AirAsia Is Temporarily Suspending Most Of Its Fleet Across The Network
AirAsia Group's management and senior employees have volunteered a salary sacrifice ranging from 15% to 100% at the top.
By Sadho Ram — 26 Mar 2020, 07:16 PM
AirAsia is temporarily suspending most of its fleet across the network
In a statement sent to SAYS, AirAsia Group Berhad said that the decision was taken in view of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to extensive border restrictions imposed by several countries.
"AirAsia always places the safety and well-being of its guests and employees as its top priority. With governments imposing travel and movement restrictions including home quarantine orders, AirAsia is also playing its part in helping curb the spread of the virus in order to keep flying safe for everyone," it said.
In its statement, the airline added that it will continue to evaluate the situation closely and are prepared to reinstate our services as soon as the situation improves and subject to necessary regulatory approvals.
"We believe this temporary fleet hibernation is the right thing to do to ensure the well-being of our guests and employees, which will remain as the top priority of our business during this challenging time."
The airline said that its affected fliers will have the option of converting their flight bookings into a credit account for future use
According to the statement, the fliers have the option of converting their flight booking into a credit account that will be valid for future redemption for 365 days.
Additionally, the airline will also allow them to move their flights for an unlimited number of times without any charges to another date prior to 31 October 2020.
"All affected guests are being immediately notified by email and SMS," AirAsia said.
To cushion the impact, its management and senior employees are voluntarily sacrificing their salary, from 100% at the very top to 15%
"In our effort to further manage and contain costs, both the management and senior employees of AirAsia Group have volunteered a salary sacrifice, ranging from 100% at the very top to 15%," it said.
According to AirAsia, the voluntary salary sacrifice by its management and senior employees will help in ensuring that the airline company can ride out this prolonged period of extremely low travel demand and at the same time minimise the impact on its employees, especially those in junior positions.
Meanwhile, AirAsia said that it will continue to assist the authorities to support the repatriation of travellers and shipment of goods
"AirAsia's online marketplace OURSHOP and its cargo and logistics platform Teleport will remain operational, with Teleport utilising passenger aircrafts to transport medical aid and protective equipment intended for hospitals and front line emergency responders at selected destinations."
