Hub or hubbub? Air Asia keeps us guessing
KUALA LUMPUR – A long-winded media release from AirAsia caught The Mole’s attention when it headlined the article AirAsia Set to Establish Penang as its International Hub.
We laboured through the release and found plenty of tub-thumping about the inaugural flight between Singapore and Penang, free seats offered to the public, two-for-one hotels deals and the virtues of Penang’s “tantalising gastronomic offerings” and culture.
And there was a bit about residents of Penang being able to enjoy Singapore’s “cuisine, culture, arts, architecture and bustling business activities”.
But there was precious little – nothing in fact – about Penang becoming the international hub for AirAsia.
Air Asia chief Tony Fernandes said, “We hold on to the belief that we cannot claim to be an Asean airline if we do not fly to Singapore, as the map would not have been complete.
“Now with Singapore as our ‘virtual’ hub, we are delighted to bring all Asean nations closer than ever, via our extensive network.”
And Penang as Air Asia’s international hub?
We’re still trying to work that one out…
Ian Jarrett
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