Besides Firefly, low-cost carrier AirAsia has also announced the commencement of jet flights at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport). The expansion to Subang Airport complements its existing operations at its main hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2), and provides customers with a more convenient option due to its vicinity to the city.
AirAsia’s operations at Subang Airport will start with two domestic destinations namely Kuching and Kota Kinabalu with a total of 14 flights weekly. The inaugural operation is set to commence on 30th August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s history.
Subang Airport was the original home base of AirAsia as a low-cost carrier when it was acquired by Tune Air in 2001 with just two Boeing 737-300 aircraft. It moved operations to KLIA in July 2002 after the government restricted Subang Airport’s passenger service to turboprop aircraft.
AirAsia returns to Subang Airport, back to where it all started
AirAsia Aviation Group Advisor and Steward, and Capital A CEO, Tony Fernandes said, “Subang Airport holds a special place in my heart, and it is exciting to witness its resurgence as one of the key players in Malaysia’s aviation landscape. The government’s decision to revitalise the airport into a regional aviation hub aligns perfectly with our mission to continue revolutionising the aviation industry as the increased air traffic and passenger flow generated by our operations will have multiplier effects on related industries, driving economic growth and development in the region.
“AirAsia’s homecoming to Subang Airport is not just nostalgic but also strategic. Capital A’s engineering arm, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), has operations based there, enhancing the efficiency and streamlining of our aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities. Repainting Subang Airport red symbolises not just a return to our roots, but a commitment to our growth journey and contribution to the prosperity of the communities we serve. This is a step in the right direction for the nation’s aviation industry, and we are thrilled to lead this visionary move.”
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Tony mentioned that they are introducing a new product called AirAsia + (Plus). He hinted that it will offer a more premium product including food and free baggage as Subang is a city airport.
The airline CEO also thanked the Malaysian government for allowing jet aircraft to return, adding that most great cities have two airports. Tony has been calling for the return of jet operations in Subang and he has indicated that it would likely to cost more to fly from Subang Airport than KLIA.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said, “The decision to operate at Subang Airport as our second home in Kuala Lumpur is driven by several compelling factors and opportunities. The airport’s location and proximity to the city centre and surrounding suburbs offer an optimal travel experience for guests in the vicinity. Moreover, its smaller size and lower passenger volume ensure a seamless journey for travellers aligned with our commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience, while providing greater flexibility and choice, and fostering healthy competition in the nation’s aviation industry.
“The Subang Airport operation will boost AirAsia Malaysia’s domestic network from 920 flights weekly to 948 flights weekly with a total of 40 routes. This additional operation is expected to drive our next phase of growth, not just in Malaysia but across the region. We are eagerly anticipating the addition of more routes from Subang, especially international ones, which are currently in the planning stages and subject to regulatory approval. This will reinforce our vision of transforming Malaysia into a premier aviation hub. We are optimistic about making Subang our sixth hub in Malaysia in the near future, further bolstering our network and expanding our capacity to serve more destinations and guests.”
AirAsia launches two daily flights from Subang Airport to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
AirAsia currently has scheduled a total of 8 flights operating between Subang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Flights from Subang to Kuching are scheduled to depart at 9:30 (AK4235) and 15:00 (AK4237), while the returning flight from Kuching to Subang are scheduled at 12:45 (AK4234) and 17:40 (AK4236).
If you plan to fly to Sabah, AirAsia has scheduled flights departing from Subang to Kota Kinabalu at 13:55 (AK4104) and 20:30 (AK4103). Meanwhile, the returning flights from Kota Kinabalu to Subang are scheduled at 6:25 (AK4102) and 17:00 (AK4105).
To celebrate the new flights, AirAsia is offering promo fares from Subang to Kuching from RM88 all-in one-way and to Kota Kinabalu from RM99 all-in one-way. These fares are inclusive of a complimentary 15kg checked-in baggage allowance. This promo is available on AirAsia.com and the AirAsia Move app, and is available from today until 28th July 2024, for the travel period between 30th August 2024 and 8th October 2025.
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