Start-up carrier AirAsia has taken advantage of a growing barrage of criticism against Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to announce that it intends to expand its embryonic aircraft fleet and route network.
Three months after first taking to the air as Malaysia's second scheduled international carrier, AirAsia is looking to lease widebody aircraft and open up new routes to central and southern Asia and China. The carrier has just taken delivery of its second Boeing 737-300 on a five-year lease from General Electric Capital.
It is now looking to take a third 737-300 as early as July and is asking leasing companies to provide details on the availability of a Boeing 747-200. Much of this hinges on Government approval to expand its existing limited network beyond Thailand and Taiwan.
The airline has reportedly applied to fly to Cebu in the Philippines, Shanghai in China, India and Indonesia. It is also targeting central Asian destinations and, eventually, Europe.
MAS at the same time is facing growing consumer and political criticism of its on-time performance and standard of service. While chairman and 32% owner Tajudin Ramli has been grappling to restructure the airline and cut costs, staff morale has been undermined by a shortage of cabin and cockpit crew.
In the meantime, a second start-up carrier has emerged in Malaysia in the form of TransPacific Air. The charter airline is already operating a 737-500 on lease from Mexico and is planning to acquire another -300 shortly.
Source: Flight International
