Fahiruz 0 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 With AK "X" being launch, MH responded... Big savings for travellers who plan well ahead The Star, Fri 12 Jan 2007 KUALA LUMPUR: Good news for travellers. From Monday, MAS will implement its new fare structure, which will also see cheaper air ticket prices. In keeping with the global trend, MAS as a full service airline will be taking on its local low-cost rival AirAsia by expanding its classes of fare from eight to 16. A return economy air ticket to London during the low season could be as cheap as RM2,640 under the new structure while the present fare is RM3,685 (see graphic). For Hong Kong, a V class fare during low season will only cost RM1,270 compared to RM1,370. The fare differential between the different buckets is about 10%. These fares are over and above the Internet fares which the national carrier introduced last year. Industry sources who had been briefed about the new fares said the trick to getting the cheaper fares was to plan trips early. “Not all the fares will be cheaper than the one in the old structure. The new system is called fare buckets and each basket is drawn up according to restrictions,†one source said. “The highest class is the Y fare which will almost be free of any restriction. This means that a passenger can change the travelling date with minimal charges. “The lowest class is V and it will almost be impossible for travellers to make any changes and even if they can, the charges will be prohibitive.†Other sources said the new structure to be managed by the new RM200mil computer would even enable passengers to book their tickets 340 days in advance. However, they stressed that booking for cheap fares is not time-based; rather, it will be on a first-come-first-served basis. “The system will be intelligent. If there is a lot of demand, then the system will reduce the number of cheaper fares but if there are a lot of seats available, then the number of cheaper ones will be increased,†said a source familiar with the computer system. He said that unlike low-cost carriers, the MAS new structure would allow the number of cheap tickets to fluctuate. He estimates that on a low demand flight during an off-peak season, the number of low-priced seats could go up by as much as 40% of the passenger load. When contacted, MAS head of Media Relations Tan Wai Fong confirmed that the new fare structure would be introduced in the local market on Jan15. “It will be introduced globally four days later,†she added. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) Lower fares for international routes only? How about the domestic ones? I'm not satisfied with MH <_ because of the higher fares unable to use my enrich card again.> I'm used to fly with MH domestically (under the subsidized fare),and i hoping that the new fare structure will be more flexible. Edited January 12, 2007 by Tamizi Hj Tamby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Victor Goh 0 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 This competition will at the end benefit the passengers... However this respond from MH kind of gives me the feeling that the management is not that steady & professional in making their decisions. They are just like 3 years old fighting.. Funny, i doubt AK will even think this as a threat.. Such full service airlines should not try to bring down their standard just to show people that they can be cheap too. If i were them, i would just stay as i am as i have a level of standard to keep. Not quite a wise move.. Just some of my opinions.. Hope no 1 gets angry.. Victor.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Seng Lim 0 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 RM2640 (lowest fare) for KUL-LHR-KUL under the new structure? Come on MAS, I know what you offered during your MAS Travel Fair which is much lower (RM2000-2200) + there are plenty of under RM2000 airfares to LHR & other EU destinations offered by some of your competitors during MATTA Fair. Afterall nothing could beat AK 1 millions free seats + their proposed RM9.99 on way fare to UK with their AirAsia X. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mushrif A 3 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 I do not think this is a response to AK X - never was. In fact, this has been alluded to as being in the pipeline back in Nov or Dec by Star, well before the AK X plans are made public. Introducing more fare buckets is really to facilitate MH with more flexibility in pricing strategies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mushrif A 3 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 This competition will at the end benefit the passengers... However this respond from MH kind of gives me the feeling that the management is not that steady & professional in making their decisions. They are just like 3 years old fighting.. Funny, i doubt AK will even think this as a threat.. Such full service airlines should not try to bring down their standard just to show people that they can be cheap too. If i were them, i would just stay as i am as i have a level of standard to keep. Not quite a wise move.. Just some of my opinions.. Hope no 1 gets angry.. Victor.. Standards were not lowered at all. This has nothing to do with AK X but has been in the pipeline. You're barking at the wrong tree. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessnor Arif 1 Report post Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) If i were them, i would just stay as i am as i have a level of standard to keep. Not quite a wise move.. Just some of my opinions.. Hope no 1 gets angry.. Victor.. And you have to remember... This is malaysia where price precede the quality. That's why pirated CD sells like "Pisang Goreng"(Fried banana). The fastest way to success in malaysia market: 5* services for 2* prices.(1*=cheap 5*=expensive ) that is what MH trying to do. Edited January 12, 2007 by JessnorArif Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
