Bangkok--15 May--AirAsia
AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, will soon introduce a new service; ‘Xpress Boarding’ beginning 15 May 2007. ‘Xpress Boarding’ will offer guests greatest choice over their seating arrangements onboard the aircraft. This new service provides guests the opportunity to be amongst the first to board and have the greatest choice of seats, ahead of the general boarding group at an introductory fee of RM20 one way. By paying a little more, guests may select their choice of seating, from front row seats, to aisle and window seats for their own expediency and convenience.
AirAsia, who practices a free-seating policy will extend the Xpress Boarding service to all airports within its network including those serviced by its sister companies, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia. This service allows those who are prepared to pay a little extra to enjoy a head start to select the seat of their choice on a first come first served basis.
The airline’s free-seating policy encourages guests to be punctual at the boarding gate which is a crucial element for the airline’s 25-minute turnaround. A quick turnaround translates to cost savings, enhance operation efficiency which will in return be passed on to the guests, enabling the airline to offer consistent low fares.
Kathleen Tan, Executive Vice President, Commercial of AirAsia, said “We are constantly on our toes in innovating our product and services and with our extensive route network with the Airbus A320, AirAsia is attracting a more diverse group of travelers with special requests who are prepared to pay a little more for the enhanced service. We believe at the initial stage, most of our guests that are likely to take up this boarding service will consist of business, corporate and middle income travelers who are keen to get off the aircraft ahead of the rest upon landing. We believe this service will also prove enormously attractive for families who want to be able to sit together without the fuss of rushing to reserve seats and avoid the frustrating long queues upon boarding.”
“Today’s announcement is one of our steps to offer innovative products that meet the demand of the ever changing schedule of diverse target segment profiles; adapting to new consumer needs. This service has proven to be very popular amongst the other low cost carriers such as Europe’s leading and largest low fare airlines like EasyJet and Wizz Air. Xpress Boarding is nice to have; but it is not a must have” added Kathleen.
Xpress Boarding is sold online on a first come first served basis as part of the normal flight booking process at www.airasia.com or at any of the airline’s Sales Offices, Airport Sales Counters or Call Centre. Guests with Xpress Boarding may proceed directly to the boarding gate and be amongst the first to board and should be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Fees:
Currency Xpress Boarding Fee
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 20.00
Thai Baht (BHT) 215.00
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 55,000.00
US Dollar (USD) 6.50
Macau Patacas (MOP) 50.00
Singapore Dollar (SGD) 9.50
Brunei Dollar (BND) 9.50
Chinese Yuan (CNY) 50.00
Philippine Peso(PHP) 300.00
For more information please contact:
Janet Leow Andrea Liong
Senior Executive — Media Relations Executive — Media Relations
Corporate Communications Corporate Communications
My Office No : 603 8660 4265 603 8660 4287
My Email No : [email protected] [email protected]