Latest news with #RedRun
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
State aims to expand connectivity across globe
(From second right) Wong and Fareh holding the AirAsia RedRun poster during a press conference in George Town. Having drawn some eight million hotel guests last year, Penang is looking to expand its connectivity, says Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. He said the state's Unesco World Heritage and Unesco Biosphere Reserve status, coupled with vibrant street food scene and lively cultural scene, had made it a favourite with travellers. A key driver of this growth is low-cost airline AirAsia, which currently operates 239 weekly flights to Penang. Wong expressed optimism that this network would continue to expand. 'From the first half of this year alone, AirAsia has carried over 1.8 million passengers through Penang, connecting us across the region. 'The airline connects Penang to seven international cities, namely Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Shenzhen, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as five domestic cities which are Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Langkawi. 'Based on airport data, the airline contributes 38% of passenger aircraft arrival at Penang International Airport,' he said during a press conference at a hotel in Persiaran Gurney. Wong said he had also signed letters and made proposals for new routes and believed the airline would give due consideration to them. In a separate development, Wong said AirAsia was calling for participation for its RedRun event featuring 3km, 5km and 10km categories to be held on Sept 28. 'Penang has emerged as a favourite sporting hub. 'Almost every week, there are running, cycling or other sports events in Penang. 'We hope this event will draw greater regional participation and further elevate Penang as a leisure and lifestyle destination,' he said. AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the RedRun event celebrated the spirit of travel, local culture and togetherness. 'After a great reception in Indonesia, we are proud to bring the next edition to Penang, a city that represents the heart of our operations and our commitment to community,' he said. Registration for the run, which aims to attract 5,000 participants, is now open. Registration will close on Aug 18.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
AirAsia eyes increased connectivity to Penang in regional expansion push
GEORGE TOWN: AirAsia is actively exploring the possibility of increasing flight connectivity to and from Penang as part of its ongoing regional growth strategy, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional accessibility. AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the airline is currently evaluating several potential new routes involving Penang, one of Malaysia's most popular travel destinations. "We will be doing a lot more study on it. One thing is for sure, as an airline, our job and business is to connect places and people. But of course, we also need to ensure that the connectivity is sustainable. "So, there are many destinations we want to connect to Penang," he told reporters after a press conference on 'AirAsia RedRun lands in Malaysia for the first time in Penang', which was also attended by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, here today. Elaborating further, Fareh said any expansion plans must align with operational sustainability and long-term viability, with the airline particularly focused on 'low-hanging fruit' routes that demonstrate strong demand and immediate commercial potential. While no specific new routes have been confirmed yet, he indicated that AirAsia's focus remains on regional destinations, with plans to enhance Penang's connectivity within ASEAN and nearby markets. Meanwhile, Wong said AirAsia carried over 1.8 million passengers through Penang across the region in just the first half of this year and contributes 38 per cent of passenger aircraft arrivals at Penang International Airport based on airport data. "Currently, AirAsia connects Penang to seven international cities, namely Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Shenzhen, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, and five domestic destinations, including Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. "There are 239 weekly AirAsia flights to Penang from international and domestic destinations. Additionally, it facilitates connections from other international cities via the AirAsia Fly-thru programme and provides timely transit flights from international cities through KLIA to Penang," he added. AirAsia is bringing its highly anticipated RedRun to Penang for the first time, marking the next leg of the airline's regional initiative to energise travel and spotlight key tourism destinations across ASEAN. The RedRun Penang will take place on Sept 28 at Gurney Plaza, inviting thousands of participants from across the region to join in three race categories: 3 kilometres (km), 5 km, and 10 km. Registration for the RedRun is open until Aug 18, 2025. - Bernama
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AirAsia plans expanded Penang flights to boost regional connectivity
GEORGE TOWN: AirAsia is considering expanding flight routes to Penang as part of its regional growth strategy, aiming to enhance connectivity for one of Malaysia's top tourist hubs. The airline is assessing potential new destinations while ensuring operational sustainability and commercial viability. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra stated that the airline prioritises routes with strong demand. 'Our role is to connect places and people, but sustainability is key. We're studying multiple Penang routes,' he said during the 'AirAsia RedRun' press conference. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted AirAsia's significant role in Penang's air traffic, with 1.8 million passengers in the first half of 2024. The airline operates 239 weekly flights, linking Penang to seven international and five domestic destinations, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia's RedRun event will debut in Penang on September 28 at Gurney Plaza, featuring 3km, 5km, and 10km races. Registrations close on August 18, 2025. - Bernama
