LONDON – Air Asia X, a Malaysian long-haul low-cost giant and an affiliate of the AirAsia Aviation Group, today has announced that it has compensated seamlessly and successfully over 270,000 cancelled bookings arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 15 July, the airline announced it has given all compensated passengers RM499 Unlimited Pass holders, five-year travel vouchers which are worth the full value of the outstanding booked tickets.
Travel vouchers, often much looked down on in comparison to an alternative to refunds, will not disappoint passengers. Passengers can use the bookings for any other exciting international destinations that are currently on sale.
This will include existing and new routes such as Japan, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, London, Dubai and Istanbul in 2022. The airline advises that guests who have yet to redeem the complimentary travel voucher are to register via the Air Asia rewards on the website.
AAX Acting Group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “I am thrilled to share that we have delivered on our commitment to AAX guests, and given back more than US$92 million worth of travel vouchers for over a quarter million bookings.”
“That is about 80% of the total booking, and we are reaching out to the final groups of guests until everyone gets back what they are owed.”
“While many have supported us through thick and thin, I understand many others have expressed frustration with not receiving a cash refund for the cancelled flights.”
“AAX wasn’t able to pay cash refunds due to the legal process of the restructuring, but we have worked hard to balance survival with paying everyone back with credit vouchers to fly again to exciting destinations now and in the future.”
“Once again, thanks to those who have shown us patience and understanding, we have survived the most difficult two years without significant revenue or any government subsidy.”
“We are now focused on coming out the other side of this tunnel stronger than ever. We may not always be perfect but we strive to do all we can for our people and our guests.”
“Now we are back repainting the skies red and making sure everyone can fly again,” he concluded.
AAX CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “The past two years have been extremely challenging for the travel industry worldwide including AAX due to the prolonged ongoing effects of the pandemic and closure of international borders in our key markets.”
“Despite all these challenges, we want to assure our guests that AAX will honour our commitment to everyone with outstanding credit, as we return to the skies.”
“Before the pandemic, AAX carried over 40 million guests and we look forward to welcoming many millions more back on board. The downtime in flying over the past two years has enabled us to review, reset and restart operations with a more robust platform for a sustainable and viable future.”
“AAX now has perhaps the lowest cost base in the industry to remain more competitive than ever which we can pass onto consumers in the form of the best value fares once again.”
“The AAX revival is now well underway as the world continues to reopen. We are bringing back everyone’s favourite destinations and much more for everyone to enjoy. After not being able to travel for over two years there is strong pent-up demand for medium to long-haul travel.”
“Once again, we thank our guests for their patience and understanding and we look forward to welcoming you all back on board with our great value fares and industry-leading service.”
Summary
Air Asia X is finally out of the worse years of its operating history. Covid-19 will come down as the worst ‘thing’ that has happened to Air Asia X, and of course to many airlines.
Lately, Air Asia X has been announcing more good news as the world is learning to live and cope with living with Covid-19. Thai Air Asia X has returned to its most lucrative routes of Japan and South Korea, and Air Asia X launching routes in Europe and the Middle East.
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