AIRASIA ANNOUNCES NEW PENANG-HONG KONG ROUTE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia-based budget carrier AirAsia
Monday announced a new service from Malaysia's northern state of Penang to Hong
Kong starting July 31 as part of the budget carrier's plan to establish Penang
as its eighth hub.


According to the airline, the service is timely and will be well received by
many as it has great advantage due to its extensive route network and low fares.

AirAsia is also increasing its second frequency to Singapore from Penang to
cater to the demand from leisure and business travellers.

The new sector to Hong Kong and the introduction of second frequency to
Singapore opens for sale for the booking period from July 7 to 12 for the travel
period from July 31, 2009, to April 30, 2010.

AirAsia said in a statement today that it will be offering an all-in-fare
from RM99 to Hong Kong and RM51 to Singapore to mark the launch of these
sectors.

The airline, through its holiday division GoHoliday, is offering guests free
rooms upon booking at its partner hotels in Hong Kong.

The promotion is valid via goholiday.airasia.com and available on a first
come, first served basis.

"At a time when some airlines are cutting routes and downsizing capacity, we
are breaking the trend with our aggressive expansion plans, increasing
frequencies where there is proven demand, which certainly is for the Penang-Hong
Kong and Penang-Singapore routes," said the airline's regional head of
commercial, Kathleen Tan.

"We are also hoping to introduce new sectors to Shenzen and Guangzhou from
Penang in the future," she said.

Tan said the Hong Kong route formed part of AirAsia's strategy to establish
Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to other Asian destinations.

The airline's relationship with its long-haul affiliate AsiaAsia X will also
connect traffic from Australia and the United Kingdom to the Chinese cities, she
said.
-- BERNAMA