AirAsia Philippines made a grand entrance into NAIA Terminal 2 (MNL), painting it red and warmly welcoming its guests to their new home. The renowned low-cost airline has decided to operate all its domestic flights to and from this centennial terminal, ensuring that guests have access to larger spaces, improved amenities, and a more comfortable travel experience. The activities related to this terminal change commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Terminal 2 Check-in Area.
“We keep saying that this is a winning move for our guests because they deserve only the best from us. Moving to Terminal 2 will allow us to add more routes, increase the frequency and utilize wide-body aircraft in the near future to improve connectivity and enhance customer experience. During the past months, our On-Time Performance (OTP) is at an average of 80-85%. We even reach a high of 100% on some days when there are no factors causing disruptions such as weather or lightning red alerts, air traffic congestion, and non-scheduled maintenance. This only proves the commitment among our Allstar employees to do it best for our guests. They may expect the same level of commitment and even more as we journey through this winning move,” according to Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines.
The arrival of an AirAsia aircraft at NAIA Terminal 2 was greeted with a water cannon salute, followed by a ceremonial cake cutting to commemorate this significant event.
The south wing of the terminal houses twenty check-in counters (22-41) dedicated to AirAsia guests. After passing through security screening, passengers can enjoy various food stalls in the passenger lounge while waiting to board their flights. The south wing also features seven operational aero bridges and four remote parking bays to accommodate high traffic or peak hours.
To ensure hassle-free and convenient check-in, self-service kiosks have been made available beside the counters, offering a contactless experience for passengers. AirAsia also took proactive steps to raise awareness among guests, sending preflight notifications via email and SMS two months before the scheduled transfer. During the transition period, a Customer Happiness help desk and a shuttle van have been stationed at NAIA Terminal 4 and Terminal 3 to facilitate a swift transfer to Terminal 2.
“We warmly welcome AirAsia in its new home for domestic flights. We share the same level of commitment in improving the total airport experience of the flying public. Indeed, this is a winning move for all stakeholders,” MIAA OIC Bryan Co said during the ceremonies.
As a prominent air travel partner, AirAsia currently operates over 100 domestic flights daily. The airline aims to expand its routes and increase flight frequency during the winter season, offering affordable flights coupled with its renowned world-class service.
“It’s important for industry stakeholders and government to continue to engage to ensure that passengers ultimately win. We shall work closely with the industry towards full and strict adherence to the Air Passenger Bill of Rights, as we endeavor to go above and beyond in the service of the Filipino people,” said CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla during the press conference.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) expressed their shared excitement for AirAsia and its guests as the airline takes significant steps towards promising growth in the post-pandemic era.