AirAsia rocks India

World's Best Low-Cost Airline creates aviation history with the launch of 6 new routes in India simultaneously

AirAsia, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is all out to rock and paint the India skies red by extending its footprint with the launch of its direct flights to 6 new routes in the first quarter of 2010. Conquering India skies by storm, the new services to key metro cities include Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi from Kuala Lumpur and from Penang to Chennai.

The Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad sectors will be serviced by AirAsia’s A320 aircrafts, Mumbai and Delhi will be served by its long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X via its new Airbus A330 fleet.
AirAsia is the only airline which connects to the most points in India from Malaysia with a total of 148 flights weekly. This new development is subsequent to AirAsia’s huge success of Tiruchirapplalli (Trichy) followed-by Kolkata, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) recording an average of 80% load factor on all our four existing routes. Thus, these new services will not only complement AirAsia’s aggressive growth in India, but is also feeding more traffic into the country.

To mark the opening for sale of these new routes, AirAsia is offering an unbelievable all-in low fare from as low as RM 199 for the booking period from 27 – 31 January 2010.

AirAsia
Penang – Chennai : RM199.00 (INR 2,999.00)
Travel Period : 28 April – 30 October 2010

Kuala Lumpur – Chennai : RM199.00 (INR 2,999.00)
Travel Period : 17 May – 30 October 2010

Kuala Lumpur – Bangalore RM199.00 (INR 3,999.00)
Travel Period : 20 May – 30 October 2010

Kuala Lumpur – Hyderabad : RM199.00 (INR 3,999.00)
Travel Period : 20 July – 30 October 2010

AirAsia X
Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai : RM299.00 (INR 4,999.00)
Travel Period : 6 May – 30 October 2010

Kuala Lumpur – Delhi : RM299.00 (INR 4,999.00)
Travel Period : 4 August – 30 October 2010

Promotional seats are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively available online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad said “AirAsia has well-arrived in the Indian market to change the very definition of low-cost airlines as the India market is booming. We are proud to position Kuala Lumpur as the gateway to India and at the same time it is India’s gateway to ASEAN. This is also a timely effort in response to our Prime’s Minister’s call on strengthening Malaysia – India bilateral relations. AirAsia will support this by liberalizing the air travel with our undisputed low-fares, opening-up the India market to the world and support businesses and more. To date, we have received an over-whelming response for our existing routes from Kuala Lumpur to India. Our continuous focus on making travel effortless for our guests with our simple, no-frills but convenient and renowned customer service, will stand AirAsia in good stead to compete with the best carriers in this region with the added bonus of lower fares. With the launch of these new routes we expect more guests from India to experience the pleasure of flying with the world’s best low-cost airline.”

AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan said, “India has always been on our network radar and thrilled to create history in the aviation industry today. There are various cultures, linguistics and a myriad of attractions; in short India is such a colourful country which you have to discover. This is a clear indicative of the fact that our expansion plans are fully on track. In fact, this signifies our keen determination in offering our guests truly low fares, unrivalled route network, award-winning products and services and the best-in-class travel value in the industry. We have been receiving a lot of requests from our guests and the travel community in Malaysia and India and we believe that our low fares will help to stimulate and trigger new travel demand, and will help to boost tourism potential from both ends,”

“We are confident that AirAsia’s direct connection serving Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai & Delhi will be able to stimulate new travel demands and further tap markets, especially that of young working adults and families, to travel to Malaysia and thereafter use Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to over 130 routes in Asia, that includes regional ASEAN cities or long-haul sectors serviced by AirAsia X. This translates into a low-cost yet efficient travel experience for guests who benefit from using the LCC Terminal in Kuala Lumpur to connect to destinations as diverse as Australia (Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne), China (Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu), Taipei, London and Abu Dhabi,” concluded Kathleen.

To add value, AirAsia, under GoHoliday at www.airasiago.com, also offers some great online hotel deals to stretch the dollar where guests can choose their holiday lodgings from over 50,000 hotels, tour packages and ground transfers. Guests are also encouraged to purchase food, baggage, hot seats online to enjoy more discounts and savings through www.airasia.com. AirAsia’s low-cost model, with its ultra low fares and modern fleet of comfortable and spacious aircraft, is undoubtedly an attractive consumer proposition, strong enough to compete with premium airlines.

There are myriad of interesting places to visit in India such as the Charminar, an imposing signature monument of Hyderabad, Bangalore a home to some of India's premier scientific establishments, The Qutb Minar and off course the famous Taj Mahal of New Delhi which needs no introduction, Marina Beach – the most popular beach attraction in Chennai, Mumbai, home to the Bollywood stars and the gateway of India and many more.

Kuala Lumpur is an exciting and bustling metropolitan city and the center and symbol of Malaysia's rapid rise as an economic powerhouse. This includes amongst others the modern buildings of the Golden Triangle, massive shopping malls, rocket-like Petronas towers which rise above the city and driverless trains that glide across the city. Yet nestled amidst the high-rises, it still offers a glimpse of its colorful heritage and a taste of traditional, exotic Asia. With a blend of unique cultures, great variety of food and world-renowned attractions such as KLCC Twin Towers, Genting City of Entertainment often frequented by families, Sunway Lagoon water park, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls located in the Langkawi islands, Taman Negara National Park, a major wildlife reserve, both Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur are renowned as perfect year-round holiday and business destinations. Guests are also spoilt for choice as there’s more than just Malaysia under the AirAsia network, with flights to exotic destinations across the ASEAN countries and beyond via its hubs in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu), Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket), and Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Bali).

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – CHENNAI (commencing 17 May 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Chennai06:30 / 07:45AK 243Daily
Chennai to Kuala Lumpur08:25 / 14:40AK 244Daily

Flight Schedule PENANG – CHENNAI (commencing 28 April 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Penang to Chennai08:15 / 09:15AK 243Daily
Chennai to Penang09:55 / 15:55AK 244Daily

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – BANGALORE (commencing 20 May 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Bangalore15:10 / 16:35AK 211Daily
Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur 17:15 / 23:40AK 212Daily

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – HYDERABAD (commencing 20 July 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Hyderabad06:20 / 08:00AK 223Daily
Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur 08:40 / 15:40AK 224Daily

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – MUMBAI (commencing 6 May 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai09:20 / 12:00D7 2516Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur 13:20 / 21:00D7 2517Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – DELHI (commencing 4 August 2010)
Flights From Departure/ Arrival Flight No. Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Delhi16:00 / 19:10D7 2506Daily
Delhi to Kuala Lumpur20:25 / 04:35D7 2507Daily

About AirAsia and AirAsia X
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 130 routes covering more than 65 destinations. Within the grasp of 7 years of operation, AirAsia has carried over 75 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to 85. The airline today is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries, China, India, and Bangladesh. This is further complemented by AirAsia X, its low cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia, Taipei, Abu Dhabi and the UK. AirAsia is the only regional carrier with the largest destination network and highest flight frequencies. AirAsia has been awarded the 2009 World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax and for the third time named as the Best Asian Low Cost Carrier by TTG, Asia Pacific’s leading travel news publisher. For more information, please log onto http://www.airasia.com/

For any further information, please contact:
AirAsia Commercial PR Team:
Sherliza Zaharudin
Office No : +603 8660 4294
HP : +6013 621 2411 or +6019 282 5887
E-mail : sherlizazaharudin@airasia.com

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide:
Ameya Bundellu / Aesha Malnika
+91- 022 – 44344487 / 44344282
ameya.bundellu@ogilvy.com / aesha.malnika@ogilvy.com

Photo 1 : -Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat, Minister of Transport Malaysia receiving memento from Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia

Photo 2 :-(L to R) Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Dato’ Aziz Bakar, Chairman of AirAsia, Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Berhad and Tn. Haji Azizan Noordin, Deputy Director General (Planning)Tourism Malaysia flanked by AirAsia Cabin Crew.

Bridging the global MICE business at IT&CM; China 2010

Top international and Chinese buyers and sellers to converge at fourth installment this April

Major industry players of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry have confirmed their participation for IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China 2010.

The tradeshow, aptly themed “Bridging the Global MICE Business”, will be held from 7 to 9 April at ShanghaiMart Expo. With the global economy showing signs of recovery and business activities gradually increasing, sellers and buyers alike are gearing up for 2010, to showcase their latest offerings at the only international MICE tradeshow in China of the year.

Seizing the opportunity to harness the potential of the China market, some international exhibitors have increased their space take up this year. These include Japan National Tourism Office, Korea Tourism Organization, Macau Government Tourist Office, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong and the Millennium and Copthorne group.

International exhibitor, Sharon Lee, Area Vice President Sales Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels & Resorts, said, “Meliá’s comprehensive suite of properties is well-diverse to cater to different buyer needs, with each property having something unique to offer.” Grand Meliá Shanghai is the first Latino-style luxury hotel in China to be managed by a leading European hotel group. It offers scenic views of the Bund and Oriental TV Tower.

One of China’s largest private-owned hospitality group – New Century Hotels & Resorts, will also be exhibiting. The group offers MICE organisers 30 hotels across the country in key commercial and tourist cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Chengdu. Mr Gan, Vice President of the group, remarked, “Our Kaiyuan brand of hotels embodies standards of service that perfectly integrate oriental culture and international benchmarks.”

Other confirmed exhibitors include Dalian International Finance Conference Centre, Dragon Delight International Tours Ltd, Egyptian Embassy in China Tourism Office, Gloria Hotels, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kempinski S.A., Korea Tourism Organization, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Marco Polo Hotels, New Century Hotels, Singapore Tourism Board, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, World Hotels, and Wyndham Hotel Group International. IT&CM China 2010 will also see local pavilions from Hangzhou, Sanya, Shanghai and Xiamen.

With three months to the show, organisers, TTG Asia Media and MP International, are confident that participants will achieve greater results and be rewarded with an engaging experience. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, commented, “This is the fourth annual instalment of the series, and we continue to attract a vibrant mix of both international and local sellers and buyers. With additional China Trade seminars, and the keynote address taking reference from Sun Tzu’s tactical Art of War, we will present a ‘winning formula’ to all our participants.”

Sylvia Phua, CEO of MP International, added, “As the host of major international events like the upcoming 2010 World Expo, China offers a variety of new opportunities, as it continues to soar in popularity as a MICE destination. Buyers should not miss out on IT&CM China 2010 for the latest trends and information to help them make educated choices when they plan their incentive trips and meetings.”

International buyer, Jerzy Stejskal of TUI Centrum Podrozy – Unitour Travel Agency, Poland, has identified adventure and incentive travel suppliers, transport companies, convention and exhibition venues, attractions and spas as the key suppliers he hopes to meet at IT&CM China 2010.

Attending for the first time, a corporate buyer of an American MNC who has organised an increased number of incentive groups to China in 2009, expects demand for China to remain buoyant in 2010. He explains, “China offers a lot of variety in terms of venue and attraction options. It also ranks high as a cost effective destination especially when companies are still prudent in their incentive budgets.”

Chinese buyer, Zhang Tian of China International Travel Service – Beijing, is looking at destinations from all over the globe, including the Middle East and the Pacific Islands. Ms Zhang said, “We hope to find fresher destination options including attractions, hotels, venues and package options for social events, or any other products and services to satisfy our clients’ diverse needs.”

IT&CM China 2010 will offer a series of fresh and exciting business, networking and learning opportunities for an expected 2,000 participants. Apart from business meetings, social functions and special events will include a pre-show city tour of host city Shanghai; an opening ceremony and welcome dinner; and hosted networking luncheons throughout the three-day event.

Visit http://www.itcmchina.com/ for more information.

AirAsia Introduces Self Check-In

The ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, AirAsia is revolutionizing the aviation fraternity yet-again with the inclusion of its Web and Self Check-In service. These new self check-in kiosk facilities are currently in place at the LCCT airport and *selected regional airports, providing guests with a quicker and more convenient way of checking-in. For added comfort and convenience, guests could also utilize our web-based check-in service.

This major initiative is part of the airline’s on-going mission of using the ICT forefront to exploit technology and practice cost efficiency. By adopting a cost effective service and liberating guests traveling experience, this innovative service will also avoid airport congestions, long queues and reduce waiting time at no extra cost! However, guests could still opt to check-in the conventional way at AirAsia’s check-in counters at the airport with our fun and friendly guest service staff.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad said “We have invested quite a significant amount to develop our ICT facilities in order to keep-up with global standards. Now, we have equipped ourselves to fully exploit the benefits of it and achieve a competitive excellence in the market. What could be simpler than going on-line and checking-in at the tip of your fingers be it via mobile or at home? This new service is relatively easy to deploy, saves cost and benefit both – guests and AirAsia. As Asia's biggest low cost carrier with a strong domestic and extensive network within the Asean region, we believe our amazing low fares and innovative services have an edge over the masses and empower more travelers to fly with us.”

Quick and easy self check-in methods:
1) Web Check-In
All you'll need is a connection to the internet, a printer and your travel itinerary and you'll be able to check-in 48 hours prior and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time using Web Check-In. With your Boarding Pass, you can proceed straight to the Document Check Counter to stamp your boarding pass and then on to the Boarding Gate. If you have baggage to check-in, drop your baggage at the Self Check-In Counter at least 60 minutes prior to the boarding time.

2) Self Check-In Kiosks at the airport
Beat the crowd, check-in from our kiosks at the available locations below 6 hours prior and 1 hour before the scheduled departure time. You'll need the details of your travel itinerary to check-in. With your Boarding Pass, you can proceed straight to the Document Check Counter to stamp your boarding pass and then on to the Boarding Gate. If you have baggage to check-in, drop your baggage at the Self Check-In Counter at least 60 minutes prior to the boarding time.

AirAsia Flights
Check-in kiosk opens two (2) hours before the scheduled time of departure
Check-in kiosk closes forty five (45) minutes before the scheduled time of departure

AirAsia X Flights
Check-in kiosk opens three (3) hours before the scheduled time of departure.
Check-in kiosk closes sixty (60) minutes before the scheduled time of departure.

*AirAsia Self Check-In Kiosks are available at these locations (airports):
Malaysia
LCCT-Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu & Kuching
Indonesia
Jakarta & Bali
Thailand
Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai & Hat Yai

For more information, contact AirAsia Communications Department:
Nazatul Ekma Mokhtar
Office No: +603 8660 4013
E-mail: nazatulekmamokhtar@airasia.com
Web: www.airasia.com

US Medical Tourism Agency Planet Hospital in Talks with Brunei

Planet Hospital - a pioneer in medical tourism - is eyeing oil-rich Brunei as a possible rival destination to Thailand and Singapore for foreign patients seeking first-class medical care, media reports said Thursday.

Planet Hospital's president Rudy Rupak has opened talks with the government about the possibility of sending some of their tourists-cum-patients to selected hospitals in Brunei, which has started promoting itself as a medical tourism hub, the Brunei Times reported.

A pioneer organization of medical tourism since 2002, Planet Hospital has sent over 3,000 patients around the world for medical treatment, mostly to Thailand and Singapore.

Brunei Darussalam, a small country whose income is mainly derived from oil-and-gas production, is also well-known for its tax-free policies and free provision of high-standard of education and health services to its people.
source:eturbonews

Promoting China to the World and the World to China

China has become an important tourism destination in Asia, and the fifth large tourism country in the world. China is fast on its way to becoming a country with developed tourism, and constantly improving tourism facilities and services. It is estimated that, by 2020, China will be the world’s No. 1 tourism destination and the fourth-largest nation of tourists.

Bringing winning elements to the world's second largest economy, IT&CM China is THE platform for international and leading Chinese players in the MICE industry to explore exciting business opportunities, generate new sales leads and strengthen existing business partnerships.

IT&CM China is a spin-off from IT&CM Asia, the region's premier meetings and incentive travel show. For 17 years, IT&CM Asia has played a vital role in promoting the Asia-Pacific region as a MICE destination, as well as a source for MICE visitors.

China is currently the third largest business travel market, behind UK and USA. With foreign investment in China increasing and local companies expanding their businesses offshore, the MICE travel sector is gearing itself for a dynamic future.

With a successful track record since 2007, IT&CM China returns to Shanghai in 2010, to continue its effort in promoting China to the World and the World to China.

Experience the IT&CM Advantage

Matchmaking Buyers and Sellers

A special feature of IT&CM China is the unique matchmaking of buyers and sellers before the event. Participants are invited to provide details of whom they would like to meet, and the organiser will try to pre-schedule the appointments. In this way, participants will be able to get right down to business, hold quality discussions with their selected exhibitors, and achieve greater ROI out of their attendance.

Hosted Programme for Top Buyers

To add value to your participation, a number of quality buyers will be sourced and invited to the event. The organiser will host these buyers. As our participant, you will be eligible to nominate the buyers whom you wish to meet at IT&CM China.

Stimulating Educational Platform

Every exhibition is not complete without a complementary educational component. IT&CM China will have daily morning seminars before the exhibition starts. Participation is open to all registered delegates who will get to hear eminent speakers expounding on hot topics and debating on pertinent issues affecting the MICE industry in China and the region

Why Visit

IT&CM China is the one-stop business and networking platform for you to:

• Source for new destinations and products with leading Chinese players in the MICE industry
• Meet regional and international industry suppliers face-to-face
• Keep updated on the latest market trends
• Renew existing contracts and build new relationships
• Network with industry colleagues and peers

IT&CM China will help you maximise time and resources - meet and do business with quality industry suppliers, as well as attend high-powered conference sessions - over three productive days.

Who Should Visit

MICE Travel Suppliers

• Adventure & Incentive Travel Suppliers
• Airlines and Airline Alliances
• Airports
• Audio Visual and Technical Companies
• Coach, Car and Railway Operators
• Convention & Exhibition Venues
• Credit/Charge Card Companies
• Cruise Lines
• Destination Management Companies (Inbound)
• Event Management Companies & Entertainment Suppliers
• Global Distribution Systems
• Golf Courses
• Hotels & Resorts
• National/State Tourism Organisations
• Professional Conference Organisers
• Service Apartments
• Spas
• Speaker Bureaus
• Suppliers of Gifts and Premiums
• Theme Parks
• Trade Associations
• Travel Management Companies
• Trade Publications/Media
• Travel/Meetings Technology & Multimedia Companies
• Travel-related Suppliers

MICE Buyers

• Companies with Incentive Programmes
• Destination Management Companies (Outbound)
• Event Planners
• Incentive / Motivation Houses
• International Associations
• Meeting Planners
• Professional Conference Organisers
• Travel Agents Handling Incentives
• Travel Management Companies

For More information, Check : http://www.itcmchina.com/