Loke on the aircraft at KLIA2, Sepang. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
PASSENGERS on board the AirAsia late-night flight to Sibu, Sarawak, on Wednesday night were pleasantly entertained by a special pre-flight announcement by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“Good evening everyone, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this is your Transport Minister speaking.
“This flight is bound for Sibu and will take approximately two hours. The weather along the route for this flight is good.
“We are ready for departure. Fasten your seat belts, get your seats in the upright position, and please switch off all your electronic devices,” said Loke, followed by laughter inside the aircraft from the passengers who were filming the flight briefing with their mobile devices.
“I would like to thank AirAsia for supporting the government’s initiative for additional midnight flights at fixed fares.
“There is a surprise for you tonight. Under your seats is one free T-shirt courtesy of me for Chinese New Year. Sorry, XL is the only size.
“Happy Chinese Year,” he said, ending his festive briefing.
AirAsia is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a 100% passenger load for its special late-night flights at fixed fares, from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu.
Selfie-time with the minister.
Loke graced the send-off ceremony of AirAsia flight AK9070 with AirAsia Aviation Group deputy group chief executive officer, airline operations, Captain Chester Voo at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang.
“I am pleased to be part of this meaningful event to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
“The government continues to have various initiatives to facilitate affordable fares during peak seasons, such as this.”
The government, he said, appreciated AirAsia’s commitment to always aim to provide guests with great value fares through special promotions, including late-night flights at fixed fares to Sabah and Sarawak.
AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam said this year, they mounted 134 late-night flights at fixed fares between the peninsula and seven popular destinations in Sabah and Sarawak, with about 25,000 seats.
“We are pleased that more than half of the special late-night flights at fixed fares have recorded a 100% load in the upcoming festive season week, which has enabled our guests to fly back to their hometown affordably.”
Guests travelling this festive season are encouraged to self check-in using the AirAsia Superapp, available as early as 14 days before the departure date, and use the e-Boarding Pass to board the aircraft.
Guests with reduced mobility and special needs are required to check in at the counter.
Due to the high passenger volume this holiday season, guests are also advised to be at the airport at least three hours before the scheduled departure time.
All guests are allowed to bring onboard a maximum of two cabin bags as part of their baggage allowance, with a total weight of 7kg for both items.
They are also asked to ensure they have bought sufficient baggage allowance in advance of travel to obtain the best value.
Eevonne Koh, 35, travelling with her husband and two young children, including an infant, was glad the airline initiated the fixed-fare flights.
“We are glad for this because if not, we would not be able to fly back to my husband’s hometown with the whole family,” she said.
