AirAsia has confirmed that all bookings for travel from 1st October 2019 will have the usual processing fees removed. The airline says it is working to make travel more affordable for all, while also helping to boost arrivals for the upcoming Malaysia 2020 tourism campaign.
The usual processing fee relates to administrative expenses, maintenance and upkeep of the airline’s online systems and booking facilities. AirAsia has confirmed it will bear these costs itself from now on, rather than passing them on to passengers.
“We hope that by doing this, we will stay true to our promise – now everyone can fly,†said Bo Lingam, who is AirAsia Group president (airlines). “We feel this is especially relevant now, with higher passenger service charges (PSC) at klia2. We want to cut travel costs, so our guests don’t suffer, and we believe every little will help,†he continued.
AirAsia also hopes that with cheaper flights available, Malaysia will soon see an increase in the number and diversity of tourism arrivals.
“With Visit Malaysia 2020 coming up next year, we hope this will also encourage more people to travel to and within Malaysia,†said Mr. Lingam. “This will be great for the tourism industry as well as the Malaysian economy, and it’s one of the ways we want to give back to the country,†he added.
Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian country to have its booking fees suspended by AirAsia; the airline has announced it will subsequently do the same for Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, effective 31st December.
