By HIDAYATH HISHAM  

AirAsia is looking to expand its operations by leasing six Airbus A320s that were operated by financially-troubled MyAirline.

AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd group chief executive officer (CEO) Bo Lingam said the lessor company that owns the aircrafts that were leased to MyAirline asked AirAsia whether it wants any extra aircrafts. 

“I said, yes, we would like to have the aircrafts.

“Once MyAirlines returns the aircrafts to the lessor, they will lease them to us,” he said at a press conference on Monday, adding that the number of aircrafts will be confirmed next week.

To assist MyAirline passengers impacted by flight suspensions, AirAsia has offered 50% discounted fares. 

“I think so far there are 10,635 MyAirline passengers who have taken up the 50% discount to fly with AirAsia,” Bo said.

The 50% discount is available exclusively for affected MyAirline customers with reservations on specific routes including Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang and other domestic and regional destinations.

On another note, as part of its sustainability efforts, AirAsia’s ground handling subsidiary Ground Team Red (GTR) has introduced two electric tractors for baggage operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2.

GTR CEO Musdalifa Abdullah said the introduction of EVs to its operations at KLIA Terminal 2 follows a successful trial run that began in August. 

“This marks a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aviation industry,” he said at the press conference.

Meanwhile, AirAsia had announced fares from RM25 all-in one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar, Johor Bahru and Kuala Terengganu; and RM80 to Bali, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc and Bangkok, among others.

AirAsia X Bhd is offering flights from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast, Busan, Taipei and Beijing from RM269 all-in one-way economy seats.

Flights are available for booking starting Oct 16 until Oct 25 with the travel period between  March 4 2024 and Feb 12 2025.