by GLORIA HARRY BEATTY

AIRASIA Group Bhd has returned and expanded its operations to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS), better known as Subang Airport.

The airline’s operations at the airport will commence with two domestic destinations namely Kuching and Kota Kinabalu with 14 flights weekly.

The inaugural operation is set to commence on Aug 30.

Capital A Bhd CEO Tony Fernandes said the government’s decision to revitalise the airport into a regional aviation hub aligns with the air carrier’s mission to continue revolutionising the aviation industry.

The increased air traffic and passenger flow generated by its operations will have multiplier effects on related industries, driving economic growth and development in the region.

“AirAsia’s homecoming to Subang Airport is not just nostalgic but also strategic. Capital A’s engineering arm, Asia Digital Engineering Sdn Bhd, has operations based there, enhancing the efficiency and streamlining of our aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul activities,” Fernandes said during his opening remarks, after the launch of AirAsia’s Homecoming to Subang Airport today.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Malaysia MD Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the decision to operate at Subang Airport as AirAsia’s second home in Kuala Lumpur is driven by several compelling factors and opportunities.

He said the airport’s location and proximity to the city centre and surrounding suburbs offer an optimal travel experience for guests in the vicinity.

“Moreover, its smaller size and lower passenger volume ensure a seamless journey for travellers, aligning with our commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience, while providing greater flexibility and choice, and fostering healthy competition in the nation’s aviation industry,” he said.

The Subang Airport operation will boost AirAsia Malaysia’s domestic network from 920 flights weekly to 948 flights weekly with a total of 40 routes.

“This additional operation is expected to drive our next phase of growth, not just in Malaysia but across the region,” he added.

Fareh highlighted that the airline anticipates adding more routes from Subang, especially international ones. These routes are currently in the planning stages and subject to regulatory approval, reinforcing its vision of transforming Malaysia into a premier aviation hub.

AirAsia is optimistic about making Subang its sixth hub in Malaysia in the near future, further bolstering its network and expanding its capacity to serve more destinations and guests.

Promotional fares are available for booking on AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp) and airasia.com starting today until July 28, 2024, for the travel period between Aug 30, 2024 and Oct 8, 2025.