Airlines in the Asia Pacific region are expected to suffer US$28 billion revenue loss in 2020, the bulk of which would be borne by carriers registered in China with $13 billion lost due to the coronavirus (Covid-19), said the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This rather dire forecast has led some airlines in the region to come up with deals to fill seats, as well as to stimulate travel.
AirAsia X, the long-hau budget arm of AirAsia, has launched the ‘AirAsia Unlimited Pass’ that offers limitless year-long flights within Asia Pacific for only RM499 (US$119.89 – exchange rate at time of writing).
Passengers who purchase the pass can fly as many times as they want from Kuala Lumpur to Australia, India, China, South Korea and Japan from 2 March 2020 to 2 March 2021. Flights are on AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X.
The sale of the pass started on 29 February and will end on 7 March (23.59hrs Malaysian time).
While travel is unlimited, the tantalising deal does come with various terms and conditions. Among them:
- The pass is only available to Malaysia-based AirAsia BIG members (AirAsia loyalty programme)
- Passengers will still have to pay government taxes and fees, adds on and other charges.
- The pass is not available to be purchased by travel agencies or any parties other than individual BIG members.
- Bookings must be made at least 14 days before departure.
- Passengers are allowed up to three no-shows, and if a passenger exceeds that number AirAsia has the right to cancel/forfeit the pass without any liability on its part.
Despite these limitations AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail described the promotion as “unprecedented”, adding that “AirAsia has always been known as the disruptor and we want to restore traveller’s confidence amid the current sentiment towards flying.”
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