way things are.


They, FAX are buying the A330 too now...10 I think for long haul.. That is good...but don't forget the other rakyat too. We are proud of MAS, Firefly, AirAsia, FAX, AirAsia X and even Berjaya Air. But we want to improve and be heard dude. This country is proud for what it is and we are not Aussie lah. :)

[sarawakian]

Airasia X plans to list in 5 years. 15 A330 to be bought. RM2.5B list price but deliveries in Sep 2008.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/business/20070420174400&sec=business

[sarawakian]

Airasia X plans to list in 5 years. 15 A330 to be bought. RM2.5B list price but deliveries in Sep 2008.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/20/business/20070420174400&sec=business

Hiya all,

Check this out...fresh news from Air Asia X. A330-300 bought with first 10 to be delivered by 1st quarter of 2008 but at interim, to use leased aircraft...hence maybe they will start at end 2007. :)


http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/23/business/20070423163605&sec=business

[sarawakian]

Check the prices out...they are quite cheap for domestics!

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/main.html :p

[sarawakian]

FAX plans September 2007 start for AirAsia X. Intends to fly from Penang, Sabah and Johor Bahru other than LCCT. Hmmm...Kuching apamacam Tony?

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/24/business/17528642&sec=business :)

[sarawakian]

For those who do not have the website, here is firefly's website. Enjoy! :cool:

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/

[sirgalahad2010]

Noted...but let us see...

Berjaya Air flies out of Subang Airport...it still does dude.

Yup...I did in one of my notes for all to look at making some cargo for the F50 if not already done for some profit. Australia or not, this is home. Malaysia...we try to help out. Also, look...why make promises one cannot do? Like said, it is just that bitter pills are always there, life can be as such, but we should also look at the people as well...if flights not profitable, then do some areas where it can ie roads etc.

We cannot just take this and swallow lah dude. The thing is, while we make praises for all, let us not over praise as there are who will become more profitabkle and then the common man suffers lah..

If promises not doen...then do change the tag line. That goes for FAX.

Sounds that being a cynic is not good...maybe being cynical is dependant on perception... I am not cynical...in my opinion, but ok lor if people say I am. Just wanna have a debate on how the way things are.


They, FAX are buying the A330 too now...10 I think for long haul.. That is good...but don't forget the other rakyat too. We are proud of MAS, Firefly, AirAsia, FAX, AirAsia X and even Berjaya Air. But we want to improve and be heard dude. This country is proud for what it is and we are not Aussie lah. :)

PROFIT, BRUDDER, PROFIT. CAN FAX OR MAS/FIREFLY MAKE A PROFIT OPERATING THE RURAL AIR SERVICES IN SABAH & SARAWAK? IF THEY CAN'T MAKE A PROFIT, WHY OPERATE THOSE ROUTES?

Just answer this question fair and square. No need to go round and round with fancy verbiage.

[sarawakian]

Hello dude...yup...profit is waht all aim for dude...that's why I was asking that if the F50 took off say about 30 of the seats and do cargo and then place only 20 for seatings, maybe it will work..Then, reduce the frequencies. Yup, of course we all look at profit and that was why when FAX took over, we believed that they would be able to help turn around and make profit yet also helping the rakyat.

So, yup, of course profit is always the aim..but what makes one even better is to turn useless to gold...hence, the idea of debate for soultions dude...

Let us say, if FAX is stuck with it, how and waht would they do to create a good business venture? I think there are great ideas out there and this forum helps to create such a possibility. So dude, I am not using fancy language to play play lah..somemore don't lah get personal...I don't get personal with anyone.. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Hello dude...yup...profit is waht all aim for dude...that's why I was asking that if the F50 took off say about 30 of the seats and do cargo and then place only 20 for seatings, maybe it will work..Then, reduce the frequencies. Yup, of course we all look at profit and that was why when FAX took over, we believed that they would be able to help turn around and make profit yet also helping the rakyat.

So, yup, of course profit is always the aim..but what makes one even better is to turn useless to gold...hence, the idea of debate for soultions dude...

Let us say, if FAX is stuck with it, how and waht would they do to create a good business venture? I think there are great ideas out there and this forum helps to create such a possibility. So dude, I am not using fancy language to play play lah..somemore don't lah get personal...I don't get personal with anyone.. :)


My apologies, brudder - it was not meant to be personal.

Creative ways to make a profit are fine. Its what entrepreneurship is all about.

But within the narrow context of rural air services, what type of cargo payload can be generated from within the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak that would make the cargo part of the operation profitable?

Or should profit from the cargo operation subsidise the passenger fares?

Bear in mind that the F50s will have to be phased out sooner or later. I am not sure if these are the same aircraft I remember when I used to fly from KK to Tawau in the mid-80s. Whatever the replacement, somebody has to pay for the new aircraft. And how to get a decent return on this investment?

[sarawakian]

No worries. It is always good to have this forum going. It is better for us to see what ideas we have out there. So keep it coming! :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Just to satisfy my curiosity, was MAS operating the Fokker F50s on the Sabah domestic routes back in the mid-80s?

If those same aircraft are in operation now, they must be like 20+ years old?

I sure hope that whoever is maintaining these aircraft knows what he is doing!

[sarawakian]

Yup...it is still the same F50s and also the Twin Otters. Most of the time, these routes are flown by expats. Hopefully, they really snowball these and choose other planes. There should be a situation where there is a business relationship to make some flights viable but this definitely needs the states of Sabah and Sarawak to be actively involved...not Taib though hahahahahaha.

The Hornbill Skyways co is still there but the recent Bell heli crashes took a toll on its suspicious management. Maybe the RAS and inter state routes on the main should have the 2 state givts also run it or with aid from entrepreneurs. :)

[sarawakian]

NEWS! Airasia flies to Shenzhen soon from LCC-T and website shows availability for domestic flights to do we check ins!

check this out at www.airasia.com :D

[USJ27Resident]

Sheeeesh! At the rate AirAsia is expanding - they'll have'ta swap terminals with MAS :p otherwise, no place for all their Airbuses... Now they have gotten state of the art A330-300s for their AirAsia-X flights...

Compared that with the MAS A330s, :( those one with the pull down screens, the MAS A330s are just too archaic for todays passengers la...

Idris Jala's tenure is coming to an end soon... still no news yet on any extension or who would be his possible replacement... but one thing is for sure, those in MAS is hoping that whoever takes over the helm doesn't blow away all the hard earned cash in the kitty like the some of the previous bosses...

[sarawakian]

Yeah, it is great to have our very own AirAsia flying to Shenzhen. This adds to Macau and with Macau always full most of the time, this is a good move. Also, Macau already serves ground transport to Guangzhou and turbo ferry to Hong Kong. I was in Macau last year via AirAsia and it was great. The best move any airlines could do is to get Macau. Tourism is on the rise and it makes good sense for inter-tourism. KK, Sabah has got good loads to and from Macau. There are buses from Macau to mainland China...but wise to get your VISA fone here in Malaysia first.

The A330-300 is the larger of the A330 family and plans by AirAsia X is to have 2 classes within the seating arrangements. Am not sure about refreshments and whether the same model prevails ie buy on board but credit card transactions should be allowed for whateever amount.

Perhaps some tour packages can be introduced as this would help spur the services.

Idris Jala does a great job at MAS in helping to turn around. It is a shame that Idris is to be removed if that is the government's intention. Mind you, he is a Sarawakian and the name is of an Orang Ulu race in Sarawak. So, hence, the conspiracy theory which I do not want to elaborate here in this thread.

Idris and Tony are nearly the best thing to ever happen with aviation in Malaysia. If only our YB Chan K C can start with open skies, we would even be better off. Tourism helps in craeting new jobs via new services and is normally the least destructive of any industry when properly controlled. We have great potential with Genting, Cameron, our East Coast States of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang for its beautiful beaches (rivals Gold Coast Australia and Bali, I might add), our historical Melaka (similar to what is provided in Macau's heritage buildings, but better informed, though not marketed correctly), our historical and green Sarawak and Sabah, the beauty of Johore's mangroves in Tanjung Piai, Penang's foodie culture, the charm of Langkawi etc.

Hopefully business sense takes hold in the form of commuinty and social requirements over dumb politics which is rather hard where we call home. :o

[sarawakian]

:eek: Yup it is true...great prices from MAS and Airasia

Check out the story:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/25/nation/17540138&sec=nation&focus=1

Also, the website

MAS : www.mas.com
Airasia: www.airasia.com

Transport (cheap) :
Star Shuttle from Subang Parade (RM9 per way to LCCT. Heard from their promoter here that they are plannig for KLIA in the next few weeks! Yay!!!)

I got my details from Subang Parade's website:
http://www.hektargroup.com/SubangParade/index.htm

Have fun all!!!!

[sirgalahad2010]

A Spore Straits Times (http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg) report today said that transport officials from Msia and Spore will meet in Spore early May to discuss how to expand air links.

Currently, travellers pay more than S$400 return (including all taxes and surcharges) for the 30-minute SIN-KUL flight on SIA or MAS.

AirAsia, Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia are all eager to operate flights between Msian cities (KL, Penang, KK and Kuching) and Spore.


However, MAS strongly objects to opening up the SIN-KUL route before end-2008.

Of course, what this will do to JB's ambitions to make Senai Airport a regional hub remains to be seen!

[KakiLang]

R there any successfull models of low cost long haul carrier in the market yet? So far, I hv not heard of any. Oasis Airways already started their operations from Hong Kong to London vice versa; AirAsia X is waiting for the start-up, Ryanair is also planning transalantic operations to connect major europe cities to some cities in the State. Let see which of these Low cost long haul carriers emerges as the leader.

[sarawakian]

Have faith. I am sure this is possible if Tony gets it right. So far, we should be proud of what he does and as with MAS' Idris Jala who dares to play similar games but forced restrictions, we are in total sum better off with these 2 men.

I am certain with AirAsia X doing well, we would have opportunities for even MAS to consider re-strategizing to meet non competing but complementary styles. Idris is the master of Hub & Spoke (also used by Cargo Freighters) and code shares while Tony loves point to point hubs so no code share.

Can't blame MAS for sounding Singapore and KL cause Tiger and SIA is the same but MAS and AirAsia not the same...hahahahahaha...anyways, everyone tries to looby...it is a game..we already are the most well looked at country with our 2 men helming the aviation...great case studies to leran here and kudos! :)

[geordie]

Well, digressing a tad here ... Called up Firefly to enquire on return fare from LGK to PEN. Crikey, they call themselves "Malaysia's First Community AIrline" ?????!!!!! It's M$345 return for a 35 minutes flight ! :eek:

[sarawakian]

Wow...by the way, what was the breakdown ie nett and surcharge and security fee etc....?

Anyone else had experience yet flying Firefly? :confused:

[geordie]

Sarawakian,

***shrugs*** I only asked for an all-in fare. But then, the taxes, et al shouldn't have amounted to that much. We have recently managed to get KUL- LGK return on AA. Freebie, return, for 3 persons = M$240 TOTAL.

Go figure ... And "they" are wondering why domestic tourism is not taking off.

I guess we'll just ferry across .....

[KH EE]

MAS : www.mas.com

Transport (cheap) :
Star Shuttle from Subang Parade (RM9 per way to LCCT. Heard from their promoter here that they are plannig for KLIA in the next few weeks! Yay!!!)

I got my details from Subang Parade's website:
http://www.hektargroup.com/SubangParade/index.htm

Have fun all!!!!

it's www.malaysiaairlines.com not www.mas.com

and the rm9 trip's site is

http://starwira.com/

[sarawakian]

Thanks...my mistake..and tahnks for the Star Shuttle website. This would be useful. :)

Yup...Cabinet also decided that the RAS is returned to MAS via Firefly. This is a good sign only if the government does its social responsibility and subsidize and help with profitability. It should also not link the turnaround plan with MAS'.

As for Airasia and Airasia X, we hope that things will improve...especially with the issue of gate queues in LCCT and providoon of set numbers

[sirgalahad2010]

The subsidy for the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak has been mentioned as between RM50 million and RM70 million (I assume this is per year).

Involved are 22 routes and 104 daily flights in Sabah and Sarawak that FAX will hand over to Firefly.

Incidentally, if FAX couldn't run the rural air services at a profit, or at least break even, after the govt subsidy, then how does one expect Firefly to do so?

After all, RM50-70 million is a substantial amount of public funds to be spent in Sabah and Sarawak.

Something is not right in this picture.

[sarawakian]

Ya...it is only going to work if there are business sense in this issue. MAS' Firefly takeover is not due to MAS' want but by cabinet decision. If there is a need for subsidies to stay, what good will it do? It is the same as FAX situation. There is also talk that this will not disrupt MAS' turnaround plan...well, how then to operate the routes?

The F50s and Twin Otters are old...need replacements. But RAS in actual fact only comes as roads are not done for the interior. There is also a need fro flying doctors and mail runs as well as some passengers.

Maybe, this can be barter traded. Anyone has any ideas to make this better?

1. MAS Firefly to make this viable, what would they need ?

2. FAX and Airasia to help tourism in Kuching, Miri, JB, Penang and Kuantan ;)

[sirgalahad2010]

Ya...it is only going to work if there are business sense in this issue. MAS' Firefly takeover is not due to MAS' want but by cabinet decision. If there is a need for subsidies to stay, what good will it do? It is the same as FAX situation. There is also talk that this will not disrupt MAS' turnaround plan...well, how then to operate the routes?

The F50s and Twin Otters are old...need replacements. But RAS in actual fact only comes as roads are not done for the interior. There is also a need fro flying doctors and mail runs as well as some passengers.

Maybe, this can be barter traded. Anyone has any ideas to make this better?

1. MAS Firefly to make this viable, what would they need ?

2. FAX and Airasia to help tourism in Kuching, Miri, JB, Penang and Kuantan ;)

Where is Firefly going to get the money to buy the much-needed new aircraft for the rural air services? Go back to daddy MAS? And MAS will go back to granddaddy Penerbangan Msia. Ultimately, it will be public funds.

Its time the federal govt and the 2 state govts get transparent and put all the figures out in the open and on the table. Maybe pay a team of consultants from Accenture, McKinsey or whatever to make recommendations as to what would be the viable options.

One thing is for sure - if the govt is going to pay out RM50-70 million in subsidies for the rural air services every year - and if Firefly can't break even running the services, let alone make a profit and a decent return on investment for its daddy and granddaddy - we will be faced with the same situation in 2-3 years time, when Firefly throws in the towel.

[sarawakian]

Yes, this should be done. Also to not only look at flights but also roads.

For MAS to operate Firefly to then operate RAS, is in fact going backwards. Yes, public funds are wasted again.

I seriously hope our YB Chan and also the govts of Sarawak...instead of getting away with timber money to do something about it.

Anyways, anyone has any experience flying Firefly yet? Also, any idea where AirAsia X will most likely fly first? :rolleyes:

[sarawakian]

This is an interesting idea but I do not know if YB Chan and Govt will agree. Idris would like to ahve another entity via MAS so it does not disrupt MAS Turnaround Plan as well as dsurbs Firefly's plans for routes on pricing.

This again depends on profitability and feasibility as Idris said, the govt should be responsible for the accounts...however, we rakyat still pay the taxes for govt to use...so how..

Anyways, I would love to see Firefly do more city to city or town town connections ie Penang to Alor Star, Penang to Ipoh, Johor Bahru to Kuching,
Kuching to Ipoh, Kuching to Kuala Terenganu and/or Kuantan via their intended Embraer or Bombardiers as the existing from MAS, B737s and turboprops are so old.

Jetstar is coming over in September...any idea as to where it lands? LCCT or KLIA? I note that in Singapore, they land in Changi's Main Terminal...can't recall which one and not the Budget Terminal.
:)

[sirgalahad2010]

I see from newspaper reports that AirAsia X is talking to Airbus about buying another 10 A330-300 aircraft, making a total of 25 aircraft (10 already ordered + option for another 5 + the latest negotiations for another 10).

FAX will get its first batch of A330s in the 4th quarter of 2008, but it seems, according to reports, that the first long-haul flights from the LCCT/KLIA will begin in Sept 2007. I wonder how they are going to do this? Leased A330s?

I presume that the first long-haul destinations will be cities in Australia or India or China.

By which time the SIN-KUL route will be opened up for competition.

See how Tony F is placing his ducks all in a row?

[sarawakian]

Yes...I am Back from Siem Reap!!!


One thing is for sure:

a. They have improved the PA system and got people organized to queue. The retirees and with children, pregnant etc were the first in.
b. We arrived 20 mins earlier both to and from Siem Reap...yup...plane on time.
c. The stewardesses and stewards were fun and jokers...
d. The airport in Siem Reap? So way cool!
e. Took the Go Holiday, transport was arranged as requested though my reservations were more than 2 moths ago!

In that regards, Airasia has definitely improved.

Kudos

Yup...leased Airbuses...I say let us lend support to Airasia, AirAsia X and even MAS for the benefit of our improved aviation! :p

Travel now is so much cheaper as I took the Star Shuttle bus from Subang Parade at 7am!!!!!

[sarawakian]

This was one of my best trips. Cambodia's Siem Reap really showed so much beauty and humanity.

I have used GoHoliday from AirAsia for the 4th time. The first being Macau, then Bangkok, to Bali and recently to Siem Reap.

In all cases, I had pleasant flights. The crew were good as well. Talking about Siem Reap, for those who have not gone to the area to see Angkor's Archaelogical Park, should do so. Prices are cheap and the township survives on responsible tourism. It is comforting to note that the hotel we stayed in, Angkor Star Hotel has a child safe policy. What is child safe? Child safe protects children from scumbags the paedophiles!

The maps and free guidebooks by canbypublications available at eateries and some shops are well worth the information. Puts Malaysia's tourism efforts a joke. There is also an expatriate resident doctor who plays the cello on certain days of the week to raise funds for the children's hospital.

The people take trouble to learn languages and still kept their culture and dignity...compare that with our Malaysian tourism...in fact, they want us to act like Arabs now to get more Arabs in? Hello!!!!

We need to be proud of our culture, our environment and of our struggle as a nation and not just sell ourselves to any other nation so that they feel comfortable here. I am actually sad that we even have an ARAB Street in KL!!! Why is Central Market not promoted but ARAB Street???

Coming back to Siem Reap, their courtesy and street children work to learn and practise with tourists. Their grasp of grammar puts many of our educated to shame.

Previously, when in Bali, I felt the same....this is a place where they have so many tourists from Australia, Korea, Japan etc and yet they still kept their culture and do so in their daily chores and living...no way were they aping others to attarct others. No Harajuku wannabe or even some Sydney and Melbourne type alfrescos

The same with Bangkok...they were looking at the new money from China...they spent a lot but yet we do not see a HUGE CHINATOWN appearing!

I must thank AirAsia for making travel so affordable...makes people see more that we actually trying so hard to ape than to be proud of who we are.

I hope our generation and the next will realise this soon. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

To digress a bit, it looks like the SIN-KUL route will not be opened up to competition this year.

At least not from what the Transport Minister said.

It seems that the position of KLIA has to be considered.

So, Tony F's bullish predictions notwithstanding, it appears that the management at KLIA are not confident of KLIA holding its own against Changi if competition is allowed on the SIN-KUL route and on other routes from Changi to Msian destinations.

[sarawakian]

MAHB should consider privatising the airport management. There is no way that we should be afraid of Changi. I think that this is some selfish reasons which maybe was a remnant of ill feels since last time.

Tony should proceed with his plans on AirAsia X and do as what he can with LCCT. He then should also use JB as the next large hub after LCCT, KLIA.

Firefly to then do the same with Kuching Airport or even get the Sarawak and or Sabah Govt to undertake internal flights in Borneo inclusive of Kalimantan and Brunei wth some off shoots to Singapore (SilkAir) and to Bali as well as Bangkok direct.

This week we see more mockery by our govt than anything else. The best thing was the salary promise...but why now? elections? :eek:

[sirgalahad2010]

MAHB should consider privatising the airport management. There is no way that we should be afraid of Changi. I think that this is some selfish reasons which maybe was a remnant of ill feels since last time.

Tony should proceed with his plans on AirAsia X and do as what he can with LCCT. He then should also use JB as the next large hub after LCCT, KLIA.

Firefly to then do the same with Kuching Airport or even get the Sarawak and or Sabah Govt to undertake internal flights in Borneo inclusive of Kalimantan and Brunei wth some off shoots to Singapore (SilkAir) and to Bali as well as Bangkok direct.

This week we see more mockery by our govt than anything else. The best thing was the salary promise...but why now? elections? :eek:

Hmm...they should be afraid of Changi. The world's best airport, remember?

Also, you might remember that there were some vague promises in the past that KLIA would benchmark itself against the best airports in the world, and make the results public. I believe these originated from the previous Transport Minister or some person in Msia Airports.

Needless to say, there was, and is, a deafening silence over benchmarking KLIA against the competition.

[sarawakian]

MAHB should benchmark...and the only way to do so is not to be afraid to try to do so vis a vis Changi. That way, we can improve.

Imgaine if we were to do so...yup, we can emulate and even see where we went wrong. I think carpaetting in Changi works very well. The availability of variety in F&B and shops are great. The coffee shops has prices similar to Orchard Road and availability of lounge areas with TVs also makes the difference.

I think we would definitely lose without opening our routes to Singapore

[sarawakian]

Airasia has got a new Hanoi flight as well as a new flight to Shenzhen in July. However, I cannot book the Shenzhen ones yet. Also noted from AirAsia's website www.airasia.com that there would be an express lane where I think we need to pay to get to choose the seats...I think it is RM20. There is also now a web check in but it is for a max 6 hrs before and min 2 hrs before, I think. This though, is only valid for Domestic for now. :cool:

[cskok8]

MAHB should consider privatising the airport management. There is no way that we should be afraid of Changi. I think that this is some selfish reasons which maybe was a remnant of ill feels since last time.

:eek:

Excuse me, I thought MAHB is already a private company. Or are you talking about piratising it. :p

[sirgalahad2010]

Excuse me, I thought MAHB is already a private company. Or are you talking about piratising it. :p

Msia Airports is a public-listed company whose shares are quoted on Bursa Msia.

MAHB's big mistake was to reject an offer some years back from Schipol Airport of the Netherlands to take a stake in KLIA and take over its management.

A misplaced sense of nationalism got in the way of a sound business decision.

And I think that this happened during the tenure of the previous PM and the previous Transport Minister.

[sirgalahad2010]

To digress a bit, SIA has announced a 71% increase in profit to a record S$2.13 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2007. This was on an 8.6% increase in turnover to a record S$14.49 billion.

SIA staff will be paid 6.07 months bonus (compared to 3.1 months last year) on top of their regular 13th month bonus - making a total of 7.07 months bonus.

SIA will also distribute S$2.16 billion to shareholders by way of a special dividend and a capital reduction scheme.

SIA achieved a passenger load factor of close to 80% (79.2%), even with capacity constraints on its key routes.

See what good management can do!

MAS is in the kampong league compared with SIA.

[sirgalahad2010]

An AFP report today said that AirAsia Long Haul will confirm an order for 15 Airbus A330-300 aircraft (10 already on order plus taking up an option for an additional 5 aircraft).

It looks as though the long haul plans are being put in place.

[sarawakian]

Yeah...was out abit..caught fever and flu...as my fingers are still cold, I can't resist writing in!

Yup, I for one am very gald that AirAsia has the balls to do the long hauls. I can't wait for the Australian flights as going back to Perth and visiting my brother in Melbourne or friends in Sydney would be so much cheaper than MAS or SIA.

Yeah, privatisation is indeed good. MAHB should do so as this would be better managemed especially on retail, wayfinding, customer services, tact and security.

MAHB is running a good product to ground and that is sad. I am sure if say all states are given a mandate to run each airport within some form of fair rules, it would augur well.. then theerafter, full airport management.

I am also looking forward to seeing more resposible tourism...AirAsia does this best with flights to Macau and Siem Reap as well as Nali are sensitive to worl heritage and peace. That gives geart to a company. MAS is changing...not enough due to again some holding restraints...if they are also given free reign...this augurs well for our civil aviation...Who knows, we can be a great model :rolleyes:

[bugbear]

Looking forward for MAS to take back rural air services. Where I am now, the service from FAX is getting worsen by the day. For instant, a few days ago, they arbitrary cancel one flight causing congestion and lots of inconvenience. Wishing for them to go faster out the back door.

[sarawakian]

I agree...hopefully the sarawak Govt and Sabah Govt work this out and do their service by asking for it instead of leaving to MAS. Can use the still alive, Hornbill Skyways!

Anyways, anyone used Firefly yet? Please share the experience.

Also, Tune Hotels....anyone tried it yet? ;)

[sarawakian]

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=18706

Check the story above. Guess this is another way for ensuring a fixed demarcation is done. Whatever it is, let us hope it is economically feasible.

:D

[sarawakian]

http://www.airasia.com/nl/nl070515-en.htm

Check this out! Now we need to pay RM20 when buying ticket to get to be the first to line up to enter the plane.

Hmmm...what do you all think? :D

[sirgalahad2010]

A report in the Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg) today said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian aviation regulatory body, has written a letter to MAS asking it to explain why its operations to India should not be stopped.

The Indian aviation regulatory body has also asked why Msian authorities are not allowing the Indian low-cost carriers, Air India Express and Air Sahara, to operate to and from KLIA.

Oh, oh - trouble ahead for VMY 2007?

Seems to me that this, if true, cannot be AirAsia's doing. After all, they have said that they welcome competition.

Nope, someone is playing the spoiler here. Any one care to hazard a guess as to who it could be?

[sarawakian]

In all cases, I believe the Ministry of Transport gives the nod or wields the axe irregardless what MAS says...so...let us see, MAHB and Ministry seems to love the Mid East Airlines cause they do rich and low cost or normal airlines like the ones from India, China seems to be outcasted unless chartered!

VMY? What VMY? The government is asking us to please the mid east ppl as they give more money to tourism...hello...what about the other folks from China, India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philipines, Thai, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal etc?

I guess we only think of being I might add, wanting the rich but not looking at the overall.

Sad. Tourism Ministry and Transport Ministry score very low in my books. I hope there is some sense but so far there does not seem to be any.

What irks me is the level of information available at the airports and shopping centres. Guide books, maps etc are not seen except for lousy one page folded pamplets taking so much space with rubbish. I could easily find stuff in Siem Reap, Bali, Bangkok etc...and look...Siem Reap after the horrible past not too long ago do better airports and tourism than us when we have everything asian! Sheesh... I feel sad that say even a few hours to Perak has so many sights from a leaning clock tower, pasir salak, old tin dredge and sumptious food to the south to Melaka with its heritage and history are not easily accessible even from KL or Selangor...Sad! :mad:

[sirgalahad2010]

It appears, according to a Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg) report today, that the SIN-KUL air route will not be opened up for competition before end-2008, as per the Asean agreement.

Score: MAS 1 AirAsia 0!

What is interesting, though, is that SIA may be given permission to fly between KLIA and secondary airports like Penang.

Now, that would be interesting, if it ever happens.

[sarawakian]

That is good. Hopefully Singapore gets to also fly the KLIA to Penang route. Funny, Tahi Airasia is in Singapore landing in Changi but Indon AirAsia not allowed. I can't recall why.

I hope that maybe Thai AirAsia also flies to Kuching as well so it connects bangkok to Kuching for tourism.

MAS has an improved website.

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/main_MY.aspx

Airasia has improved website and services! Web check ins, kiosk check ins and RM20 express queue.

http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

Firefly has pretty good deals too and SIA plying Penang is good for Penang's tourism.

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/

As for FAX, hopefully, they rid their RAS fast and start with promo with AirAsia X

http://www.flyasianxpress.com/site/en/fax/home.jsp

Was noting that with the failed opened routes, this further spells stupidity in highlighted form on the part of the parties who did so. This fails to improve tourism and the idea as well of not managing the airport well enough for proper markets is a joke.

To digress abit, how is the new see thru bag going to be done? Is it implemented yet? ;)

[chookyan]

"That is good. Hopefully Singapore gets to also fly the KLIA to Penang route. Funny, Thai Airasia is in Singapore landing in Changi but Indon AirAsia not allowed. I can't recall why."


ANSWER IS - Previously Air Asia thai partner was Shin Corp. belonging to Thaksin's family and later Shin Corp was sold to to Singapore's Temasek Holdings :D .

[USJ27Resident]

http://www.airasia.com/nl/nl070515-en.htm
Check this out! Now we need to pay RM20 when buying ticket to get to be the first to line up to enter the plane. Hmmm...what do you all think? :D

Well, if everyone had paid the RM20 fees - then it is back to square 1 lorr... QUEUE UP lorr... only difference, no more free seating!! :p

[sarawakian]

Yah...what happens if all pay RM20....that means all will get first priority? How la like that...

Oh, I also saw the new transparent plastic regulations in the star today...wah..very small. Now we must ut in the check in luggage and but miniatures to fit in for travel in the handheld. This is necessary as the check ins can at times get lost with MAHB! :D

[sarawakian]

The reason I chose the title is baffling to some. However, this was my first thought when i read the following:

a. Firefly allowed to use Subang Airport as with Berjaya Air for its turboprops. There is a plan for Subang - Ipoh, Subang - Senai and Subang - Medan, Subang - Pekan Baru and Subang -Padang connections from here. Penang will connect Medan and Banda Acheh. Funny, why no Subang - Melaka (Batu berendam) and Penang - Phnom Penh.

b. that is ridiculous if then there is an airport still used, then Airasia should be moved here and re hash their offer to fully renovate the terminals and use the connection from Subang Airport.

c. The use of the transparent bags should be for domestic as well, not only international!

d. There should be harsher penalties for the lady who threatened the hijack of the MAS plane to Penang even though on the ground and not in air! There should be the same for the man on the Kuching to Sibu flight saying his the case of spare parts were bombs jokingly!

Come on MAHB and MAS!

[sarawakian]

At least now, the LCCTs would have lower taxes from June at KLIA and KK terminals

That meant we would have a reduction of RM3 from RM9 ie RM6 for domestic and a reduction of RM16 from RM41 ie RM25 for international at LCCT KLIA and a reduction of RM26 from RM51 ie RM25 for the same at KK.

This was covered in The Star today on page N14.

The same story did not comment on Firefly using Subang's airport as the statement was made by the Tourism Minister and NOT Transport Minister, it said.

The other good news is that duty free items purchased at duty free stores in terminals and onboard are exempted. These must be in clear plastic with receipts, however. This story was alos in The Star's N14

:)

[sarawakian]

Check out the latest schedule at :


http://www.hektargroup.com/SubangParade/starshuttle.htm :D

[sarawakian]

This is interesting. Check out KLIA's improved website. There are also downloads for KLIA Times.

I think, with continuous improvement, this will bear well

Site:

http://www.klia.com.my/ :)

[sarawakian]

It is interesting to note that AirAsia showed that with good business acumen, profits will come. I want to know if the Ministry of Transport just open up the skies and not blame MAS as the factor. Funny that an airline dictates Ministry who is the ultimate authority for decisions...hmmm...

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/28/business/17848376&sec=business

July 15 also sees Airasia flying to Shenzhen. Guilin, Xiamen, Haikou and Kunming are also on the horizon. The plans are for KK to Xiamen....hmmm...I hope Kuching will have some too. Alos the flight restraint is 4.5 hours.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/28/nation/17833247&sec=nation

YAY!!!! :D

[AllUrban]

flying to Shenzhen airport will also make travel to Hong Kong much easier...the metro connects to the border...

and just like in Macao, there is a direct shuttle bus from the airport to the Shenzhen ferry terminal.....you dont need a Chinese visa because you dont go through Chinese immigration.....

Cheers, m

[sirgalahad2010]

An AFP report carried on Spore's ChannelnewsAsia today said that Australians have rated Qantas as the worst airline in a survey of 4,000 people conducted by a consumer NGO in Australia.

SIA was voted the best airline. Emirates, Air New Zealand, MAS, Thai Airways and Cathay Pacific all beat Qantas in this survey.

Criteria used in the survey: value for money, booking procedures, convenience, check-in procedure, in-flight service, seat comfort, legroom & cleanliness.

It's interesting that the Aussies seem to have a better opinion of MAS than Malaysians do. Could it be the "Pinkerton Syndrome" at work?

[sirgalahad2010]

A Reuters report today said that MAS has a 7-year plan to replace its entire fleet.

In the works are plans to order 55 narrow-body medium-range aircraft (in process with the Airbus A320, Bombardier C series and the Boeing 737 being evaluated) and 55 wide-body long-range aircraft (such as the new Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner).

The plan is to complete the refleeting exercise by 2014.

It looks like exciting times are in store for MAS, and that Idris Jala is managing to turn things around.

Now, if only he is given a free hand to complete his work, without political interference and idiots pushing national "agendas" getting in his way!

[sirgalahad2010]

A report in the Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg) today said that MAS will be setting up a new subsidiary to take over the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

This new subsidiary will be separate from MAS's low-cost carrier, Firefly.

The new subsidiary will be ring-fenced from MAS so that it can do inter-lining operations. Imagine boarding your flight in Tawau or Sandakan and checking your bags through to London or New York. That's good stuff!

It's obvious that the govt (federal or state) will have to subsidise the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak, as there is no way that Idris Jala will allow the rural routes to affect MAS's bottom line (and credit standing). Let this be done openly and transparently, and be properly audited.

[chookyan]

Criteria used in the survey: value for money, booking procedures, convenience, check-in procedure, in-flight service, seat comfort, legroom & cleanliness.

It's interesting that the Aussies seem to have a better opinion of MAS than Malaysians do. Could it be the "Pinkerton Syndrome" at work?[/QUOTE]

MAS flights into Australia cities and back are code shared with KLM Royal Dutch and I can testified that the MAS ground staff in Sydney are simply wonderful and I had a very pleasant experience with them when my luggages went missing while I was on transit in Sydney from Nadi recently. I was given plenty of assurances that all efforts is being made to locate them and I was kept informed regulary while I was at the Golden Lounge waiting for boarding and the best news was this Australian lady ground staff came aboard just before the aircraft doors were shut and told me that my luggages have been found and is safely in the plane's belly, the staff at Sydney's Golden Lounge were also good. To be honest if that happened in KLIA "habis cerita" Looks like company sama but staff mentality tak sama across the globe. I did sent a email thanking the MAS Australian ground team upon return to KL but the email was never answered by MAS HQ.

[USJ27Resident]

Now, if only he is given a free hand to complete his work, without political interference and idiots pushing national "agendas" getting in his way!

Thats the key word... if only , :p ...

[evelynlim]

Is good news that airasia will reduce its airport tax at LCCT & KK effective 1/6, so I shall wait till the effective date then only make my bookings.
I realised that Airasia is also overcharging us for the airport departure tax from another country which we are coming back from. The example is Thailand where we use to pay only 500 Baht when leaving either Bangkok/Chiangmai airport but now have to pay RM70 upon confirming our booking. Another new country which they are collecting the departure tax upon confirming the booking is Vietnam. The airport departure tax at Hanoi is suppose to be USD14 but we have to pay RM55.00 :( Our ringgit has been strengthen against the USD lately & even at the fixed rate at 3.8 also is lower than RM55. So Airasia has pocketed some profit from here as well :rolleyes: Anywhere can we address this matter to ?

[sarawakian]

Let us say that:

Idris Jala of MAS and Tony Fernandes of AirAsia are the real icons of Malaysia.

Sad to note....Government will spoil things...just wait and see. I still think and blame the Ministry of Transport of blaming others for its non open skies...and do not have the guts to say it was their Ministry.

Also, I fail to understand why the tax rebate is only for LCCT and KK. We have to walk the tarmac at Kuching and elsewhere...so why not do the same and not just the 2 airports? Again Ministry of Transport.

:rolleyes:

[sarawakian]

New flights from JB to Macau and KL to Shenzhen and KL to Krabi soon!

Check out the website:

http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

Also check out the new LAG regulations for liquid, aerosols and gels on hand luggage. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

It was reported today that Spore-based Tiger Airways, the budget airline subsidiary of SIA, has secured rights from the Indian govt to operate flights between Changi Airport and 6 Indian cities - Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Thiruvananthpuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode & Kolkata (Calcutta).

Tiger Air is rapidly getting into China, Australia and now, India.

AirAsia had better buck up, or else Tiger Air will get to monopolise all these lucrative routes!

[sarawakian]

Yup...I hope Airasia gets a move on especially to India, Bangladesh and China. Amritsar should be first, then Dhaka and then Beijing, Xian, Chengdu.

They should also start with the Aussie routes to Perth, Melbourne and GoldCoast first.

[sarawakian]

Yup, it is such a long time before we get to see AirAsia X. Now there are interesting stories so far while I took my leave.

a. Firefly allowed to use Subang Airport for its turboprop. Firefly also asks to fly to sectors done by MAS and Airasia
b. Berjaya Air will upgrade its planes from its DASH to anotjhet type...can't remember
c. Some Sabah politicians has suggested an airline doen for Borneo so the RAS can be done as well as some outward flights to Brunei, KL, Manila, CEBU. Balikpapan, Jakarta etc
d. Airasia X buys A330
e.MAS has stopped direct flights to Brisbane...hmmmm Airasia X direct to Gold Coast perhaps?
f. I wonder if Firefly will now upgrade and change the Fokker F50s to something new. :)

[Teeque]

i wouldnt be surprised if firefly will fly routes to India, China, Oz in the near term...frm Subang Airport. atm, the air transport policy seems to be a cowboy policy, much like the autombile policy... :)

[sarawakian]

After Berjaya Air's 4 unit purchase, Firefly has now got 20 units! Wow...That plane is indeed the most modern of turboprops and has a capacity for 70pax. Heard that this will based in Penang, Subang, JB and KK.

Look at the news in The Star today. This will augur well with the connectivity and I dare say, they will be good replacements for the Fokkers.

The next issue would be on the RAS....MAS Wings, how they will do and which planes...no one knows yet..

[AllUrban]

i wouldnt be surprised if firefly will fly routes to India, China, Oz in the near term...frm Subang Airport. :)ah, so maybe they will buy seaplanes???

Cheers, m

[sirgalahad2010]

Why reactivate Subang?

Another govt flip-flop?

Or a sop to MAS?

Tony F is going to scream...... :D :D :D

(and, btw, where is the report that MAS is stopping direct flights to Brisbane? Surely they don't want SIA and Qantas/BA to monopolise flights to Brisbane, would they?)

[sarawakian]

Yup..it's true as I was at the travel agent anf they said MAS has stopped direct Brisbane flights. I think the reason being is to allow AirAsia X to fly to G Coast as MAS needs to surrender one route.

With Firefly, funnily enough T Fernandes has mentioned in the npaper that he has no issues so long they are turboprops.

Also, Subang will be a hub for private jets to stop by for supplies, shopping etc.....other than Firefly and Berjaya Air's turboprop. :)

[chookyan]

[QUOTE=sarawakian]Yup..it's true as I was at the travel agent anf they said MAS has stopped direct Brisbane flights. I think the reason being is to allow AirAsia X to fly to G Coast as MAS needs to surrender one route.

MAS still fly to Brisbane via Sydney.

[Teeque]

...With Firefly, funnily enough T Fernandes has mentioned in the npaper that he has no issues so long they are turboprops...
yes, not yet. wait til they announce routes to other asian cities. Tony will flip n flap! :cool:

[sarawakian]

Yup...they still do not fly direct anymore...they do a Sydney stopover and use Qantas...somemore very long hours and can be expensive.


Ya...Tony will flip.ah...talking bout AirAsia, I find something real sad with AirAsia when I took flights to and fropom Kuching.

You know, they started this RM20 express boarding thingy...guess what, the old folks, pregnant women and children now have to rush if they do not buy the RM20. Also, this RM20 is only available via online and WHEN you purchase and afterthoughts, I am sorry...you rush queue.

Sad, what happened to the required tact for the elderly, pregnant, physically challenged and kids? Why can't they still do so?

:mad:

[USJ27Resident]

You know, they started this RM20 express boarding thingy...guess what, the old folks, pregnant women and children now have to rush if they do not buy the RM20. Also, this RM20 is only available via online and WHEN you purchase and afterthoughts, I am sorry...you rush queue.

Sad, what happened to the required tact for the elderly, pregnant, physically challenged and kids? Why can't they still do so?

Now everybody can RUSH... Airasia.com!

Then again, do you know why they changed their entire fleet to Airbus...
because the service is like a BUS in the AIR... = AIRBUS lorrrrr... All the B737s have been deployed to

[sirgalahad2010]

Never mind, lah - Tony F has got some seriously big-time kakis now!

Like Singapore property billionaire Kwek Leng Beng's Hong Leong Group and Istihmar PJSC, the investment arm of the Dubai govt. They are setting up a US$50 million joint-venture with Tune Hotels.Com to open 30 budget hotels across S-E Asia, including Singapore.

And I have read reports that Richard Branson may be interested in buying a 20% stake in Fly Asian Express (FAX).

Yup, looks like our Tony is going big-time now.

Malaysia boleh!!!!!! :D :D

[sarawakian]

Yeah...but I really hope he reinstates the first in for the elderly, physically challenged, pregnant and the children irregardless...

That will really make AirAsia sweet :)

[sirgalahad2010]

MAS, Air Asia, Firefly, FAX.....so many to keep track of!

Let's hope that the govt has some grand plan somewhere to make KLIA into a true regional airhub. Though being sandwiched between Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, one doesn't see just how they are going to achieve this.

Maybe, when MAS announces its decision on new aircraft, the picture will be clearer. I hope they go with a mix of A380s, A350 XWBs, A330s and B777-300ERs. At least, then, they will have a modern fleet to compete head-on with the likes of SIA and Cathay Pacific, not to mention Emirates, Qatar Air and Etihad!

[sarawakian]

Hmmm... my line up would be:

MAS : Mix of B777 ERs, B747, A350WB, A330-300 and B737. Forget bout A380...too large and too costly

Firefly : mix of ATR72-500 (seats 70) for Penang, JB, KK and Kuching hubs and A320 for inter hubs ie KL to JB to Kuching and Kuching to JB to Penang to KL only.

MAS Wings : ATR42-500 (seats 46-50) to replace all Fokker F50 and Twin Otters

AirAsia : Continue A320 but change all the old B737s even in other hubs

AirAsia X : A330-300s are good choices

Berjaya Air : ATR72-500 is ok. :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Hmmm... my line up would be:

MAS : Mix of B777 ERs, B747, A350WB, A330-300 and B737. Forget bout A380...too large and too costly

Firefly : mix of ATR72-500 (seats 70) for Penang, JB, KK and Kuching hubs and A320 for inter hubs ie KL to JB to Kuching and Kuching to JB to Penang to KL only.

MAS Wings : ATR42-500 (seats 46-50) to replace all Fokker F50 and Twin Otters

AirAsia : Continue A320 but change all the old B737s even in other hubs

AirAsia X : A330-300s are good choices

Berjaya Air : ATR72-500 is ok. :)

Hmm...I would agree with most of what you say, except for the B747s. Most of the major airlines are phasing out the B747s in favour of newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft like the B777-300 ERs and the B787 Dreamliners.

And the A380s are a good way to maximise passenger loads on sectors like KL-Heathrow where landing slots are in short supply. And if MAS wants to compete on the Australia-UK "kangaroo route", then the A380s are its best bet (as too for KLIA in its bid to become a regional hub).

[USJ27Resident]

Yup...they still do not fly direct anymore...they do a Sydney stopover and use Qantas...somemore very long hours and can be expensive.

Partially correct... Brisbane is no more a direct flight - true. But MAS does not use QANTAS as a connection but the MAS flight (morning run) continues to Brisbane and then loops back to KL...

By the way, LAG rulings are enforced in Australia... so if you're flying to Brisbane,do not take your duty free purchases out of the security bags in Sydney or you will have to leave them in Sydney... there is no compromise on this!

[sarawakian]

Thanks for the tip! At least my enrich miles still valid.. I find the LAGs thing very cumbersome...it is so hard for perfumes to be 100ml as well as toothpaste as toothpaste are done by grammes ie g and not ml...When I was to Singapore, they did not even check in KLIA and Changi...after using the sooooo small plastic bags...Funny thing is taht even the security do not know whether grammes (g) is directly related to ml....aiseh man....

Hmmm...with the planes, would the B777ERs be better than B747s or would the B787s??

However, maybe if MAS buys just a few A380 intead of so many to go to London, Frankfurt, Rome, LA, New York and Beijing...this may work well.

I am also in the opinion that perhaps all the B737s be replaced with maybe ones of A320 or the new B737 ERs like Lion Air... :)

[sarawakian]

Anyone knows if Jetstar Australia confirmed to fly Sydney KL Sydney confirmed? Also where would they land? KLIA or LCCT? :)

[AllUrban]

Anyone knows if Jetstar Australia confirmed to fly Sydney KL Sydney confirmed? Also where would they land? KLIA or LCCT? :)also, anything about where in Australia AAX will be flying to?

When can I start a booking? Ive got a vacation in September and Australia would be nice that time of year...

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

also, anything about where in Australia AAX will be flying to?

When can I start a booking? Ive got a vacation in September and Australia would be nice that time of year...

Cheers, m

Actually, AirAsia X was to go to Britain first...then they said maybe Australia first...It is now July...and still no sounds as yet... I think with AAX having only one leased plane, chances are that Britain will be first. I saw Jetstar's website and they have September KL Sydney KL flights but do not know eher they land in KL. Also, pricing similar to MAS if at their mid high rates....so I rather take MAS if I were you.

September is good in Perth and Sydney. I have lived in Perth and have visited Sydney a few times. ;)

[sarawakian]

Try this website...www.jetstar.com/au :)

[sirgalahad2010]

Actually, AirAsia X was to go to Britain first...then they said maybe Australia first...It is now July...and still no sounds as yet... I think with AAX having only one leased plane, chances are that Britain will be first. I saw Jetstar's website and they have September KL Sydney KL flights but do not know eher they land in KL. Also, pricing similar to MAS if at their mid high rates....so I rather take MAS if I were you.

September is good in Perth and Sydney. I have lived in Perth and have visited Sydney a few times. ;)

Tony F should buck up. AirAsia is being out-marketed and out-manoeuvred by Tiger Air.

Consider that Tiger has just announced low-cost flights from Spore to India, starting in Oct, initially to Chennai and Kochi, with all-inclusive return fares starting from S$200. Next Indian destinations for Tiger will be Bangalore and Hyderabad.

And Tiger is starting an Melbourne-based low-cost carrier to service the Australian domestic market.

Tiger now has a comprehensive network of 20 cities in 8 countries, including Perth, and now Chennai and Kochi. By 2015, the airline plans to operate a fleet of 70 Airbus A-320 planes.

Plus Tiger has got an ETOPS rating that allows it to operate the twin-engined A-320 on direct routes over oceans instead of sticking to land.

I am not sure if AirAsia has got an ETOPS rating?

[sirgalahad2010]

As a point of interest, could anyone enlighten me as to whether MAS had all along been using the Fokker 50s for the rural air services (RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak?

Or did they start with the Fokker F27s and upgrade to the Fokker 50s? I remember flying on Fokker aircraft on the Kota Kinabalu-Tawau route back in the early 80s.

Incidentally, it seems that manufacture of the Fokker 50 ceased in 1996, and that there are less than 200 of this aircraft in service currently around the world.

Since MAS only relinquished the RAS to FAX very recently (and subsequently took it back this year), I wonder why MAS chose to continue using aircraft that were no longer in production for the RAS. Surely that would have driven up the cost of spare parts, let alone their availability. Also the availability of pilots and maintenance personnel qualified on the Fokker 50 would be in diminishing numbers.

So, maybe, FAX was on to something when it complained about the Fokker 50s breaking down frequently, thus impacting operational availability and efficiency.

[sarawakian]

As a point of interest, could anyone enlighten me as to whether MAS had all along been using the Fokker 50s for the rural air services (RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak?

Or did they start with the Fokker F27s and upgrade to the Fokker 50s? I remember flying on Fokker aircraft on the Kota Kinabalu-Tawau route back in the early 80s.

Incidentally, it seems that manufacture of the Fokker 50 ceased in 1996, and that there are less than 200 of this aircraft in service currently around the world.

Since MAS only relinquished the RAS to FAX very recently (and subsequently took it back this year), I wonder why MAS chose to continue using aircraft that were no longer in production for the RAS. Surely that would have driven up the cost of spare parts, let alone their availability. Also the availability of pilots and maintenance personnel qualified on the Fokker 50 would be in diminishing numbers.

So, maybe, FAX was on to something when it complained about the Fokker 50s breaking down frequently, thus impacting operational availability and efficiency.

Yup, as far as I know, MAS used the F50s for RAS. These were nearly the same timing as the Twin Otters.

I guess that is why MAS has bought the ATR72s to replace those in Firefly as well as I think in RAS.

As much as I would like to support FAX, I am worried that FAX finds issues only now when MAS had maintained and no major problems prior to this.

I hope AAsia and FAX come up with a good maintenance schedule for all planes and true, Tony should buck up fast! He seems to be concentrating on Tune Money and Tune Hotels now...that is scary and still not looking at the issue of the elderly,pregnant and kids going is first which is no longer in place unless you pay RM20 extra per ticket.

I am also preplexed as to why AAsia has started having delays again after improving. I have experienced this as well as my friends who were stuck to and from Macau for over 5 hours!

Sad.... :confused:

[sirgalahad2010]

Yup, as far as I know, MAS used the F50s for RAS. These were nearly the same timing as the Twin Otters.

I guess that is why MAS has bought the ATR72s to replace those in Firefly as well as I think in RAS.

As much as I would like to support FAX, I am worried that FAX finds issues only now when MAS had maintained and no major problems prior to this.

I hope AAsia and FAX come up with a good maintenance schedule for all planes and true, Tony should buck up fast! He seems to be concentrating on Tune Money and Tune Hotels now...that is scary and still not looking at the issue of the elderly,pregnant and kids going is first which is no longer in place unless you pay RM20 extra per ticket.

I am also preplexed as to why AAsia has started having delays again after improving. I have experienced this as well as my friends who were stuck to and from Macau for over 5 hours!

Sad.... :confused:

Do you know what was the operational availability of the Fokker 50s when MAS was operating the RAS. 90%, 80% or less than 50%?

Also on-time performance and delays and cancellations of RAS flights when MAS was in charge?

And, in any case, I think that the Sabah and Sarawak state govts, as well as the Federal govt, don't really have a clue how to run the RAS.

Questions:

- is the RAS a necessity or a luxury?
- if it is, how much does it cost to run?
- how much are RAS passengers prepared to pay for their flights?
- which in turn leads to how much subsidy should be given?
- would the money be better spent in constructing road networks to open up the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak (much as the US highway network opened up the US)?

The trouble is that no one seems to want to look at the matter openly and transparently.

[sarawakian]

This is the new route...check out www.airasia.com

[sirgalahad2010]

This is the new route...check out www.airasia.com

AirAsia is being out-planned and out-manoeuvred by Tiger Air. Tiger has already got a foothold in India while AirAsia hasn't even announced plans to fly to Indian destinations.

Likewise for Australia.

Seems to me that Tony F should be more "hands on" in AirAsia instead of doing other things (like Tune hotels).

[sarawakian]

I find this interesting...and whilst lazing around..I suddenly saw another "theory" to discuss...

Let us see..the recent reports said that:

a. MAS has delays due to parts and such
b.MAS said audit showed FAX neglected planes
c.FAX denies ie Tony and said it was MAS fault and that the used another contractor as MAS charge was too much.
d. Government subsidizes either one anyways as these are RAS
e. Chan Kong Choy said that MAS must start....1 Oct
f. Idris says no as it will be unsafe.
g. Idris said if govt wants to be fair, then treat AAsia and Firefly the same..and not restrict.

Let us see elsewhere:

1. Nuri helicopter crashed....DPM says...see first whether to change
2. A320 crashes in Brazil
3. Embraer crashes in Europe

I was in Kuching for the Rainforest Festival...which was great!...This was what I heard from tourists:

1. Why AirAsia do not let the elderly, preganant and children up with the handicapped first before the xpress boarders? or even the same time?
2. Why was there no longer direct or transit flights from Australia or Thailand to Kuching?
3. Why is Kuching an International Airport but only SilkAir and Batavia air flies in?
4. Tourists read of AirAsia's promise to connect Thailand and Indonesia to Kuching last year yet he has not done so...

Now, let us see again...is the gomen actually having interests in AirAsia? Has anyone wondered if FAX actually has a good maint regime as with AAsia?

Has anyone checked who also takes care of MAS?

Hmmmmmm... :D

[sarawakian]

It is interesting to note that somehow, MAS and AirAsia has sudenly stopped the swinging match. Hopefully both are working towards a solution. I am also wondering what both are going to do with the physically challenged?

Has anyone flwon to Shenzhen via AirAsia yet? I heard it is always full. Has anyone flew Firefly from penang to Koh Samui? I heard the loading is good too.

I also hear the KK to Bangkok route will end soon due to poor loadings ...it that true? :confused:

[sarawakian]

I find the squabbling a bit saddening. Why do we need to throw spats here and there?

There seems to be no solution...again I question and hope someone can clarify for me...who makes the decision? MAS, AirAsia or our ministry? Why can't the cabinet make one decision properly so we can all go to our business of making Malaysia proud?

Firstly, The Ministry should start thinking of ensuring aviation safety standards are met.

Secondly, allow that darn Singapore flight ie 2 to AirAsia and then maybe TigerAir the reciprocal. Actually, Tony should make JB his base to counter Singapore if all else fails and force the use of shuttle buses via the IDR.

Then, allow Firefly to fly Subang but limit to turboprops.

Lastly, force the Sarawak and sabah govts to run the RAS connecting major Sarawak and Sabah cities as well as Kalimantan, and Brunei. These can be a mix of turboprops as well as A320s for city to city connections

Then, also start AirAsia X fast with Australia and Japan/Korea sectors. We are losing out fast. This should be the priority... :D

[sirgalahad2010]

See report in today's Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg).

It is reported that Richard Branson's Virgin Group will sign an agreement next month to take a 20% stake in FAX for about RM24 million, pending FIC approval.

Also, it is reported that AirAsia will buy just under 20% of FAX.

FAX is presently 100%-owned by AirAsia's founders, including Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun.

Perhaps, this won't please SIA. SIA has a stake in Virgin, but recent reports said that it is trying to sell it's Virgin stake to the highest bidder as there is no obvious synergy between the 2 airlines.

[sarawakian]

Hey...got your thread that Jetstar is coming in...saw the fine print...I really hope AirAsia X start revealing where they will fly with the first leased plane. I hope it is Amritsar, India as well as Sydney or Melbourne Australia

By the way, where will Jetstar land? I know they use Changi in Singapore and not the Budget Terminal.

Would they land in KLIA or LCCT? :)

[CS Chua]

I tried looking for the Air Asia X website but could not find it. Will it be the same website as Air Asia? I thought there will be a different site.

[tarokaneshiro]

Hey guys...As we can see here is a good competition between airlines business. It is a good news for us since they have to compete each other, so the best strategy for them is "cares on their customers @ passengers" and this will give advantages to us. One more thing!! who are going to bet with me?? i bet our Subang will be cheerful if Firefly start their operation here!! Bet me. As what i read in http://www.fireflyz.com.my/about/about-us its really make me so excited on it.

[AllUrban]

Am looking at the Jetstar website right now...

RM470 for a 1 way trip to Sydney in September, about RM925 to come back

Total about RM1400 including all taxes and surcharges....

But I want to go to Melbourne :p How sad...no idea if Air Asia X will fly to Melbourne or Sydney....probably Melbourne just to be different...but can only find out tomorrow :(

which bet would you take? AAX or Jetstar?

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

The front page of The Star screamed RM10 to Down Under! They also claim that AirAsia X will announce tomorrow and will start 8 September vs Jetstar's 9 Sep start!

Now, the price when I checked is still about RM1,800 plus all in for 2 ways....hmmm....MAS can be cheaper though as it is within reach as MAS currently is about RM2,500 plus average for all in.

Let us see how it goes. But where will AirAsia X land in Australia? They said East Coast...hmm...that's Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Goldcoast etc...so...they will not fly Sydney as it could be so expensive. I think they will fly to GoldCoast.

If you ask me, AirAsia X should go to Melbourne's Tullamarine airport is better and thise serves Melbourne.

Also, what in the world is LCCT for if a budget carrier can fly to KLIA????? :eek:

[sirgalahad2010]

The front page of The Star screamed RM10 to Down Under! They also claim that AirAsia X will announce tomorrow and will start 8 September vs Jetstar's 9 Sep start!

Now, the price when I checked is still about RM1,800 plus all in for 2 ways....hmmm....MAS can be cheaper though as it is within reach as MAS currently is about RM2,500 plus average for all in.

Let us see how it goes. But where will AirAsia X land in Australia? They said East Coast...hmm...that's Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Goldcoast etc...so...they will not fly Sydney as it could be so expensive. I think they will fly to GoldCoast.

If you ask me, AirAsia X should go to Melbourne's Tullamarine airport is better and thise serves Melbourne.

Also, what in the world is LCCT for if a budget carrier can fly to KLIA????? :eek:

Well, Jetstar uses Terminal 1 in Changi, not the Budget Terminal.

[USJ27Resident]

Quote from Datuk Tony Fernandez in the StarBiz 23/07/07: “What we want is a level playing field, and if I and (Datuk) Kamaruddin (Meranun, the deputy CEO of AirAsia) were running MAS, we would take on SIA. This is because MAS has the world’s best cabin crew, so MAS should really be looking at offering a better product,’’ Fernandes said.

Wow! something hidden between the lines?... something coming up soon?

Full story... here (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/23/business/18372192&sec=business)

Btw, what did Tony say about MAS crew again? :p Now If that is not recognition by a rival airline boss... tak tahu lah apa mau cakap!

[sirgalahad2010]

Wow! something hidden between the lines?... something coming up soon?

Full story... here (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/23/business/18372192&sec=business)

Btw, what did Tony say about MAS crew again? :p Now If that is not recognition by a rival airline boss... tak tahu lah apa mau cakap!

If you benchmark MAS against SIA, the former would come off way second-best in terms of profitability, productivity, fleet size and age, route network, international recognition and financial capacity.

Why is why I Jala, in his turnaround plan for MAS, has carefully avoided the topic of benchmarking MAS against the top international airlines.

As long as MAS is a proxy for the national agenda, it will be fighting with one hand tied behind its back. And Tony F is smart enough to recognise this.

[sarawakian]

As long as MAS is a proxy for the national agenda, it will be fighting with one hand tied behind its back. And Tony F is smart enough to recognise this.



Hmmm...just wondering and for discussion, is AirAsia totally non government? It is kind of weird at the moment here in KL and as a frequent flier on AirAsia, my experiences seem to point at some issues which I would like to clarify. For example:

a. Why did AirAsia easily get routes and somehow are able to get the LCCT done in record time and seem to be the only one there other than CEBU. Jetstar flies to KLIA for obvious reasons like Changi and not Budget Terminal.

b. Why has AirAsia not seek to improve on the issues of queing where if the old system remained of old,pregnant and children go first is not removed.

c. Why is Airasia talking bout Singapore so much when they could easily ask the Ministry to see their way? MAS again is govt and Ministry has final say.. Blame MAS or Ministry?

d. The talk of AirAsia X today, I have not heard. Also, where is AirAsia's first plane leased from? Is it in good condition?

e. As for MAS, they need to relook at their planes and services. Also on being competitive with the international market. Singapore is International and I wonder why AirAsia never asked for Singapore to Penang routes or Singapore to KK routes (this serves Korean and Japanese markets)

f. I have problems seeing MAS and AirAsia being one govt and the other not. This is a theory. If AirAsia is not, then why are they successful in playing with RAS via FAX? Why swallow when this was discussed and waht good was it? Why AirAsia's plans to make hubs in Kuching and JB not done? Maybe not feasible, so fine.

g. Low frills mean flying to secondary areas. Thus, Kuching, JB, Ipoh, Kuantan make quite good opportunites to be hubs? Or are they riding on MAS?

h. The government seemed to side FAX on the audit of the turboprops and Tony even did not admit but SAID...A CHEAPER MAINTENANCE REGIME WAS DONE AS MAS WAS TOO EXPENSIVE.

I don't know my friends, but I think AirAsia and MAS are the brothers in the same family with little nepoleans having shares in each.

What say the public out there? :D

[AllUrban]

have you heard the rumors that Air Asia is funded through the 3Ks?

just google search for a connection between Air Asia and one of the 3 Ks

or just check out what RPK has to say about it .... not that I agree with his allegations....just food for thought....

An aggressive company with a capable leader and good funding can do a lot of great things....

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

Hmmmmm...this seems truer everyday. Now with Bangkok to/from KK discontinued, I guess tourism will suffer in KK not having direct flights from Survanabhumi, Bangkok.

:mad:

[sarawakian]

have you heard the rumors that Air Asia is funded through the 3Ks?

just google search for a connection between Air Asia and one of the 3 Ks

or just check out what RPK has to say about it .... not that I agree with his allegations....just food for thought....

An aggressive company with a capable leader and good funding can do a lot of great things....

Cheers, m

Yup...hence my question if indeed they are one of the same and anyways, the MAS and AirAsia spat is just some wayang kulit or sandiwara to pull wool over our eyes! :mad:

[sarawakian]

Er...has AirAsia X Fong Fei Kei again? I have not heard any news since the headlining news in The Star a few days' ago saying they may announce route yesterday for the first flight on Sep 8th.


Anyone knows? :confused:

[AllUrban]

Yup...hence my question if indeed they are one of the same and anyways, the MAS and AirAsia spat is just some wayang kulit or sandiwara to pull wool over our eyes! :mad:ah, but they arent actually "one and the same" because MAS is a Government Linked Company (Civil Service) and AA is owned privately by someone linked to the PM...

Two very different entities in the corporate world... :p

AA is not owned through a GLC but GLCs are bending over backwards to help AA grow...

Look at the rapid construction of the LCCT (or should I say, LCCT-1) and the proposal for LCCT-2...never part of MAHB's original plans for KLIA...the original plan was to build 3 more satellite terminals like the existing one, with AEROtrain connections etc....

MAHB never had a plan for an LCCT until AA rushed onto the scene......so who nudged MAHB into changing its mind?

Cheers, m

ps. nothing on AAX so far...m is seriousl disappointed and worried he might miss the promised deals over this weekend :( as internet access is only at work or starbucks

[sarawakian]

ah, but they arent actually "one and the same" because MAS is a Government Linked Company (Civil Service) and AA is owned privately by someone linked to the PM...

Two very different entities in the corporate world... :p

AA is not owned through a GLC but GLCs are bending over backwards to help AA grow...

Look at the rapid construction of the LCCT (or should I say, LCCT-1) and the proposal for LCCT-2...never part of MAHB's original plans for KLIA...the original plan was to build 3 more satellite terminals like the existing one, with AEROtrain connections etc....

MAHB never had a plan for an LCCT until AA rushed onto the scene......so who nudged MAHB into changing its mind?

Cheers, m

ps. nothing on AAX so far...m is seriousl disappointed and worried he might miss the promised deals over this weekend :( as internet access is only at work or starbucks


Actually, this was what I think it is and until recently, my experience with AirAsia shows the same as I think this is someone's airline whilst the rakyat's MAS now has to fight someone's airline...aiyoh!!!!

Yeah, I think AirAsia X is so damn slow. Jetstar is already there and why in the world is Tony trying to do? Bluff again ah?

Deeply dissapointed with this attitude... :mad:

[sirgalahad2010]

Actually, this was what I think it is and until recently, my experience with AirAsia shows the same as I think this is someone's airline whilst the rakyat's MAS now has to fight someone's airline...aiyoh!!!!

Yeah, I think AirAsia X is so damn slow. Jetstar is already there and why in the world is Tony trying to do? Bluff again ah?

Deeply dissapointed with this attitude... :mad:

How do you expect AA X to launch long-haul services when they don't have the aircraft?

The A320s are limited in range. The A330s will only start to be delivered late next year, and then, not all at the same time.

Or would you rather AA X announce a long-haul service first, and then say, wait for the aircraft.

Get real!
:(

[sarawakian]

Yup, I am saying the real thing...first I had hopes that Tony will do his best. First they said they have already got 1 leased plane and a few times in the press here in Malaysia. Then when Jetstar announced their flight on 9th, AirAsia came out to The Star that they will start on 8th.

Now funny thing is, if that is not a bluff, then what is it? Reality? Well, if cannot do, don't promise and let the whole world know. Is Tony really the main driver? I don't think so...again as you have said before, Tiger is so very aggressive and he opts to sit and clamour about Singapore routes.

He opts to have his people talk about AirAsia X and the news never came.So, I am convinced, Tony is not a driver but a front. I am deeply sick of this. :mad:

[USJ27Resident]

AirAsia came out to The Star that they will start on 8th....

With what...? aircrafts, pilots, cabin crew,... heck - you have to certify all these three things first ! what about support staff and facilities.... even landing rights oso still so bloody vague...

Then again.. when one has the entire Transport Ministry to help... you never know whats on the menu... :p

[sirgalahad2010]

Yup, I am saying the real thing...first I had hopes that Tony will do his best. First they said they have already got 1 leased plane and a few times in the press here in Malaysia. Then when Jetstar announced their flight on 9th, AirAsia came out to The Star that they will start on 8th.

Now funny thing is, if that is not a bluff, then what is it? Reality? Well, if cannot do, don't promise and let the whole world know. Is Tony really the main driver? I don't think so...again as you have said before, Tiger is so very aggressive and he opts to sit and clamour about Singapore routes.

He opts to have his people talk about AirAsia X and the news never came.So, I am convinced, Tony is not a driver but a front. I am deeply sick of this. :mad:

Quick - tell this to Richard Branson! Otherwise, the ill-informed Mat Salleh will lose a bundle when he buys a 20% stake in AA X (if he does do so).
:D

[USJ27Resident]

Today page 5 in the Star (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/29/nation/18441016&sec=nation) - the Senator Club want Idris Jala sacked!

Same group of people that was patting his back couple of month ago, for a job well done...

Bunch of hippocrites... like I always said, how to freaking trust politicians, the moment you slack (slip!), they bury a knife in your back... !!!

Same bunch of people that would shake your hand and promise you "manna" just before the coming elections!!!! :rolleyes:

[chookyan]

- the Senator Club want Idris Jala sacked!

Same group of people that was patting his back couple of month ago, for a job well done...

What can we expect??? We got a bunch of nuts running the government machinery. LKW once said "In S'pore we have quality ministers and NOT quantity ministers" Can we say it in Malaysia??? Don't thinks so!!!!!! Just look at the number of Minister Without Portfolio in the cabinet will tell u the answer.....

[pepsi]

Today page 5 in the Star (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/29/nation/18441016&sec=nation) - the Senator Club want Idris Jala sacked!

Same group of people that was patting his back couple of month ago, for a job well done...

Bunch of hippocrites... like I always said, how to freaking trust politicians, the moment you slack (slip!), they bury a knife in your back... !!!

Same bunch of people that would shake your hand and promise you "manna" just before the coming elections!!!! :rolleyes:
If they want to sack him, they have to first find a replacement or they already have someone in mind ? I wish they can get their act together.... fast...pronto.
It is very damaging to Malaysia 's reputation.

[sarawakian]

This is another way how AirAsia is protected. Anyone seen this? We have MAS bashing which is done a lot now but anyone heard of AirAsia's recent un-covered story at least by our local media? No.....none...have a read.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8QDREH80.htm#

Yeah, blame Idris Jala for issues he inherited and trying hard to fix. Blame him for taking safety first ie with F50s and with help from others, FAX got off by counter blaming that the audit was dubious and that they wanted cheaper maintenance

Yeah...blame Idris...and I am sick of this blame game. The Ministry should just get itself together and look and fix...but politics is a haven here.

Why are they angry about delay when they themselves have no open skies? That means no choice but MAS....stupidity at its peak...I am convinced. :mad:

[USJ27Resident]

Just look at the number of Minister Without Portfolio in the cabinet will tell u the answer.....

off-topic... but fuuuuiyoh!... Nice one... for highlighting this, you get an A+ for observation. Ministers without Portfolio... meaning? Ministers without ANYTHING TO DO... buat-buat sibuk gaji buta... :eek: :rolleyes:

Isn't it nice to be a politician... :rolleyes:

[sarawakian]

Check out Firefly's 50 sen promotion (excl surcharges and stuff, but still good value)

They will start on 1st August 2007 so log in www.fireflyz.com.my.

Funnily AirAsia won the best low cost airline...hmmm...wonder why as opposed to Tiger Air which made inroads to Australia, India and nearly as many as AirAsia barring AirAsia's internal flights, one wonders.

Anyway, let us hope that the person behind AirAsia creates better aviation routes and come forward. MAS is on the way, and look...these are the only 2 we have...Firefly is MAS and then with MASWings (RAS)...it is only 2. Berjaya Air is private.

Let's get back to earth for a minute....the Firefly route from Penang to Koh Samui is always full I hear. Personally I have not used them before. Maybe with the 50 sen promo, I might.

Hopefully, Firefly starts its Subang route to Ipoh and Kuantan soon. Maybe they can also double to Senai.

Talking bout Senai. Senai is such a modern airport since someone took over and I think the only one not under MAHB. Funnily, I wonder why this airport is not used as an International Hub to challenge Changi and its budget terminal, if Tony is really serious. People will travel irregardless and prices are cheap.

I am sure the JB Macau one is also gonna be full and AirAsia did right to do so...hopefully, they really do more by flying to more international areas as JB is indeed a hot spot for economic development.

Yeah, I think Richard Branson should know that AirAsia X is quite the politically backboned....he better think morebefore he gets his hands in...Yeah I remember his sexy stewardesses in Virgin Air...yeah...if he bring that...I think the govt would have to have a check up their _ _ _ _ :D

On a parting note, kudos for MAS best cabin staff. This I agree as I have flown Northwest, American Airlines, TED Airways, Qantas, SIA, Thai Airways, Virgin Blue and Intercontinental Airlines.

SIA is quite good too and at times better than MAS but hey, most stewardesses are MALAYSIANS!!! The reason they got better ones, simple...no discrimination...Cheers to MAS!!

[sarawakian]

Richard Branson has admitted to taking drugs with his SON! and having banged in the airplane....yup...he is also thinking of having planes big enough for love making. wow...If AirAsia X wanna have him as a partner, this is indeed different from the government's standpoint of view....hahahahaha yeah...as if we have morals.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=471730&in_page_id=1770&ct=5 :D

[sirgalahad2010]

According to a Reuters report which I read yesterday, AirAsia X is expecting the first of the 15 Airbus A330-300 aircraft to be delivered in time for a Sept 2007 launch, with initial flights to a destination in Australia.

I suppose that if you are one of the biggest customers of Airbus (and AirAsia/AirAsia X will be one of the biggest operators of Airbus aircraft worldwide if they take delivery of all the planes that they have ordered and optioned), the manufacturer can always find 1 or 2 "spare" planes sitting around in inventory that it can fit out, test and deliver to said customer.

Of course, this is only speculation on my part.

I don't think that Tony F is the kind of guy who will back down from a challenge posed by the likes of Tiger Airways.......

[USJ27Resident]

SIA is quite good too and at times better than MAS but hey, most stewardesses are MALAYSIANS!!! The reason they got better ones, simple...no discrimination...Cheers to MAS!!

You got that right... well-paid too... Most stay in JB ~ work out of Changi... take home pay +/- SGD5,000 p.m. Now that relates to RM11,000 plus... ( not including their yearly, up to 6 months bonuses... )

sigh!.....

[sirgalahad2010]

Check out Firefly's 50 sen promotion (excl surcharges and stuff, but still good value)......
(snip)
...On a parting note, kudos for MAS best cabin staff. This I agree as I have flown Northwest, American Airlines, TED Airways, Qantas, SIA, Thai Airways, Virgin Blue and Intercontinental Airlines.

SIA is quite good too and at times better than MAS but hey, most stewardesses are MALAYSIANS!!! The reason they got better ones, simple...no discrimination...Cheers to MAS!!

I am not sure that I buy this argument. It appears to be shallow.

Why shouldn't the composition of MAS's cabin crew reflect the racial demographics of Malaysia?

The last time I looked, most of SIA's cabin crew are ethnic Chinese. Yet no one appears to have commented on this.

[sirgalahad2010]

You got that right... well-paid too... Most stay in JB ~ work out of Changi... take home pay +/- SGD5,000 p.m. Now that relates to RM11,000 plus... ( not including their yearly, up to 6 months bonuses... )

sigh!.....

Not sure if that's entirely right.

From what I know, most SIA cabin crew who are Malaysians rent rooms or apartments in Spore close to Changi - which means in the suburbs of Marine Parade, Bedok, Siglap, Tampines and Pasir Ris. This makes it easy for them to get to the airport in time to report for their flights (2-3 hours before scheduled departure), especially for early morning and night flights.

I must confess that I have some slight knowledge of this because my daughter worked as a Leading Stewardess in SIA for quite a few years.

[USJ27Resident]

Not sure if that's entirely right.

From what I know, most SIA cabin crew who are Malaysians rent rooms...... I must confess that I have some slight knowledge of this because my daughter worked as a Leading Stewardess in SIA for quite a few years.

Yes, you are right... they rent rooms and share apartments. Easy for the flight duties... and yes - you are right again, about being there 2-3 hrs before a flight!

Those that have families and have settled down... stay in JB.... [when they not flying..] I oso got insight with SQ lifestyle too...

...but dun ask who la... not nice to kiss and tell.... :p I just hope as hell and praying that , she no have same surname as yours... SirG...!!!!! :D [takut kena chop-chop, stuffed in a fridge...]

[sirgalahad2010]

Hmm...no one seems to have picked up my point that MAS's cabin crew should reflect the racial demographics of Malaysia.

Does silence mean assent? ;)

[sarawakian]

Actually, it is something to look at...however, in my opinion if merits were taken into consideration then if really those chosen are good without discrimination, then I say, great...but if race is the issue, then I say that's not good.

I believe that in order to improve, both MAS and SIA should look at merits. Also, I think why most Malaysians go for SIA is mainly due to the flights being all international unlike MAS which flies domestic and international. But correct me if I am wrong.

I also beloeve that MAS should relook at the cabin crews' colours at it looks jaded. I say keep the designs but make it a little more colour attractive.

:D

[sarawakian]

This is what Tony should be commended for.

http://www.penangwatch.net/node/1497

Great to know he has allowd for budget for this. I wish he announces where AirAsia X will fly soon and also think of making more accessible to maybe Singapore and Bangkok. :D

[sarawakian]

Hmmm...I just surfed through their website at

www.tigerairways.com


and saw their routes at

http://www.tigerairways.com/flight/destinations.php

Wow....I think they will be getting a great deal if the also fly to KK and Kuching...hey...anyone used them yet? Any experiences to share and tell? :confused: :eek:

[sarawakian]

Hey...check out Firefly's fleet

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/about/our-fleet

Hopefully they concentrate there and also do Subang only to areas like Tioman, Pangkor, Kuantan, Ipoh, JB's Senai and Melaka (Batu Berendam).

Cheers! :)

[sarawakian]

Hey all, check out AirAsia's new website and their news that they will fly Gold Coast, Australia via AirAsia X


http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

:)

[AllUrban]

Hey all, check out AirAsia's new website and their news that they will fly Gold Coast, Australia via AirAsia X


http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

:)what exactly is the gold coast? Northeast, correct? Sydney, Brisbane? No bookings yet, only saying "soon"

Cheers, m

[sirgalahad2010]

Hey all, check out AirAsia's new website and their news that they will fly Gold Coast, Australia via AirAsia X


http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

:)

Waiting for their 1st Airbus A330 to be delivered.....
:D

[sarawakian]

Gold Coast is in Queensland, Australia's North East. About an hour from Brisbane. Direct link would actually be good as there are just so many opportunities for us to now check out:

a. Seaworld
b. Movie World (try Superman Escapes..coaster)
c. Wet N Wild World (crazy rides here!!!)
d. Dream World (like Wet N Wild)
e. Australia Zoo (wicked crocodile show...never miss this!...and the late Croc Hunter's Steve Irwin legacy...Crikey!)
f. Surfer's Paradise

They also have great public bus service...and many Japanese and Korean tourists. September is the best time to go..It's Spring!!!


Yippeeee...can't wait...maybe I'll try AirAsia X's new cabin class where the seats are bigger...if cheap!

Kudos!!! :D

[sarawakian]

Check out the new website below and note MAS serves Tunku's fav dishes.

Looks good. The domestic flights are also quite reasonable. :D

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/flymalaysia/the_tunku_kitchen.asp

[sirgalahad2010]

An AP report in the Spore Business Times (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg) today said that IATA (International Air Transport Association) has strongly criticised the Msian govt for cutting departure taxes at the LCC terminals at KLIA and Kota Kinabalu Airport.

For the record, departure taxes at these 2 LCCTs were reduced by 51% to RM25. The rate for domestic flights was reduced by 33% to RM6. At KLIA and other Msian airports, departure tax for international passengers remains at RM51 and for domestic travellers, the departure tax is RM15.

The Geneva-based IATA has said that its member airlines (which account for 90% of air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region) have been discriminated against by the lower departure taxes at the Msian LCCTs.

IATA has protested to the Msian Prime Minister and called for a level playing field for all airlines operating in Msia. IATA also said that such discriminatory practice goes against the rules of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) to which Msia is a signatory.

It should be noted that MAS is an IATA member airline. Most low-cost carriers (like AirAsia) are not IATA members.

So, will the Msian govt give in to IATA pressure and increase departure taxes at the LCCTs to be on par with those at KLIA and other Msian airports?

[sarawakian]

I think what we did is good so I think we should stand firm. Increasing the taxes will tax us all.

Also, the low cost sections are run without the perks so why does IATA bother? MAHB runs the airport except for Johor's Senai. MAS is a member but there is no need for MAHB or Senai to follow. Anyways, MAS does not cut taxes...aiseh man what lah this IATA.

Please correct me if my statement is wrong.

Ya...can't wait for Friday's AirAsia X announcement! :D

[AllUrban]

Ya...can't wait for Friday's AirAsia X announcement! :DARRRRGGGGHHHHH NOOOO, I'm going away to Cameron Highlands for the company trip on Friday morning....

where am I going to get internet access??? How unlucky can it be :p

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

Check the following link to the report:

http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/index.php?process=myviews/gcbn_article.php&articleId=641

:D

[sirgalahad2010]

Tiger Airways is starting flights from Changi to Brunei.

While for AA X, it appears that they will start their long-haul flights with 3 leased aircraft, while waiting for the Airbus A330-300s to be delivered.

And if MAS gets its refleeting program sorted out, then they can take the fight to SIA, Thai and Cathay.

I predict that MAS will build its new fleet around the Airbus A380s for long-haul, high-capacity routes (KL-Sydney, KL-London). It will be good if their new fleet has a mix of Boeing 777-300ER and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, together with some of the latest Boeing 737s for domestic and short-haul regional routes.

Given the politics of aircraft sales, I am sure there will be considerable pressure from the EU for MAS to get at least some Airbus planes (A330s, A350XWBs, A380s).

As for KLIA, if Msia Airports and the Transport Ministry don't rethink their plans, the battle for regional airhub will be between Changi and Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airports. The new Bangkok airport is plagued with troubles.

[CS Chua]

Bangkok Airport aka Suvarnabhum International Airport has rectified lots of their problems. When they first opened, it was the hottest airport in the world! :D But now, they have used satin cloth at the top to shield the passengers from the sun rays. Glass panes maybe be nice to look through but it allows heat to get in. Now, the airport is very nice and cold.

They are continuing to build more toilets and more toilets. So that is taken care of too.

The main problem is the crowd waiting to clear immigration. The number of tourists arrival is mind boggling.

And they are definitely better than KLIA in 2 ways. Firstly, the luggage arrives faster. Secondly, they allow local meter taxis to take passengers and it is only extra RM5 over the meter. Most of the taxis use Toyota Altis so there is enough luggage space.

At KLIA and LCCT, I am still facing problems with the ticket counters and the taxis. At LCCT where there are many Proton Sagas with a LPG tank in the boot, there is hardly any space for the luggage. If 2 passengers with 15 kilos each CANNOT put all their luggage into the boot, how will a party of 3 passengers travel? :mad:

[AllUrban]

At KLIA and LCCT, I am still facing problems with the ticket counters and the taxis. At LCCT where there are many Proton Sagas with a LPG tank in the boot, there is hardly any space for the luggage. If 2 passengers with 15 kilos each CANNOT put all their luggage into the boot, how will a party of 3 passengers travel? :mad:Proton Saga should be banned for taxi use! Vans, Waja and Perdana only...or Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Sonata....

Also noticed Kenari being used in Shah Alam....Kenari makes a good cab for the city...not so good for long distance tho...

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

I agree, the cabs are the worst. I also wonder why the arrival sectors where we wait for Taxis look like puduraya! Also, no policeman patrolling!

Wait till you see the bus station below! Only the lousy Aeroline as well as a bus to Ipoh plies it...and it looks like a world unlike KLIA....why? I don't know why.

I always think we should have a vehicle specifically for airports from the airports. It should have a large boot!

I now take the Star Shuttle bus from Subang Parade to LCCT. Now, they even drop passengers at KLIA but no pick up from KLIA yet. it is true. I have tried.

Yeah, better.

Anyways, I also think our airport needs to be better managed and maintained and staffing be stricter. We have so many lousy personnel there...am sorry but true.

[sirgalahad2010]

I think what we did is good so I think we should stand firm. Increasing the taxes will tax us all.

Also, the low cost sections are run without the perks so why does IATA bother? MAHB runs the airport except for Johor's Senai. MAS is a member but there is no need for MAHB or Senai to follow. Anyways, MAS does not cut taxes...aiseh man what lah this IATA.....



It is interesting to note that at Changi Airport, passengers departing on flights from the Budget Terminal pay a passenger charge of S$13 per head, while passengers on flights from Terminals 1 and 2 pay a passenger charge of S$21 per head.

I wonder why IATA did not complain to the Spore govt about this discrepancy.

Perhaps our Transport Ministry should politely point this out to IATA?

[sarawakian]

Yup...it is in the news....he buys 20% of FAX for AirAsia X


http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/10/business/AS-FIN-COM-Malaysia-Branson-Budget-Airline.php


Let us wait for Gold Coast now. :D

[sarawakian]

Another good news. For the time being the old workhorses, F50s and Twin Otters will fly again under MASWings.

Yay for MAS too :D

[sirgalahad2010]

Yup...it is in the news....he buys 20% of FAX for AirAsia X


http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/10/business/AS-FIN-COM-Malaysia-Branson-Budget-Airline.php


Let us wait for Gold Coast now. :D


As far as I can make out, based on what is published in the Spore Straits Times (http://straitstimes.com.sg) today:

1. AA X's first flight will be end Sept or early Oct.
2. First destination will be Australia's Gold Coast with 4 flights a week from KLIA. Return fares are expected to range from RM90 to RM1,800.
3. AA X has got landing rights at Avalon Airport (near Melbourne) and Stanstead Airport in the UK (near London).
4. There is no news yet when AA X will start flights to Avalon Airport and Stanstead Airport.
5. Tony F has said that AA X plans to fly to Amritsar in India by year-end and to Hong Kong by January 2008.
6. AA X is also considering flights to Japan (Nagoya and Fukuoka).
7. AA X has secured landing rights in China, S Korea and west Asia.

Also, I believe, from reading the reports, that Richard Branson took the 20% stake in AA X in his personal capacity. It is not the Virgin Group which has bought the stake. This is no doubt due to the fact that SIA has a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, which it is considering selling if the "price is right". I think that SIA can veto Virgin Atlantic if the latter wants to buy a stake in an Asian airline.

[sarawakian]

Yup...we all hope that Tony gets his plane fast and start with AirAsia X. He will be in a tougher challenge if there is a delay. Even Viva Macau has hit Sydney.

On another note....is AirAsia X going to LCCT or KLIA????

[sarawakian]

The state of LCCT and its new buildings vis a vis new building to be better make KLIA a 2 hub airport? This to me is a huge pipe dream.

Looking at the current airport, and where i have gone with Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and malaysia AirAsia, I find that these are which the governement needs to explain the reasons for spending such money without foward planning.

Surbanabhumi and Soekarno Hatta also use the same airport. No wastage.

Our LCCT is building a new foodcourt cum dunno what complex next to it and have completed the coverage for passengers and its enlargement for AirAsia X.

The place seems deserted when not busy and when it is, it is well controlled as not many planes touch down the same time. Baggage collection can still be stretched as existing still holds.

The only problem lies with immigration where the auto gate always malfunctioned. This causes longer than usual queues as then people will re-queue to the manual sectors.

Other than that, I see no reason for LCCT to be relocated nearer. I always believed that there should be a FREE SHUTTLE to and from KLIA and uses a BUS which is specifically modified to carry BAGS and is handicapped friendly for the 20 min or so ride.

:)

[sarawakian]

I just came back from Digital One at Subang Parade and was having a chat with the StarShuttle promoter whilst waiting for my friend.

He told me that they have started with the Subang Parade - KLIA- LCCT and the LCCT -KLIA-Subang Parade route now!

The area at KLIA where they drop you off and pick up is at the KLIA bus terminal! Yup.......this is GREAT!!!!! So from Subang Parade, they will go to KLIA to drop off KLIA passengers (no pick up there) and then to LCCT.

Then from LCCT, they pick up LCCT passengers and then to KLIA to pick up KLIA passengers(no drop off for LCCT to KLIA passengers) before reaching Subang Parade for full drop off.

The only thing is that it costs RM10 instead of RM9...and will take about 1 hr to KLIA but to LCCT it is about 1 hr 20 minsanyway, I still think it is GOOOOOODDDDD!!!! :D

[sarawakian]

Yup...The New Straits Times today mentioned that AirAsia is mulling a new purchase of 25 units to add to their 150 units ordered from Airbus earlier. This is in view of possible 28% increase in passenger traffic. :D

[sirgalahad2010]

I think what we are all interested in is how quickly AA X will "leverage" on the connection with Virgin.

For example, it would be great if AA X can tie its marketing , route network and reservations system into the Virgin network of airlines (Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue, Virgin Nigeria, Virgin Express and Virgin America). An AA X passenger could make a flight reservation through the AA X website and fly anywhere airlines in the Virgin group operate. That would be seamless travel at its best.

Second, if AA X configures its Airbus A330-300 aircraft with business and economy class cabins, it could use the business class fares to "subsidise" super-low economy class fares. The impact on full-service airlines like MAS and SIA could be significant.

Third, AA X choice of the Airbus A330-300 is an indication of the airline's strategy. This aircraft can fly non-stop from KLIA to a number of European cities.

I think MAS is going to have a hard time going forward.

[AllUrban]

I just came back from Digital One at Subang Parade and was having a chat with the StarShuttle promoter whilst waiting for my friend.

He told me that they have started with the Subang Parade - KLIA- LCCT and the LCCT -KLIA-Subang Parade route now!

The area at KLIA where they drop you off and pick up is at the KLIA bus terminal! Yup.......this is GREAT!!!!! So from Subang Parade, they will go to KLIA to drop off KLIA passengers (no pick up there) and then to LCCT.

Then from LCCT, they pick up LCCT passengers and then to KLIA to pick up KLIA passengers(no drop off for LCCT to KLIA passengers) before reaching Subang Parade for full drop off.

The only thing is that it costs RM10 instead of RM9...and will take about 1 hr to KLIA but to LCCT it is about 1 hr 20 minsanyway, I still think it is GOOOOOODDDDD!!!! :Dwow, my colleagues will be too happy to know this....

too bad that the mall doesnt open any coffee shop for the earlier buses. When I was going to Bali we walked from SS17 to Subang Parade, not to convenient :p

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

Yup!!! They did...I saw their posters in the shopping centre

see website

http://www.hektargroup.com/SubangParade/starshuttle.htm :)

[sarawakian]

MASWings will provide 193 flights per week across Sabah and Sarawak.

This would aid in interconnectivity and tourism movement as well as health and commodity trades.

This could also be a good possibility to link MAS to MASWings reservations from KL etc to places like MULU.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/21/nation/18647789&sec=nation :)

[wombat]

asiax asiax...every1 talking but cant even find their site!

[sarawakian]

asiax asiax...every1 talking but cant even find their site!


I agree...We are all still waiting for the website. Hopefully this thread will aid you in your search for information on MAS, MASWings, Firefly and Airasia as well as discussions on LCCT and KLIA as well as Subang jaya to and fro.


We are all looking forward to the Goldcoast route and for me, AirAsia better announce if this is still possible in October.
:D
Cheers

[sarawakian]

Yup, saw this on their website.

http://www.airasia.com/site/my/en/home.jsp

This is great! :D

[AllUrban]

AA will soon fly KL-HK, Bangkok-HK, and KK-HK...

these are direct flights landing at HKIA, not in Shenzhen or Macau.

RM180 one way to start...not a bad deal if you arent interested in seeing Macau or Shenzhen...

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

Eh...is this on their web????? This is good!!! :D

[AllUrban]

Eh...is this on their web????? This is good!!! :D
it was announced yesterday. I saw it on Malaysiakini.com but I think it was in other papers too.

I believe the flights begin next year.

This is also interesting...if you are traveling in East Malaysia or Peninsular Malaysia ONLY, the price of XPress boarding has been reduced from RM20 to RM10.

RM5 express boarding for children under 12 and senior citizens.


Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

I hope Kuching would have at least a flight out to HK or Bangkok...pipe dream but a hope for a sarawakian :)

[great]

Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. AirAsia plans to direct in Hong Kong in December.

http://www.sinchew.com.my/content.phtml?sec=1&artid=200708232992

hope achieve asap

[sarawakian]

Yup..I saw this in The Sun yesterday too. KK to Hong Kong as well as KL to Hong Kong at about RM180 per way...that's about RM220 per way I think with tax. :D

[sarawakian]

I do hope AirAsia keeps Macau when they do Hong Kong. Macau is always full and it is not just a place of entertainment but rich in heritage sites and the great egg tart.

I also hope maybe Hainan could be a good destination. I hear Hainan has beutiful beaches like Hawaii :D

[sarawakian]

This should be good....It is AirAsia's Megasale!!!!

http://www.airasia.com/site/my/en/home.jsp

Check it out....

[sarawakian]

Yup...Firefly is really burning it up in Penang...check out their momentoes and their promotions...

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/deals/firefly-mementoes

[sarawakian]

Airasia X...anyone has any news? Their tentative start date on 8th September does not seem to be now...

The last I note...they will start in October now...after Jetstar's foray from Sydney to KLIA and vice versa.

[sarawakian]

This is another great news. Let us look forward to announcements to Airasia X next... :D

[AllUrban]

Airasia X...anyone has any news? Their tentative start date on 8th September does not seem to be now...

The last I note...they will start in October now...after Jetstar's foray from Sydney to KLIA and vice versa.sigh...m gambled...and m lost...no trip to Australia in winter....

Cheers, m

[sarawakian]

I saw the news on TV the other day that all non airport taxis now are barred from entering LCCT...meaning town ones etc cannot go in...apamacam? KL LIMO again?

[sirgalahad2010]

sigh...m gambled...and m lost...no trip to Australia in winter....

Cheers, m


It will come, lah! Rules and regulations have to be followed. Patience!

Tony F is working according to his own game plan. He is not being swayed by what Tiger Airways and Jetstar are doing.

I see, from a report in The Star, that AirAsia is accelerating its purchase of Airbus A320s, converting 25 of the 50 optioned aircraft to firm orders. That makes it a total of 175 A320s on firm order and in the process of being delivered. With another 50 A320s on option.

[sarawakian]

It will come, lah! Rules and regulations have to be followed. Patience!

Tony F is working according to his own game plan. He is not being swayed by what Tiger Airways and Jetstar are doing.

I see, from a report in The Star, that AirAsia is accelerating its purchase of Airbus A320s, converting 25 of the 50 optioned aircraft to firm orders. That makes it a total of 175 A320s on firm order and in the process of being delivered. With another 50 A320s on option.

Hello brother...long time no hear!!! Anyways, that is good news. I also watched Tony interviewed in the CAPTAINS series on NTV7 last night. It was good to hear someone with such an entrepreneural spirit.

:D

[Dumela]

Hello! This is my first comment. From what I know, the issue for Air Asia X is due to lack of traffic rights from Malaysia to Australia. Malaysia have used up all their rights and have applied for more. This is now being considered.

[sarawakian]

Yup...and I think that was why MAS do not fly Brisbane anymore...They only way was to Sydney and then Qantas to Brisbane. So, atually, I think they already surrendered that one for AirAsia X which is good. But I think there is more to that as the plane needs to be readied as well as some administrative issues on immigration etc. Am not sure if GoldCoast Airport is an International one, If it is, good, if not, more administrative issues first but we will get there....can someone enlighten?

Talking about that, has anyone flown Firefly yet and can share their experiences? :)

[cskok8]

Jetstar fares are not low-cost. I checked for travel in Nov and it is higher than the MAS fare. And that is before adding in meals, pillows, blankets etc.