AirAsia started to offer 500,000 zero-fare tickets for customers to book for its flights to and from Vietnam and other regional destinations as the latest move of the largest low-cost airline in Asia to stimulate air travel and tourism in the region on February 10.
“During a time when most people are cutting down on traveling and holiday-making, AirAsia comes up with an irresistible alternative that reinforces its commitment to grow tourism in the region,†Kathleen Tan, regional head of commercial at AirAsia said.
Tan said in a statement that the 500,000 regional free seats campaign was an important impetus to boost tourist numbers and spread the economic benefits brought on by tourism. Such tickets are for flying late this year.
Bui Duc Hanh, Hanoi station manager of Thai AirAsia – a Bangkok-based member of the AirAsia group, said holders of the free tickets would be able to fly from Vietnam to many destinations that AirAsia now flied to in Southeast Asia, China and Australia.
AirAsia’s newest promotion enables passengers to fly to HCMC and other attractive spots including Bali and Jakarta of Indonesia, Bangkok and Phuket of Thailand, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Siem Reap of Cambodia, Singapore, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth of Australia, Hong Kong, Hangzhou of China, and many more.
Hanh said that with the free seats customers were required to pay airport tax and administration fee of some US$57.4 for an AirAsia return flight between Vietnam and Bangkok, and around US$41.4 for a trip between Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur.
Customers can book zero-fare tickets on www.airasia.com or via mobile phone at mobile.airasia.com for travel on AirAsia’s daily flights from Vietnam to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, she said.
The free seats are available for booking from February 10 to 15 for travel from October 12 to January 31, 2010.
AirAsia now operates more than 108 routes to cities in all ASEAN countries, China, India and Australia.