Strengthen the domestic market, AirAsia open a new route from Surabaya

The airlines company, Indonesia AirAsia continues to strengthen domestic routes. On February 14, 2012, Indonesia AirAsia will open a new domestic route flights, Surabaya – Bandung and Surabaya – Denpasar.

"In addition to our commitment to develop the domestic routes, the second launch of this route is also our responsibility to encourage tourism and the economy of the archipelago," said Dharmadi, the President Director of AirAsia Indonesia on Monday (12/12).

Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia. Capital city of East Java's economy is based on the industrial sector and services trade, as well as the home of creative industries in the number of sectors, including advertising, architecture, crafts, interactive entertainment, publishing and printing.

Meanwhile, Bandung, according Dharmadi, known as the "Emerging Creative City" that offers a diverse product distributions, soap opera production houses, and culinary. The young generation of Bandung which will be full of innovative ideas has pushed the creative industries in the city is growing very rapidly.

Similar to Bandung, Bali also has the attraction of creative industries is unusually large, but rather based on local culture. Besides being a favorite tourist destination in the world, the island is also famous for its performances of traditional performing arts and antiques.

"With the new route Surabaya - Bandung and Surabaya - Denpasar, then Bandung, Bali and Surabaya are connected directly. Domestic connectivity is expected to facilitate and enhance the creative market exchanges among the three cities, "said Dharmadi. Previously, AirAsia already opened Surabaya – Medan route in 2010 and Jakarta to Semarang route.

For information, in the year 2012, AirAsia plans to increase market share in Indonesia from 3% to 10% and the target number of passengers to 6.2 million people. To achieve that, AirAsia has ordered 21 Airbus A-320 until later in 2016. In addition, AirAsia also began aggressively to open domestic routes in Indonesia.

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AIRASIA Philippines Flying from Clark Air Base

AirAsia Philippines airline plans to first flight from legendary Clark Airport in October 2011, after the operating licenses issued by local authorities. On Monday, August 15, 2011, AirAsia Philippines has received the first Airbus A320 aircraft.

Clark Air Base is a United States Air Force base on Luzon Island, Philippines. Located 3 miles from the City of Angeles, and 40 miles northwest of Manila. Since 1991, this airport is used for a commercial flight, after being used by U.S. military forces from the years 1903-1991.

Hontiveros, AirAsia Philippines president and CEO, quoted from various online media the Philippines said, today is a proud moment for AirAsia Philippines, with the arrival of our new aircraft.

AirAsia Philippines expects to receive a second plane in the quarter-IV in 2011, while the other two Airbus A320 will arrive in 2012. Low-cost airline, has announced will also fly to regional destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Macao.

From Clark Air Base which now well known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), AirAsia Philippines will flies aggressively the cities with a maximum of four hours travel time.

Hontiveros also emphasized that the airline was trying to change the DMIA into the airport for international flights to Europe and America. AirAsia Philippines sister company, AirAsia X which is already flying to London and Paris.

Clark Air Base or Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) has been operating 24 hours, with a target to the main gate of the Philippines in 10 years. Moreover, DMIA is one of the largest airports in Asia. There are two parallel runways with a length of 3.2 kilometers each of which will be extended to 4 kilometers to serve wide-bodied aircraft. The main runway (the primary runway 02R/20L) has a length of 3,200 meters and 60 meters wide. Equipped with all the navigation equipment and lighting. While the second runway, 3,200 meters in length with a width of 45 meters.

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AirAsia’s RECORD: order 200 Airbus A320neo

The Malaysia airline company, Air Asia has ordered 200 Airbus A320neo type, worth about U.S$ 18 billion.

Orders during the Paris Air Show is the largest single transaction in the history of commercial aircraft orders.

Many parties order a new version of Airbus A320 type, because the new engine is more fuel efficient and inexpensive operation.

On Wednesday, Airbus also get big orders from the Indian company, Indigo, as many as 180 aircraft.

Airbus said the order from AirAsia - the low cost airlines from Malaysia - is the biggest buyer in a single order.

Overall AirAsia has ordered 375 aircraft from the A320 type, with 89 of them already in operation.

"With this historic agreement, AirAsia is able to meet the future growth in Asian markets," said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia's executive director.

Airbus who owned by EADS has been outpacing its rival, Boeing, on the number of orders during the Paris Air Show because of the high demand for fuel efficient planes.

Airbus has received 586 aircraft orders worth U.S$ 55.8 billion, with a tentative booking U.S.$ 29.5 billion.

The company of America, Boeing, only get 47 orders worth U.S.$ 7.5 billion with U.S.$ 14.9 billion more as a temporary order.

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