For rapidly developing countries like Malaysia, a good transport infrastructure is a primary requirement. If geographical distances are also long, travel is tiring due to the climate, and destinations are difficult to reach due to natural barriers such as sea and jungle, then a good network of air connections is ideal – in fact, essential. Malaysia possesses such a network, and the connections are largely maintained by the regionally operating airline Air Asia.
Air Asia connects all regional airports in Malaysia and also maintains many connections with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is used very intensively. For example, in 2013, 10 daily flights were already operated between Kuching on Sarawak (Borneo) and Penang, in the far west of Malaysia.
And of course, the infrastructure “on the ground” was also top-notch. Beautiful modern arrival and departure halls, like here, the Penang departure hall, fully equipped with every convenience!
Taking a plane here had become almost comparable to taking the train in Europe. And if air connections are used so extensively, the principle of “economy of scale” applies everywhere. A state-of-the-art air fleet. Low fares; in 2013, we paid roughly €35 per person per hour flown. And very smart logistics. A choice of at least 10 meals on board. Every ethnic group in Malaysia can find something that suits their dietary requirements. From halal and kosher to vegetarian and Western. Much more advanced than other airlines in those days. You just had to order it in advance.