Well Astraeus have literally just delivered one B737-300 for Air Asia ( with a second B737-300 imminently about to depart ) to Kuala Lumpur - all on a 'damp lease' ( i.e. Astraeus supply aircraft and UK pilots ) - and of which you might be interested to read some of the paragraphs of a Flight Crew Memo issued to those crews this very day:
Until the issue of a work permit, it is necessary to collect a security pass each day. To acquire a pass all pilots require a letter from Air Asia to confirm the need for the pass and reason for its issue. Crew can obtain the letter from the Air Asia corporate offices on the fourth floor of the main terminal building. Report to the security office, the Security Manager is Major Victor Joe Joseph. Your letter will be valid for 7 days and will need to be renewed whilst waiting of a permanent pass.
Before reporting for duty, go to the security desk on level 5 of the main terminal building. Present the security officer with your letter, a photo ID (driving licence is best) and pay a fee of 1RM (about 15 pence). They will issue you with a pass and a wrist band. You must wear both and have them visible at all times. Security will keep your photo ID until the pass is returned. Having collected a day pass crew then need to proceed through International Departures or Domestic Arrivals, depending whether the flight departure is domestic or international.
Obtaining a work permit will take about one month. When a work permit is issued, Air Asia will provide a photo ID and there will then be no requirement to report to the security desk each day. The permanent pass will also allow swipe access through the security doors. When you have that privilege, do not forget to ensure the security door is closed behind you. If it is not closed the airport security can trace the owner of the card that swiped the door open and withdraw the pass.
So there you have it, chapter and verse folks.
Ps. I'd be in KL myself, but instead have the delights of the B757 and West Africa routes to look forward too.
