Latest news with #ThaiAirAsia
Hype Malaysia
6 days ago
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
AirAsia To Launch Kota Kinabalu To Fukuoka Route Via Taipei This August; Promo Fares Up For Grabs!
Pack your bags, wanderlusters! AirAsia Malaysia has further strengthened connectivity from its second-largest hub, Kota Kinabalu, with the launch of a brand new fifth-freedom route to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei! Starting from 15th August 2025, AirAsia will be operating the additional route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka through a short stopover in Taipei with daily flights. The new route underscores the airline's commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub, enabling more Sabahans to fly beyond ASEAN and offering more travel options for globetrotters seeking new adventures. Taipei is one of AirAsia's key virtual hubs within its extensive network. The new route provides more flexibility for Malaysians looking to explore more destinations in Japan, offering an alternative to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka via Don Mueang (Thailand), operated by Thai AirAsia. Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, said: 'We are excited to launch this new fifth-freedom flight from Taipei to Fukuoka, marking another significant milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities from our Kota Kinabalu hub. Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route three years ago, we have flown more than 130,000 guests, and the numbers continue to grow. This launch aligns with our vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities. 'With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government's vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination. We remain committed to facilitating air travel for everyone through enhanced connectivity, convenience and accessibility.' In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka starting from just RM609* all-in one way, whereas flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu are also available from JPY21,390* all-in one way. Guests can book their flights from today onwards until 8th June 2025, for travelling between 15th August 2025 and 29th March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and Flight Schedule Between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) & Fukuoka (FUK) Via Taipei (TPE): Fukuoka is a popular destination in Japan where tradition meets modernity. The city is renowned for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen and serves as a paradise for foodies. It is also the best go-to destination for nature lovers, especially as the city offers tranquility for a perfect getaway trip – stroll through the Ohori Park or the Fukuoka Castle and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. From 15th August onwards, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations across Asia from the Kota Kinabalu hub, with a total of 79 flights weekly, further solidifying the hub's position as Malaysia's second-largest hub. *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
BusinessToday
03-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
KK Takes Off To Japan Via Taipei As AirAsia Widens Reach
AirAsia Malaysia will launch a new fifth-freedom route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka, Japan, via Taipei, with daily flights beginning Aug 15, 2025. The move is part of the airline's continued expansion of its Kota Kinabalu hub, which will operate 79 weekly flights to 13 international destinations from mid-August. The new route also provides an additional travel option for Malaysians flying to Japan, supplementing the existing Kuala Lumpur–Fukuoka route via Don Mueang operated by Thai AirAsia. Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu–Taipei route three years ago, over 130,000 passengers have flown the sector. The latest route aims to strengthen regional connectivity and support Sabah's tourism ambitions. Promotional fares for the new route are now available for booking until June 8, 2025, with travel valid between Aug 15, 2025, and March 29, 2026. Related
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Thai AirAsia to cut China flights by 15pc, shifts focus to India amid weak demand
BANGKOK, May 9 — Thai AirAsia is considering reducing its flights from Thailand to China by at least 15 per cent as the Chinese market continues to underperform. The airline is also urging the Thai government to strengthen its tax refund incentives to help stimulate tourist spending, particularly during the low travel season. According to the Bangkok Post, Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are reviewing their services to 10 Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Shanghai, with a shift in focus towards high-growth markets such as India. 'Even though more Thai tourists are flocking to China after the permanent visa exemption started last year, the outbound flows cannot compensate for the absence of Chinese passengers,' said Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia. He said the slowdown comes as Beijing discourages domestic consumption of luxury goods, a policy that has hurt spending patterns since last year. Tassapon said the Thai government should upgrade its tax refund programme to attract foreign tourists who still have spending power. He noted that Thailand's 7 per cent VAT is lower than countries like Japan, which offers a 10 per cent refund, and China, which provides up to 13 per cent back to foreign shoppers. 'Our country might lose some revenue from tax collection if we provide higher refund values to tourists, but the amount of money they spend would bring greater benefits to the overall economy — not just for luxury retailers, but for businesses across all sectors,' he said. He proposed a pilot programme for instant, on-the-spot tax refunds during the third-quarter low season to assess its impact before broader implementation. Thai AirAsia believes such measures are vital to revive the sector and align with calls from other business groups. Both the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Retailers Association have previously called for a more efficient tax refund system and increased incentives for international visitors.
