SEPANG, Jan 5 — The aviation industry is expected to see stronger growth this year, supported by the government’s ongoing initiatives to boost the sector, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He cited the increase in both domestic and international travel, attributed to the government’s strategic steps particularly the relaxation of visa requirements for Chinese and Indian tourists, as a boon to the sector.
“Moving forward to 2024, we expect stronger growth in the aviation sector because not only will the domestic sector continue to thrive, but we also anticipate high international travel. This is due to the government’s steps, especially in relaxing visa requirements for Chinese and Indian tourists,” he told the media after the announcement by AirAsia on its fixed low fares for the Chinese New Year here, today.
Loke underscored the noticeable influx of tourists, not solely from major markets like China and India, but also from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
He also envisioned this increasing travel between Asian countries as a regular occurrence, fostering better connectivity among nations in the region, with Malaysia in an advantageous position.
While acknowledging the importance of China and India as crucial markets, he noted the growing significance of inter-Asian travel and substantial demand from South Korea and Japan, with Sabah seen as the rising interest as a favourite destination by South Korean travellers.
Highlighting AirAsia’s extensive focus on the Asian market and intercity connectivity over the past two decades, he expressed the government’s intent to fortify connections between Kuala Lumpur and several Indonesian cities, identifying them as key markets for further development.
Other than that, Loke emphasised the need to address ongoing issues, including challenges such as the aerotrain at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and improving facilities at all major airports in Malaysia.
“At the ministry level, concerted efforts are being made to address these challenges to ensure that the entire aviation ecosystem is well-equipped to facilitate growth,” he said.
Anticipating a peak in tourist arrivals in 2026, he said it is crucial for preparatory measures to sustain the sector’s growth trajectory by proactively addressing operational hurdles and collaboration across ministries to fortify Malaysia’s aviation sector.
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, AirAsia has introduced a fixed low pricing for late-night flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, making travel more affordable for families.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Miri, Sibu, Kuching, and Bintulu, as well as Johor Bahru to Sibu, Miri, and Kuching, are priced at RM298 one-way.
Meanwhile, flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, or Tawau, and between Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, are priced at RM348 one-way, available from January 5 to February 15, 2024.
In support of the government’s festive season initiative, AirAsia is operating 134 late-night flights at fixed low fares to seven popular destinations in Sabah and Sarawak, alongside 408 weekly flights with regular fares to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
— Bernama
