AirAsia X Unveils 9th Birthday Special Livery

by Client News

 

AirAsia X has celebrated its 9th birthday with the arrival this morning on the Gold Coast of Flight D7 206 from Kuala Lumpur featuring a special 9th birthday livery dedicated to its guests and staff.

Since its first flight in November 2007, AirAsia X has flown nearly 1.6 million passengers between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast. The airline was the first low cost long haul airline to fly between Malaysia and Australia and introduce innovations such as premium flatbeds and a Quiet Zone, reserved for passengers aged over 10 years of age.

AirAsia is celebrating 9 years in Australia with special one-way fares for two people to Kuala Lumpur from Gold Coast from $369*; from Melbourne and Sydney from $349*; and from Perth from $188*.

The fares are available for booking from now until sold out with the fares valid for travel from now until 5 February 2017. Bookings to www.airasia.com

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AirAsia X has 11 frequencies weekly between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur and in March commenced a daily service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Berhad said, “We have expanded our operations rapidly since our humble beginning in 2007. We are now covering 23 destinations across four continents and grown our fleet to 30 Airbus A330s with over 19 million guests flown, and we’ve done it all within a decade.

“This is definitely no mean feat and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our Allstars and the unwavering support from our loyal guests.

“To top it all off, we’ve even commissioned an aircraft with a special anniversary livery dedicated for our guests and Allstars, as they are both the driving force behind the airline.

“The past nine years have not been without its challenges for AirAsia X, but I believe that we have been through the worst and are now reaping what we have sowed from our on-going turnaround initiatives. “Returning to the black for three consecutive quarters is just a start; with solid hard work by the team and every Allstar we are confident to achieve full-year profit and take the airline to greater heights. “Special thanks go to our business partners, airport authorities, and tourism bodies who believed in us and supported us in our journey, including our AirAsia X Allstars who have made this dream possible,” Mr Ismail added.

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Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said,” Gold Coast Airport and AirAsia X play an important part in each other’s history. The Kuala Lumpur – Gold Coast route was the airline’s first ever service and AirAsia X was Gold Coast Airport’s first long-haul international carrier to Asia when they commenced in 2007.

“AirAsia X’s entry into the Australian market has proved to be a game-changer in affordability of international air travel, and we are delighted to have played a part in their success. Queensland Airports Limited own and operate Gold Coast Airport. AirAsia X has increased many flight frequencies in 2016. From Australia AirAsia X flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Perth (14 flights per week) Sydney (11 flights per week), Melbourne (14 flights per week), and Gold Coast (11 flights per week).

AirAsia X started its operation in 2007 with its maiden flight to Gold Coast, Australia on 2 November. Since then the airline has grown exponentially, having carried over 19 million guests in total. With this milestone, 9 guests from 9 countries within the network were invited to share their incredible travel experiences. Check it out here at http://bit.ly/2eRuyAv.

*Terms and conditions apply. Fares include airport taxes and surcharges. Limited availability, until sold out. Selected travel periods apply. Processing Fee of up to AU$10 may apply. Fee may not apply if you use PayPal. Booking valid until 6 November 2016. Available when booking for two people. 

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Why Celebrity Endorsement Is Here To Stay

by Blog

celebrity endorsement Why do brands embrace the faces of celebrity? It’s not a new phenomenon and has been part of our daily consumption for many decades; in fact, it’s difficult not to name a product or company that hasn’t engaged in some form of celebrity endorsement. Celebrities can be a vehicle for brands to reach out to new audience niches as well as the mainstream. Some well-known and successful brand associations include George Clooney (Nespresso), Jennifer Aniston (Emirates), Nicole Kidman (Etihad), Michael Jordan (Nike) and Jamie Oliver (Woolworths). Success can add millions in brand value through positive association and the power of aspiration. Consumers are well aware that these arrangements are paid for but will see past that if the association is credible and real. Guy Sebastian has recently been announced as AirAsia’s brand ambassador in Australia in a deal that promises to work well for both parties. AirAsia receive the benefit of a very likeable personality with a clean image in the vast entertainment industry. AirAsia sees the synergy of entertainment and travel working together in a lifestyle brand sense to appeal to their audience, produce engaging content and attract attention across borders. Sebastian in turn is looking to promote himself further across Asia and AirAsia’s massive reach will assist. The airline has worked before with musicians in other markets and several top executives are former music industry executives including the co-founder, Tony Fernandes. AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the airline was thrilled to have Guy on board calling him a “natural fit for AirAsia”. “Guy embodies AirAsia’s values and ideals with his support of the community through charity work and will promote AirAsia’s brand,” he said. guy sebastian In an interesting twist, about the time Sebastian was announcing the arrangement with AirAsia, controversial Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios parted ways as an ambassador for Malaysia Airlines after just one year. Sometimes the relationship just doesn’t work out, or maybe, wasn’t a good fit to start with. In another format, Australian radio and TV personality Jules Lund has established a marketing start-up called Tribe which targets brands that want to get active in social media through associating themselves with brand personalities or ‘influencers’. The marketplace model allows users (influencers) to bid online to provide services or endorsements for a product or brand which can then be purchased by that brand. Tribe promises ‘authentic advocacy’, with influencers choosing brands, not the other way around. Tribe has just completed a round of funding to fuel expansion in technology and markets. It has claimed to have worked with more than 500 brands and have about 4500 influencers on its books. If you’re considering a brand ambassador here’s a checklist of some key considerations:

  • Choose the right brand ambassador! What are they going to do for you and who do they appeal to? Is their association with your brand or product believable? Do your research thoroughly.
  • It needs to be a two-way relationship with real benefits for both parties. It’s not just about dollars.
  • All obligations and terms need to be set out in writing for executing. And, also allow for the arrangement not working out.
  • Meet regularly to manage obligations under the contract and explore new opportunities.
  • How will you measure the success or otherwise of your investment? Is it in sales, audience recall, specific brand attribute measurements, or digital media traction? Be clear with your own goals and expectations.

The Bachelor Australia’s Richie Strahan Laps Up AirAsia X Flatbed

by Client News

The Bachelor Australia’s Richie Strahan has travelled in style to Bali in his quest for love as this season’s finale of the hit Network Ten television production reaches its peak.

The latest instalment of The Bachelor Australia series saw Richie and the final three girls, Olena, Nikki and Alex fly to tropical Bali on finale week, as he chooses one lucky lady in his search for love.

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AirAsia X flew the cast and production crew to Bali aboard an Airbus A330 where Richie was able to enjoy the comforts of a premium flatbed seat before they hit Bali for filming at a resort in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Linda Na, head of marketing for AirAsia in Australia, said the airline was delighted to be involved in the finale of the series.

“This has been the highest rating series yet and features one of our most popular destinations in Bali, and hence it was a natural fit for us,” Ms Na said.

“Aussies are still very much in love with Bali and we certainly hope Richie has found his true love. 

“The visual integration into the show and the opportunity to host Richie and the girls onboard has been a great alignment for the AirAsia brand in Australia.”

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 120 destinations across 24 countries. AirAsia flies to Bali direct from Perth and Darwin, and via Kuala Lumpur from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com.

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Check out The Bachelor on tenplay http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-bachelor?psearch=Google_The_Bachelor

AirAsia X Increases Flight Frequencies

by Client News

AirAsia X has announced an increase in frequencies to eight destinations including Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in Australia. In the next few months, flight frequencies will be increased between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Melbourne (to 14x weekly flights), Sydney (to 11x weekly) and Perth (to 14x weekly). They join increases to Osaka (to 9x weekly), Sapporo (to 5x weekly), Beijing (to 11x weekly), Shanghai (to 11x weekly) and Taipei (to 14x weekly) from Kuala Lumpur. For detailed flight schedules and more information, please log on to airasia.com. To coincide with the increase in frequencies AirAsia has launched a sale for all AirAsia X flights (flight code D7) with low fares available to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $149*, Melbourne from $239*, Sydney from $249*, and Gold Coast from $269*. Fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$119* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$329*. AirAsia X’s award-winning Premium Flatbeds are also on sale to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $469* and Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast from $699*. Premium Flatbed fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$250* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$799*. The travel period is from now until 24 November 2016. For all bookings and additional sale fares please log on to airasia.com. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com Flights and fares are subject to availability. Auckland Arik Kumar De, Head of Commercial for AirAsia X Berhad said, “As the pioneer for low cost long-haul travel, we are pleased to offer our guests greater value with additional flight options to selected destinations. Our guests can now enjoy more flexibility in their travel plans for the coming few months through the added flight frequencies which will be an added convenience factor.” Travellers can also log onto AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers a range of more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels to choose from. *Flights and fares are subject to availability. Availability of connecting flights are subject to timings of the individual flights. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares include airport taxes & surcharges. Processing fee is applicable for online bookings made by credit, debit or charge card. Processing fee does not apply to Australian customers paying with PayPal. Fees apply for checked baggage except on Business Class Flat Bed fares. Other terms and conditions apply. Booking period 25 April 2016 – 8 May 2016 or until sold out. Travel period 26 April 2016 to 24 November 2016. Lowest possible sale fares are one-way online at airasia.com. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise.

AirAsia X Now Connects Gold Coast to Auckland

by Client News

Inaugural Flight Sale Gold Coast to New Zealand from AUD$129*

Gold Coast, Australia. 23 March 2016 – AirAsia X has commenced its daily flight service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand, this morning with the arrival of flight D7206 from Kuala Lumpur into Gold Coast Airport, which then departed for Auckland.

The inaugural flight to Auckland had a healthy load factor of 95 per cent. Departing passengers were greeted and presented with gifts by Surf Life Saving volunteers in the terminal.

To celebrate this new route AirAsia X has commenced an online sale that will run until 3 April 2016 or until sold out. Guests can find incredible low fares available for a limited time only, starting as low as AUD$129* one-way to Auckland. Bookings can be made at www.airasia.com.

The travel period for the promotional seats is from 25 March 2016 to 22 May 2017.

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AirAsia X flight D7206 departs Gold Coast for Auckland, New Zealand.

AirAsia X’s popular Premium flatbed seats are also on sale from AUD$349* one-way.

AirAsia X’s daily flights between Gold Coast and Auckland depart Gold Coast at 9.05am each day, arriving in Auckland at 3.30pm local time.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “This service provides a compelling alternative for Gold Coasters looking to travel to New Zealand and will also augment the inbound tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast.

“We’re very pleased with the number of our Asian guests travelling via the Gold Coast to New Zealand. Both the Gold Coast and New Zealand are world class destinations and much in demand from our guests across ASEAN.”

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Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer, Marion Charlton, says, “AirAsia X has been a valued airline partner at Gold Coast Airport since commencing direct services to Kuala Lumpur in 2007.

“We look forward to working with AirAsia X to ensure the long-term success of this new Auckland service.”

An Airbus A330-300 aircraft operates the route with a seating capacity of 377. The configuration will be AirAsia X’s standard configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 Premium flatbed seats.

AirAsia X was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its seventh consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.

For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com  Flights and fares are subject to availability.

*Flights and fares are subject to availability. Booking period 23 March 2016 – 3 April 2016, or until sold out. Travel period 25 March 2016 – 22 May 2017. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares are for one-way travel, hand luggage only and fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Fees apply for checked baggage. Business Class fares come with complimentary services as advertised on airasia.com. Lowest fares available online at airasia.com. No processing fees are applicable for online bookings made with PayPal. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise. See airasia.com for full details and Conditions of Carriage.

AirAsia’s Network-wide Megasale Is Here!

by Client News

Leading low-cost carrier AirAsia has brought back its highly anticipated Megasale with sale fares to Asia from Australia from as low as $99* one-way for a limited time.

Travellers can fly to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $129* per person one-way; Gold Coast from $169*; and Melbourne and Sydney from $169*.

Some onwards one-way fares from Kuala Lumpur are as little as $4* one-way.

A330-300 AirAsia X_1Fares are available to Bali one-way from Darwin from $99*; Melbourne and Sydney from $169* and from Perth from $119*.

The Megasale fares are available for booking from now until 13 September 2015 with the fares valid for travel from 1 March 2016 to 29 October 2016. Bookings to www.airasia.com

AirAsia Commercial Head of Australia & New Zealand Stuart Myerscough said the Megasale was an excellent opportunity for travellers who were planning their forward travel next year and wanted to get some advance fares at a very good discount.

“AirAsia’s fly-through connectivity is proving very popular, ensuring that passengers have a smoother travelling experience right through to their final destination,” he said.

“With new direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to a favourite destination like Bali proving popular the expansive AirAsia network also offers a range of alternative destinations which are becoming more popular including Sri Lanka and Indochina.”

AirAsia passengers are now able to fly into the brand new klia2 terminal in Kuala Lumpur, the carrier’s main hub, which provides an even better experience for travellers, particularly those transiting through to other destinations.

Some of the more than 100 destinations on sale include:

From the Gold Coast or Melbourne, fly one-way to Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City from $199*; Langkawi, Phuket or Bangkok from $209*; or Hong Kong from $229*.

From Sydney, one-way economy flights to Ho Chi Minh City are from $199*; Phuket from $209*; Hong Kong from $229*; Colombo from $259* and Osaka from $289*.

From Perth, grab some great one-way fares to Penang or Siem Reap from $159*; Phuket from $169*; Hong Kong from $189*; Seoul from $229*; and Osaka from $249*.

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 100 destinations across 23 countries.

AirAsia X was just named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat for their business class flatbed and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its seventh consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.

For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com Flights and fares are subject to availability.

Travellers can also log onto AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers a range of more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels to choose from.

*Flights and fares are subject to availability. Availability of connecting flights are subject to timings of the individual flights. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares include airport taxes & surcharges. Processing fee is applicable for online bookings made by credit, debit or charge card. Processing fee does not apply to Australian customers paying with PayPal. Fees apply for checked baggage except on Business Class Flat Bed fares. Other terms and conditions apply. Booking period 7-13 September 2015 or until sold out. Travel period 1 March 2016 to 29 October 2016. Lowest possible sale fares are one-way online at airasia.com. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise.

Indonesia AirAsia X Launches Sydney to Bali Sales

by Client News

Indonesia AirAsia X has launched sales for its second route into Australia to Sydney from Bali (Denpasar) with the first flight from Sydney taking off on 17th October, 2015.

This new route for the popular low cost carrier goes on sale today (12.00 noon Sydney time 12th August) until Sunday 16th August 2015, or until sold out, with an incredible low fare available for a limited time only from $119* one-way to Bali. Bookings can be made at www.airasia.com. Travel period is 17 October 2015 – 31 August 2016.

AirAsia X’s popular Premium flatbed seats will also be on sale from $399* one-way.

Indonesia AirAsia X will commence services with five weekly flights between Sydney and the popular Indonesian island getaway, a favourite destination for Australian visitors.

Flights will depart Sydney to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flights have been granted approval by Australian and Indonesian authorities.

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Indonesia AirAsia X CEO Dendy Kurniawan is in Sydney today to launch the route along with representatives from Sydney Airport.

“We’re really pleased to launch this service and connect with Australia’s largest city,” Mr Kurniawan said.

“Bali has long been a favoured holiday destination for Australians and it continues to grow in popularity.

“Our Melbourne to Bali route has been well received and seen strong load factors so we’re delighted to expand connectivity with the east coast of Australia.

“The special introductory sale fare from Sydney of $119* is a great offer for Sydneysiders to enjoy a tropical Bali escape on our direct flights.”

An Airbus A330-300 aircraft will operate the route with a seating capacity of 377. The configuration will be AirAsia X’s standard configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 Premium flatbed seats.

AirAsia X commercial manager Australia and New Zealand Stuart Myerscough said, “Bali is fast becoming an important hub for AirAsia with Australians also able to connect on to 16 direct AirAsia flights from Bali to destinations such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and many more.

“This important connectivity will increase over time and provide a range of travel choices to Bali and beyond.”

Sydney Airport managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Mather said, “We’re looking forward to welcoming Indonesia AirAsia X to Sydney Airport, offering Bali-bound passengers greater choice and convenience.

“Bali remains a favourite destination for Sydneysiders, with around 276,000 passengers departing Sydney over the past 12 months.

“Indonesia AirAsia X also provides a welcome boost in low cost capacity servicing rapidly growing Asian markets, with considerable inbound potential for Sydney and Australia.”

AirAsia X currently flies between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast.

Indonesia AirAsia serves Bali from Perth and Darwin, whilst Indonesia AirAsia X commenced flights between Melbourne and Bali in March this year.

AirAsia X was the first low cost carrier in the world to introduce flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.

They feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen.

Business Class guests also enjoy complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, Baggage Allowance, Flight Change, Combo Meal and Premium Pillow & Duvet.

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low fares and connectivity to over 100 destinations across 22 countries.

AirAsia X was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its seventh consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.

For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com  Flights and fares are subject to availability.

Travellers can also log onto AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels to choose from.

*Flights from Sydney to Bali will commence on 17 October 2015. Flights and fares are subject to availability. Booking period 12 August 2015 from 12PM AEST – 16 August 2015, or until sold out. Travel period 17 October 2015 – 31 August 2016. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares are for one way travel, hand luggage only and fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Fees apply for checked baggage. Business Class fares come with complimentary services as advertised on airasia.com. Lowest fares available online at airasia.com. No processing fees are applicable for online bookings made with PayPal. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise. See airasia.com for full details and Conditions of Carriage.

Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs