AIRASIA EYES EXPANDED CONNECTIVITY

Carrier looks forward to working closely with Tourism Malaysia and India to grow tourist arrivals on both ends

KUALA LUMPUR

AIRASIA Bhd aims to offer wider connectivity in Malaysia and India under a proposed review of bilateral air services agreement by both countries.

AirAsia executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said AirAsia operated 109 international flights weekly to 13 destinations in India, which was relatively small compared to the size of the country.

“We look forward to working closely with Tourism Malaysia and India to grow tourist arrivals on both ends as we aim to provide wider connectivity between India, Malaysia and Asean,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Kamarudin said the improved connectivity would have multiplier economic impact as AirAsia could help enable other industries to develop, grow and prosper, especially in the tourism, infrastructure, health, education and socio-economic sectors.

“We are confident this will generate greater economic contribution for both countries as tourism not only creates jobs but leads to multiplier effect, which will benefit various industries.”

He lauded Prime Minister Najib Razak’s announcement of multiple-entry visa that would be valid for 15 days.

“There is an urgent need to encourage visa-free travel for Indians and Malaysians. This good news would certainly encourage tourists travelling between both countries and contribute to higher receipts from travel and tourism, which would then provide immediate contribution to economic growth.”

He also voiced his appreciation to the Indian government’s slot expansion for Malaysian carriers to operate between the two countries through the review of the bilateral air services agreement.

Meanwhile, AirAsia India managing director and chief executive officer Amar Abrol said the addition of its ninth Airbus A320 would be beneficial to this new development.

“AirAsia India is a living example of strategic partnerships. A joint venture by two large conglomerates, AirAsia India is in its growth phase,” said Amar.

“We recently welcomed our ninth Airbus A320 while we have also announced Kolkata as our third hub that will connect to Ranchi and from there to New Delhi.

“AirAsia India now has 15 destinations and three hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata.

“We will strive further towards connecting Tier I destinations to Tier II and Tier III segments. It’s an exciting year for us and we look forward to marking several milestones in the next few months,” Abrol added.