SEPANG- AirAsia (AK) intensifies flight operations to accommodate increasing passenger demand. The airline plans to expand its fleet from 79 to 92 aircraft in Malaysia by December 2024.
Datuk Captain Chester Voo, AirAsia Aviation Group’s Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer for airline operations, told Bernama that the company aims to fill connectivity gaps. AirAsia will deploy new and returning post-Covid aircraft to meet demand.
AirAsia New Routes and More Aircraft
Voo emphasized AirAsia’s focus on key routes to Sabah, Sarawak, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. This strategy responds to Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) recent announcement to reduce flights and routes until December.
MAG’s decision has reportedly increased demand for alternative airlines and routes. AirAsia positions itself to capitalize on this market shift, leveraging its expanded fleet capacity.
The airline’s expansion aligns with its “people’s airline” ethos, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage across its network. This move demonstrates AirAsia’s agility in responding to market changes and passenger needs.
AirAsia is adjusting operations following recent service disruptions affecting Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal services on August 19, 2024. The airline aims to enhance fleet reliability and operational robustness.
Compliance with New Refund Policy
Datuk Captain Chester Voo confirms AirAsia’s commitment to comply with new government regulations regarding refund policies. The airline will review and update its existing policy to meet new requirements.
AirAsia reports significant improvements in customer service metrics. Response times decreased from 26 minutes in 2021 to 1.7 minutes in 2024. The complaints resolution rate increased from 67% to 84% in the same period.
Voo acknowledges a 16% gap in complaint resolution, emphasizing ongoing efforts to address this daily. He stresses the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement in customer service.
The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) recently updated the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC). Airlines must now issue refunds in the original payment mode within 30 days.
Voo highlights the importance of considering the entire aviation ecosystem when discussing compensation and consumer protection. He notes that factors beyond airline control, such as weather, can cause delays.
No Retirement by 2026
AirAsia gears up for increased passenger traffic during the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. The airline plans to improve service quality and expand its fleet to meet demand.
Datuk Captain Chester Voo reveals AirAsia’s expectation to introduce more aircraft in 2025, including new A321s. However, he notes that this expansion depends on the availability of parts, components, and the overall aircraft supply chain.
The airline has no immediate plans to retire any aircraft in 2025 and 2026. AirAsia’s current fleet averages 10.8 years, considered young and below the threshold for heavy maintenance requirements.
AirAsia currently operates over 50 routes from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. India and China represent the airline’s largest markets, benefiting from visa-free travel initiatives.
Voo outlines AirAsia’s ambition to expand its presence in African and South Asian cities over the next two years. This strategy aims to diversify the airline’s network and tap into new markets.
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The post AirAsia Eyes 13 More Aircraft and New Routes Amid Strong Demand appeared first on Aviation A2Z.