AirAsia officially welcomed its first two Airbus A330neo aircraft, the future of its long-haul fleet, by hosting a ceremonial event at Don Mueang Airport here today.

The two aircraft, registration numbers HS-XJA and HS-XJB, are now based in Don Mueang Airport and will operate scheduled services to key destinations throughout Asia Pacific, facilitating growth of AirAsia’s long-haul operations from Thailand.

The Airbus A330neo is a new-generation widebody aircraft that delivers numerous benefits and efficiencies, including enhanced cabin comfort, greater range to fly further – powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines – as well as new modifications including composite Sharklet wingtip devices that generate aerodynamic improvements and reduced fuel burn.

AirAsia has configured the cabin of its first two A330neo aircraft to accommodate 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 standard seats. This new specification aircraft features more personal space for guests, larger cabin storage, ambient mood lighting, power sockets in every seat and the quietest cabin in its class.

AirAsia X Group CEO Nadda Buranasiri said, “We are proud to welcome the future of long-haul low-cost travel with this state-of-the-art aircraft, while at the same time being the first carrier in Thailand to operate the A330neo for guests across Asia Pacific.

“Not only does this new generation aircraft deliver significant cost benefits which we can pass on to our guests, in the form of great value fares, but it also unlocks exciting network expansion opportunities and enhances the guest experience with numerous modifications and features.

“We remain committed to taking full advantage of this revolutionary aircraft as we look forward to offering the best value and comfort for long haul air travel. AirAsia X Thailand currently operates 12 aircraft and targets to receive 2 more by the end of this year. From next year onwards, we will receive an all-Airbus A330neo fleet,” he said.

The A330neo will be initially deployed on existing long-haul routes from Bangkok operated by AirAsia X Thailand (carrier code XJ), including to markets such as Japan, Australia, China and South Korea.

Last week, AirAsia X also placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 12 A330neo, bringing a total 78 aircraft on order for this type. AirAsia also confirmed an order for 30 new-generation A321XLR aircraft, the single-aisle Xtra Long Range aircraft promoting even lower fuel burn.

This order reaffirms the carrier’s status as the largest customer for the A330neo and strengthens AirAsia Group’s position as the world’s largest airline customer for the A320 Family.

Minister of Works, Baru Bian officiated the new Gamuda Cove Interchange today, effectively activating the site to visitors.

With an upfront investment of RM150 million, the opening of the interchange, located at KM26.70, will now provide direct access from North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) Highway into the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township.

The interchange directly leads into the 372-acre commercial business district (CBD) where the new Gamuda Cove Experience Gallery is currently located.

The Gamuda Cove Interchange is equipped with a 12-lane toll plaza, washrooms, prayers room and parking bays for road users’ comfort and convenience.

Stretching approximately 1.6km (South bound) and 1.1km (North bound) respectively, the Gamuda Cove Interchange is the first and main access into Gamuda Cove township and will be the key access point for its future phases.

Two additional proposed linkages will connect Gamuda Cove and Cyberjaya via Persiaran Cove Selatan in the near future.

It is estimated that 1.8 million people comprising Gamuda Cove residents to visitors of Discovery Park and Discovery Wetlands and its surrounding community will benefit from the opening of Gamuda Cove Interchange.

The opening of the interchange paves the way for the 25 million visitors coming in through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), as they can visit Gamuda Cove’s 50-acre Discovery Park, which is made up of 2 recreational zones the Adventure Park and Hangout Village.

The Discovery Park is slated for opening by end of 2019. Visitors can look forward to Malaysia’s first Aerobar, a tethered hot air balloon station, a beach pool club, a Starbucks coffee house, Blastacars Drift Karts’ indoor go-karting and all-terrain vehicle excursions through the woods as well as a community space for art and food enthusiasts named The Hive.

Next in the pipeline for Gamuda Cove is the water theme park to open by 2021 which will complement the Discovery Park, eco-tourism activities at the adjacent Paya Indah Wetlands, cultural activities as well as a town square that will draw the community together.

The Gamuda Cove Interchange leads visitors to the newly-opened 20,000 sq. ft. Gamuda Cove Experience Gallery. As the first experience gallery in Malaysia that is fully constructed using Gamuda’s innovative digital Industrialised Building System (IBS), prefabricated and SIRIM-approved materials, the Experience Gallery features modular and modern design.

The Experience Gallery gives guests a comprehensive look at what Gamuda Cove has to offer with its immersive virtual reality experience rooms and show atrium. A little further into the township, guests will come across show units, where guests are welcomed to explore Palma Sands and Maya Bay Residences units launched in earlier phases of Gamuda Cove.

The iconic weaver bridge in the 60-acre pet-friendly GreenBay Park is also completed and ready to cater to the community’s leisure activities.

Following the success of the pilot programme, MyPerintis and Kurnia Insurans (Kurnia) together with the Ministry of Education recently launched the Phase Two of Programme Adiwira Topi Keledar to reach out to more schools and students, nationwide.

In March 2019, the collaborative parties kick-started the pilot programme to distribute 1,500 child-sized helmets to 30 primary schools in Klang Valley, Johor Bharu and Kota Bahru.

“During the roadshow, we have engaged 27,000 students with road safety activities. We hope that these 27,000 students will be able to advocate on the importance of wearing the right protection when on the road,” said Grace Quah, Chief Distribution & Underwriting Officer.

With encouraging reception from partners as well as incredible support from the Ministry of Education, District Education Office, teachers and parents, MyPerintis will be extending the programme with up to 50,000 child-sized helmets for phase two, engaging 200 B40 schools nationwide.

“We have completed Phase One together and we want to do more for Phase Two. This is a testimony of a successful public and private sector partnership to demonstrate strong social responsibility in making Malaysia roads a safer place,” said Dato’ Lawrence Low, Founding President of MyPerintis.

In supporting the cause as their CSR initiative, Kurnia will be supporting half of the journey to give the programme a head start by providing up to 25,000 helmets and to reach up to 100 schools nationwide, engaging more than 100,000 children with road safety activities to increase road safety awareness.

“This scale only covers 3% of the primary schools in Malaysia, but we need to start somewhere. We are committed in our vision to help make Malaysia a Safer Place, and we call on all Malaysians to join us in protecting our children,” said Derek Roberts, Chief Executive Officer.

“Only 15% of the pillion riders wear helmets travelling to and from school. Most of them either don’t wear helmet or they wear toy or adult helmets. Changes need to happen now, and we need help and support from all Malaysians.

“We hope to be able to rally our strong network of partners and internal in supporting MyPerintis in this cause,” he added.

Providing a platform to empower public to be self-involved and sponsor a helmet, MyPerintis is driving this campaign with the support from Kurnia to encourage corporations and fellow Malaysians to play a part in making this country a safer place on the road for all Malaysians at all age.