KUALA LUMPUR: MYAairline, Malaysia’s fastest-growing low-cost airline, aims to achieve 4.5 million passengers by the end of this year.
Its chief executive officer, Rayner Teo, said this would be driven by its network expansion including international routes, namely Thailand, and soon Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, all of which are expected to be launched this year.
"Since we started our first flight on Dec 1, 2022, there have been a lot of synergies in running our business to be more efficient and also how we assist in ensuring there's proper connectivity and tourism into Malaysia.
"Besides, we are doing our part to help the people by offering affordable fares. Competition has definitely lead to better pricing in the market. Month-to-date, we have also achieved 95 per cent on-time performance," he said Bernama after the launch of ‘MYAirline Students’ programme and official launch of its first international route to Bangkok today.
Earlier in his remarks, he said, in a span of seven months, the airline celebrated its one-millionth passenger on June 26, 2023.
Meanwhile, Teo said the ‘MYAirline Students’ programme, which is only open for domestic flights, is applicable for local foreign students who fulfil the criteria of studying in a local institute that is regulated in the country.
"Students need to apply to us in order to participate in this programme, whereby we will issue an annual MYAirline Student Card. With this card, students can go to any sales counter to purchase tickets. They will be entitled to a 20 per cent discount on the fares quoted as well as 15 kg free baggage.
"For flights within Peninsular Malaysia, intra Sabah or Sarawak, the fares are fixed...it would cost them RM80 all-in one-way. And if they are travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah or Sarawak, it would cost only RM130 all-in one-way," he said.
To qualify for the programme, the students must meet these simple requirements - be a registered member of MYAirline Rewards, provide valid enrolment letters with passport-size photo, and are aged from 16 to 26 years.
Elaborating on the programme, Teo said students, however, need to purchase the tickets 28 days before the departure date to enjoy the benefits. Nonetheless, if they need to travel at the last minute, they would be put on a standby basis list.
This would minimise any cost impact on the company as it needs to be done in advance, he said.
"We have a robust revenue management system in place. This programme is actually good to boost our ticket sales and I believe we are the first low-cost carrier that is willing to do this initiative.
"While we are aligned with the government's initiative to help the people, I believe we are not just a business entity but also see what we can do to help the people, and promote Malaysia's tourism sector," he added. - Bernama
