AirAsia to start Singapore hub soon, widening its network

[flying.monkeyz]

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — AirAsia has received Singapore’s approval to start a hub in the island republic soon, say sources, allowing the Malaysian airline to expand its network in the growing regional low-cost market segment just a week after Putrajaya aborted its share swap with loss-making Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

The Malaysian Insider understands that Singapore has informed AirAsia it will get an air operator’s certificate (AOC) as soon as possible, ending years of lobbying by Asia’s biggest low-cost carrier to set up operations in the city-state, a leading Asian financial centre.


Main - Malaysia - AirAsia to start Singapore hub soon, widening its network @ Tue May 08 2012 (http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/airasia-to-start-singapore-hub-soon-widening-its-network/)

[Stallone]

our airspace is getting really congested..

still, it'll be m'sian pilots flying their planes eventhough it's a Singapore Hub

[The Dominican]

How on earth is one expected to live in Singapore on an Air Asia salary:confused:

[Stallone]

base them in Johor Bahru perhaps??

:D:D:D

[RP-C000]

it's a Singapore Hub not a crew base.. just more flight will operate from SIN no crew layovers or basing

[flying.monkeyz]

If they are operating with a Singapore AOC then the aircraft will be Singapore-registered, so will have to be operated by Singapore-licensed pilots. Interesting to see how they're going to approach this... local Singaporean pilots? Or Malaysian pilots converted to Singapore licenses...

[Stallone]

probably conversion to CAAS license

[Slasher]

our airspace is getting really congested..

Actually its not that congested - look at HKG LAX and LHR.

Problem is a tiny CTA and numerous R and D areas.

[paulsalem]

Actually its not that congested - look at HKG LAX and LHR.

Problem is a tiny CTA and numerous R and D areas.

And horrible controllers. Changi has slots now but if was placed in the US would be the 49th busiest airport.

[Stallone]

Singapore airport struggles with on time departures | Singapore Business Review (http://sbr.com.sg/aviation/in-focus/singapore-airport-struggles-time-departures)

apparently the departures can't be on time even when it's not congested

[Slasher]

And horrible controllers.

Yes lah....all comes back to that non-existent lateral-thinking
culture of the locals - if it aint written down in a bloody book
somewhere they're stuffed. But for the past year I've noticed
ATC trying hard to think sideways (the guys - never the girls)
so there could be hope for the future.

Then again SIN trips are rare for me these days so maybe Ive
been lucky with the right ATCers on duty at the right time on
the right day. Correc' or not ah?

[slayerdude]

There are already Singaporean captains flying in airasia that have valid CAAS license ...... For some of them ... It's a welcome change to operate fr changi.... For some others ... The Malaysian tax structure for pilots is too attractive to move back

[flying.monkeyz]

Doesn't look like it's true then...

TODAYonline | Singapore | Singapore in Brief | Report about AirAsia hub here not true: CAAS (http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/Singaporeinbrief/EDC120509-0000046/Report-about-AirAsia-hub-here-not-true--CAAS)

[etops777]

If it was to be granted it would be a 51% owned by a Singaporean and 49% air Asia and the funds of that 51% probably come from tony himself. However, should it happens (which won't be now) is that the pilots will be require to convert to a CAAS license and the plane will be 9V. Also, it would be under a separate call sign for an example wagon air(indonesia air asia) or thai air asia ( air asia in thailand) and the pilots will be hired separately..

[squarecrow]

its been ongoing for months allready so wont be now maybe never is better answer.

[babotika]

AirAsia already bases crew in Singapore, one aircraft night stops there for the early KL service. I think it is the 4th busiest airport on the group network just from all the flights that operate through... Setting up a local AOC probably isn't as cost effective as using aircraft and crews based abroad.

As to Singapore ATC, it might not be the best in the world but it certainely was the best in the region by a very big margin and most controllers shifted traffic very efficiently while dealing with the omnipresent storms. Not an easy job - look how Europe collapses as soon as there's a thunder cloud in the sky.

[jetjockey696]

The airline strengthening its structure in Singapore and Johor in preparation of opening operational hubs

SEPANG, 10 May 2012 – AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline today announces the appointment of Logan Velaitham as Singapore’s Country Head, effective May 9, 2012. In his new role, Logan will be responsible in expanding Airasia’s presence in the island republic and Johor.

Prior to his appointment as Country Head, Logan was AirAsia Regional Head of Customer Experience. With over 20 years in the aviation service, he brings with him a wealth of experience in operations, service formulation, planning, implementation and execution of process for both inflight and ground services.

Logan was also involved in formulating customer service strategy and automating processes in promoting self-service, to enhance the travel experience with AirAsia. He played an instrumental role in setting up services for AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Japan and the company’s long haul affiliate, AirAsia X.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes said, “We are poised to appoint Logan to lead our operations in Singapore, fully utilizing his industry expertise and business savvy to boost our presence in Singapore. Over the years, we retained unwavering focus on our vision to gain a bigger foothold in Singapore. With everything already in place, Logan will lead the team and give the right impetus for future growth. With 10 planes and a total of 554 frequencies operating from the virtual hub, AirAsia is currently the second largest airline operating in Singapore. As the Country head, Logan is tasked at overseeing the operations as well as employee growth”.

“He will also be responsible for the operations development at Senai Airport, Johor. With the state undergoing transformation and redevelopment project into a vibrant and thriving metropolis under Iskandar Malaysia, it’ll be an important hub for commercial and tourism activities. We need to have a solid foundation in place to help achieve the government’s aspirations, via excellent connectivity to facilitate more business travel into the state of Johor,” he added.

As a globally recognised ASEAN brand, AirAsia is strengthening its structure to support the focus to open operational hubs throughout all of its member countries and connect ASEAN people with our vast network. Currently, AirAsia have local affiliates in Indonesia (AirAsia Indonesia), Thailand (AirAsia Thailand), Philippines (Philippines AirAsia) and Japan (AirAsia Japan).