MANILA, Philippines — The AirAsia Group,the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, plans to resume domestic flights in various territories in the region where it operates.
AirAsia said it would resume its scheduled domestic flights starting with Malaysia on April 29 followed by Thailand and Philippines on May 1, India on May 4, and Indonesia on May 7, subject to approval from the authorities.
This will increase gradually to include international destinations once the situation improves and governments lift borders and travel restrictions.
“We are very pleased to be able to fly again and to serve our guests starting with domestic routes, and hope to resume full operations as soon as possible,” AirAsia Group president Bo Lingam said.
“We have undertaken a thorough review of our guest handling procedures both on ground and onboard in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been working closely with the airport authorities to ensure that all the relevant precautionary measures are in place to ensure a safe, pleasant and comfortable journey for everyone,” he said.
AirAsia assured that its aircraft, which are fitted with hospital-standard high efficiency particulate air filters, would be subject to a thorough disinfection after each flight.
It likewise urged guests to practice the universally recommended protective precautionary measures, including wearing a mask, social distancing and observing high personal hygiene.
“At AirAsia, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is always our highest priority. We work actively with all our regulators, local governments, civil aviation and health authorities, including adhering to guidance from the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization to ensure the highest standards of compliance and conformance are in place for every single flight we operate in our network,” Lingam said.
AirAsia Philippines cancelled all domestic and international flights until April 30, the end of the community quarantine.
Tony Fernades, AirAsia Group chief executive officer, said the low cost carrier is facing its biggest challenge to date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but assured that the company is undertaking all measures to stay afloat amid uncertainties.