AirAsia set to launch Bali, Jakarta flights in January
PHILIPPINES AIRASIA, Inc. will launch flights from Manila to Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia in January 2018.
The local unit of the AirAsia Group is set to fly daily to the Indonesian cities of Bali and Jakarta starting Jan. 19 and Jan. 9, respectively, as part of its continuing expansion to further establish itself as the leading Southeast Asian carrier.
AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter M. Comendador said in his remarks yesterday during the launch of the flights, “This strengthens our position as a truly ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline.”
He added in a statement that the low-cost carrier is now the only airline that services all countries in the ASEAN region and with established operations in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The low-cost carrier is also set to launch direct flights thrice a week between Manila and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam on Nov. 19.
Earlier this month, the airline announced that it is set to conduct its initial public offering (IPO) by mid-2018. The company expects to raise up to $250 million from the IPO, which will be used mainly for expanding its facilities.
The IPO is also part of the plan of AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes to consolidate its Southeast Asian units under one listed holding company. This plan is seen to create economies of scale and establish a dominant position for AirAsia in countries where it operates.
In May, the AirAsia Group reported that the Philippine unit recorded an operating profit of P400 million in the first quarter of 2017, which was attributed to increase in passenger count by 19% and rise in revenues by 41%. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
