Bangkok--13 Jun--AirAsia AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes, joins Malaysian and Chinese Tourism Officials at press conference to officially launch new route AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, held a press conference in Haikou to mark the launch today of its route from Kuala Lumpur to the capital of Hainan Province. Special guests who joined Group CEO Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Group Deputy CEO, at the conference include Datuk Ong Tee Keat, The Minister of Transport for Malaysia; Mr Zhang Zhiping, Deputy Director of Hainan Tourism Bureau; Mr Liu Qingsheng, Deputy Mayor of Haikou City Government; Mr. Long Weidong, Director of Haikou Tourism Bureau; Mr Zhang Cong, Chairman of Hainan Meilan International Airport; and Mr. Dong Zhanbin, President of Hainan Meilan International Airport. AirAsia is the first airline to offer daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Haikou. Since the launch of the route, AirAsia has recorded a huge demand for the new route and reported an amazing 100 per cent load factor for the inaugural flight which commenced last month on 22 May 2008. It is also noteworthy to highlight that AirAsia’s load factor for this route in May was 78%, which is quite strong for a new sector which was previously not served by any airline. AirAsia is the first low cost carrier (LCC) established in Malaysia and has successfully become the leading and largest LCC in Asia. The airline offers a simple ‘no frills’ service at fares that are on average significantly lower than those offered by traditional full-service airlines. The award-winning AirAsia has successfully revolutionized air travel in Asia by providing incredibly low fares so more people can fly. To date, AirAsia has carried over than 50 million guests within a short span of six years in operation. With over 100 routes across 11 countries and two long-haul destinations serviced by its affiliate, AirAsia X, the airline is truly Asia’s leading airline with the widest connectivity and largest customer base. Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, said: “We see the potential of the market whereby there is strong families ties of the Hainanse community in Southeast Asia using this service to visit their families in Hainan and vice-versa. This new service would also widen our network in Southern China. As a group, we have a total of 141 flights per week flying to various points in China. With such extensive network in the region, we look forward to draw more international and regional guests to China using Kuala Lumpur as its connecting gateway.” Mr Long Weidong, Director of Haikou Tourism Bureau, said: “Haikou is quickly establishing itself as a thriving tourist destination with the region boasting beautiful beaches and seaside resorts. We are excited to be working with AirAsia as part of a long term strategy to increase tourism in the capital, bringing Southeast Asian visitors to Hainan and connecting the local people to other prospering and exciting cities across Southeast Asia.” Haikou, situated at the North of the Chinese island of Hainan, has experienced lucrative economic growth over the past decade, making it an important addition to AirAsia’s destinations. FLIGHT SCHEDULE KUALA LUMPUR - HAIKOUFlights From Departure / Arrival Flight No Frequency KUALA LUMPUR-HAIKOU 07:00/10:20 AK 62 DAILY HAIKOU—KUALA LUMPUR 10:55/ 14:15 AK 63 DAILY For further information, MEDIA please contact: AIRASIA PUBLICITY TEAM Sherliza Zaharudin Office No : +603 8660 4294 E-mail : [email protected] Mazlan Rasheed Office No : +603 8660 4263 Email : [email protected] June Chow Office No : +603 8660 4287 Email : [email protected] Nazatul Ekma Mokhtar Office No : +603 8660 4013 Email : [email protected]