CLAIMING resounding success for its first Global Deals, Dream Getaways sale in May (TTG Asia e-Daily, May 6), Malaysia Airlines (MAS) released a second wave of promotions yesterday. This time, up to 80 per cent off airfares to more than 100 destinations worldwide are on offer.
MAS executive vice president sales and marketing, Bernard Francis, said: “The offer covers all travel segments, for business and economy seats. It is an opportunity for everyone planning a romantic getaway, family vacation or group retreat. Even business travellers who have planned conventions or seminars can purchase these deals.”
One-way business-class fares range from US$94 for flights from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, to US$417 for flights to regional destinations.
Commenting on the revived promotion, Elok Tour branch director, Pauline Suharno, said: “I guess MAS does not want to lose momentum, especially as Thai Airways also has economy- and business-class promotions going on.”
Wita Tour sales and marketing manager, Rudiana, said: “There seems to be a shift in marketing strategy by some Asian legacy airlines, to compete with the low-fare longhaul services offered by carriers like AirAsia X and the aggressive marketing of Middle Eastern carriers.
“With lower fares across the board, business travellers who usually fly economy are able to fly with premium airlines like Singapore Airlines. Malaysia Airlines is probably doing this mega-deals promotion to keep this market from shifting away,” Rudiana added.
