Budget carrier AirAsia said it will move forward with a plan to develop an international hub on the island of Langkawi.
"We’re currently working closely with the government and we’re planning to see how we can build Langkawi as an international hub in this region," said chief executive Aireen Omar.
"We’re going to see that happening towards year-end. We have exciting destinations that we will fly to from Langkawi, which will be announced by this month."
AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes recently said Hong Kong and Guangzhou would likely be the first direct international services into Langkawi.
"By reducing the charges we invest, we’re able to stimulate new routes and an airport that was really earning no income is now going to earn a tremendous amount of income," Fernandes said.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said Langkawi Airport is also in talks with other international airlines to attract more flights, after the airport cut airport charges by 70%.
AirAsia made the announcement during a media briefing for its newest venture.
It secured the naming rights to a Kuala Lumpur monorail station which will now be known as the AirAsia-Bukit Bintang Monorail station.
The station, the gateway for one of KL’s major entertainment and shopping districts, has been decorated in AirAsia colours and will feature a ticketing sales office.
