By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Apr 17: Low-cost carrier AirAsia is set to resume its scheduled domestic flights commencing with Malaysia on April 29.
AirAsia in a statement said the resumption of its flights will be followed by flights flying to international destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines on May 1.
The low-cost carrier added it will also fly to India on May 4 and Indonesia on May 7, subject to the approval from the authorities.
AirAsia explained that the resumption of its services will initially be for key selected domestic routes, which will increase gradually to include international destinations around the network, once the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) situation improves and governments lift borders and travel restrictions.
AirAsia revealed that the flights are already open for booking via its airasia.com website and its mobile app.
Thus, the low-cost carrier outlined that guests may use their credit accounts to redeem those flights.
AirAsia noted further details on more routes and flight schedule will be announced in the coming weeks, subject to approval from the authorities.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Group Bhd’s president (Airlines) Bo Lingam said: “We are very pleased to be able to fly again and to serve our guests starting with domestic routes, and hope to resume full operations as soon as possible.
“We have undertaken a thorough review of our guest handling procedures both on the ground and onboard in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have been working closely with the airport authorities to ensure that all the relevant precautionary measures are in place to ensure a safe, pleasant and comfortable journey for everyone.
“At AirAsia, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is always our highest priority.
“We work actively with all our regulators, local governments, civil aviation and health authorities, including adhering to guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to ensure the highest standards of compliance and conformance are in place for every single flight we operate in our network,” Lingam said in a statement.
In the meantime, AirAsia said guests are advised to practise the universally recommended protective precautionary measures including wearing a mask, social distancing and observing high personal hygiene.
AirAsia disclosed that the aircraft, which are fitted with hospital-standard High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, will also be sent for thorough disinfection after each flight.
For any queries, AirAsia encourages passengers to refer to its frequently asked questions at its website.
Otherwise, travellers can contact AirAsia Virtual Allstar (AVA) or chat live with its Customer Happiness agent on airasia.com or support.airasia.com for further assistance.
AirAsia said that travellers were advised to keep updated on their travelling itinerary via Travel Advisories issued by AirAsia on airasia.com and social media platforms.
The low-cost carrier said guests are also encouraged to check their flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus for live updates given the ever-changing situation at this time.—DayakDaily
