KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): Malaysia Airlines Bhd group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said on Monday (April 18) that “it was never Malaysia Airlines' intention of driving high fares" to cause inconvenience to its customers, especially during festive seasons, as airlines globally set the price of flight tickets dynamically, subject to demand and supply and based on the date, time, and availability of seats within a specific timeframe.
"Fares will also be adjusted with passengers’ willingness to pay due to peak and seasonal trends as well as competitiveness against other airlines,” Izham said in a statement in conjunction with its plan to mount 20 additional flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching in Sarawak besides 20 additional flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sabah destinations Sandakan, Tawau and Kota Kinabalu during the Hari Raya peak travel period beginning April 28 until May 8 to accommodate the expected domestic travel demand surge.
Malaysia Airlines said with the additional flights involving over 7,000 airline seats, fares will be dynamically adjusted downwards for customers to enjoy low fares.
To celebrate the Hari Raya festive season in early May 2022, Malaysia Airlines said it will offer up to 20% discount on airfares to all domestic destinations for bookings starting from Tuesday (April 19) to April 27 for immediate travel up to July 31.
"Flights from Kuala Lumpur will begin [from] as low as RM139 for all-in fare to Peninsular Malaysia destinations, from RM209 to Miri, Bintulu, Kuching, Sibu, Sandakan, and from RM262 to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Labuan,” the company said.
According to Malaysia Airlines, dynamic pricing is a globally-adopted technique under which airfares are set based on demand and market conditions.
The higher ticket prices are contributed by various factors such as higher demand during peak seasons, limited number of flights, type of service offering, operational costs, surge in jet fuel prices, and limited resources available due to the after-effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, which began in early 2020, according to the company.
Izham said Malaysia Airlines has been working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure safe and secure travel following recent claims of airlines charging high airfares during the festive period.
"The additional frequencies to high demand sectors, including Sabah and Sarawak, demonstrate our commitment to providing more seats so everyone can reunite with their loved ones during the festive season.
"Our load factor has surpassed 90% of our customers purchasing economy class tickets ranging from RM139 to RM1,047 during the peak travel period offered in earlier promotions. We encourage our customers to plan their travel and purchase tickets during the promotion period Malaysia Airlines offers from time to time to ensure they optimise their selection to enjoy our Malaysian hospitality,” he said.