Airline in Asia to Introduce Innovative Empty Seat Option
Guests onboard Asia’s leading long-haul, low-fare airline can purchase affordable options for the empty seat(s) next to
them to spread out comfortably over a full row of 3 seats.
Singapore, February 9 2012
– From January 2012, AirAsia X and its technology partner, Optiontown,
have introduced an innovative new service, called ‘Empty Seat Option
(ESo)’, available on Optiontown.com. AirAsia X is the first airline in
Asia Pacific to offer its guests travelling in
Economy, an option which provides a chance to get all three seats in a
row for a nominal fee.
Empty Seat Option (ESo) is AirAsia X’s second successful ancillary offering introduced
in partnership with Optiontown after the success of its Upgrade Travel Option (UTo) service, launched in 2011.
The
UTo provides AirAsia X’s guests the opportunity to upgrade to AirAsia
X’s Premium
Flatbed seats. The UTo has helped to significantly increase AirAsia X's
premium class load factor (by over 22%) and upgrade yield (by over
60%). Options are limited by flight to ensure a reasonable probability
of successful upgrades. Each option is dynamically
priced.
AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani
said, “AirAsia X has revolutionized air travel in many ways
and we are constantly on the lookout for current innovative trend to
ensure that our guests’ comfort are
looked after when onboard our flights.
“We
offer them the option to purchase only what is required depending on
individual needs rather than bundling
the cost to our fare offerings. This way, guests are able to enjoy
continuous low fares from the airline. Feedback from passengers have
been resoundingly positive as this service provides a clear comfort
value for our passengers, and we’re delighted to expand
our product offering to include ESo now, and other flexibility options
in the near future.”
He adds, “AirAsia
X remains focused on maintaining its global leadership position in the low cost, long-haul segment. The airline is constantly looking for ways to boost customer satisfaction
and enhance their flying experience with us. I believe that the Empty
Seat Option (ESo) will be a great addition to our family of ancillary
products which will further increase our ancillary revenue stream. We
estimate that we could earn up to US$1 million
in 2012,” concluded Azran.
Optiontown Founder & CEO, Sachin Goel
stated, “Our team is excited to bring this innovation to the guest of AirAsia X, which is sharing our philosophy of pioneering dynamic travel options. Our patented core
technology ‘OptiMYzer TM’ allows us to creatively bring more
utility to the guest of our airline partner AirAsia X’. The technology
has still more options in store that we plan to launch in the near
future.”
To add on the Empty Seat Option (ESo) to your booking, guests are invited to
1.
Log on to
www.airasia.com
and select Upgrade with Optiontown under the Flight Information section
2.
Click on Optiontown and select Empty Seat Option (ESo)
3.
Enter the current flight booking number and select flight for ESo
4.
Pay a small sign up fee (MYR3) and a nominal Empty Seat(s) fee
5.
Empty Seat(s) availability status will be emailed (72-4hrs) to the customer before flight departure
6.
If Empty Seat(s) are not assigned due to unavailability, Empty Seat fee will be refunded automatically to the customer.
(Options for each flight are limited in quantity to ensure a reasonable probability of successful upgrade.)
AirAsia X is one of the 10 airlines collaborating with Optiontown, an innovative airline
service provider headquartered in Massachusetts, USA with branch offices in India and Europe.
For
continuous updates on our latest happenings, promotions, contests and
cool activities throughout the region, be a fan of AirAsia’s Facebook
page (facebook.com/AirAsia)
and follow AirAsia’s Twitter at twitter.com/AirAsia.
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Photo Caption:
CEO of
AirAsia X, Azran Osman-Rani demonstrating the comfort of stretching out
over a full row of 3 seats, available through Optiontown.
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