From mobile travel protection to inflight entertainment via Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and a new airline management system AirAsia, the region’s largest low cost airline, banks on technology for efficient services and to grow its ancillary business.
AirAsia INSURE on the go
One of AirAsia’s latest tech offerings is a new feature on mobile, where guests can purchase AirAsia INSURE travel protection plan whenever they make bookings via AirAsia Mobile.
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Johan Aris, AirAsia regional head of financial services & loyalty, said as the airline understand its guests’ needs and the latest mobile lifestyle it has made its travel protection availability via AirAsia Mobile.
"We have made it easy and smarter for our passengers to enjoy the premium travel protection plans, which is now already embedded in the booking process via AirAsia Mobile. It is our objective to ensure our passengers are covered even when they are on the move,” he said.
AirAsia INSURE has a range of benefits that include protection for personal accident, 24-hours worldwide travel emergency assistance, and On Time Guarantee (OTG) benefit that offers cash compensation for delays of more than two hours from the scheduled departure time.
It’s the Galaxy Tab for inflight entertainment
AirAsia X, the long-haul low fare affiliate of Malaysian-based AirAsia Group, has chosen the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab as its gadget of choice for Inflight Entertainment (IFE) and electronic Flight Bag Applications (EFB) for its flights.
The use of the Google-powered tablet in AirAsia X’s flights is a result of a partnership between Tune Box, the new digital media arm of Tune Group, and Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Tune Group chairman and AirAsia X director, said the Galaxy Tab would be connected to the on-board cabin Wifi to deliver videos, music and interactive games to passengers.
For the EFB solutions, the tablet will be used to bring innovation into the cockpit to help flight crews perform flight management tasks more easily and efficiently.
New airline management system
AirAsia has invested in a cutting-edge airline management system, merlot.aero, which will greatly improve AirAsia’s operational efficiency.
The new system optimises the airline’s aircraft and crew utilisation, making it possible for the airline to further improve its on-time performance and minimize costs, among others.
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AirAsia’s year-to-date on-time performance is 80%. The airline seeks to improve its performance, given its expansion and the planned increase in routes and flight frequencies.
Bo Lingam, AirAsia chief operating officer, said this state-of-the-art operational tool offers its guests the best travelling experience.
"With the new system in place, AirAsia will be able to boost the on-time performance of our flights and maximize the use of our aircraft to serve more routes and increase frequency."
The system will be used by the entire AirAsia Group throughout the region and by its sister company, AirAsia X. The system rollout is in November, with the full implementation of the system expected to be completed by mid 2012."
