KUALA LUMPUR: A new e-hailing service, airasia ride, was launched today via an online event by airasia Group's chief executive officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, airasia Digital's president, Aireen Omar, airasia Super App's chief executive officer, Amanda Woo, AirAsia Group and Head of airasia ride's chief safety officer, Captain Ling Liong Tien, and airasia ride Malaysia's chief executive officer, Chiew Shan.
"Airasia is all about convenience, flexibility and unbeatable value and airasia ride presents a different, yet compelling e-hailing solution to passengers through a single super app platform for a total mobility booking experience from air to ground. Airasia ride inherits the DNA of running a low cost model which enables savings to be passed on to guests and strives to offer the lowest fares on the road, introducing great value to the highly competitive e-hailing ecosystem. This is part of our continuous digital transformation journey to become Asean's top super app through our regional expansion into Thailand and potentially Indonesia very soon," said Woo.
The airasia ride e-hailing service can be booked by clicking on the 'Ride' icon on the airasia Super App, or visiting airasia.com/ride.
Passengers can get RM3 off their first ride by using the promo code AARIDE3 from now until Sept 30, 2021. Services are currently available in the Klang Valley, with expansion to more cities in Malaysia planned throughout the year.
"What sets airasia ride apart from others in the market would be the unique insights and data that we have due to our position as a Super App that owns an airline, and have strong vertical products on e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and now e-hailing.
"This enables us to leverage on airasia Group's rich and vast data and algorithm to provide a seamless and connected journey experience for our passengers where they will be able to perform in-path booking for both their flights and pre-book their ride to the airport and even for their return journey at the same time, all within the convenience of one single itinerary and without having to leave the airasia Super App.
"Very soon, passengers will be able to use their BIG Points to pay for their rides, and be able to enjoy the lowest fare in addition to FREE rides, just like the iconic airasia Free Seats," said Lim adding that airasia ride passengers will have the ability to choose preferred vehicle type and as well as the drivers.
"I am also pleased to share that airasia ride implements a 'driver-forward' concept that will enable our drivers to improve their overall income and enjoy a better quality of life. At the moment, we have about 1,500 registered drivers and with our nationwide expansion, we expect 5,000 more to come onboard in the next six months," added Lim.
Airasia ride drivers will have real-time info on passenger arrival, enabling them to have better time management by reducing waiting time that results in the ability to make more trips and earn more income. On top of that, drivers take 85 per cent of the net fares (excluding toll charges), higher than other ride hailing providers in the market, making it a viable part time job option and side income opportunity.
Fares on airasia ride are set at an average of RM1 per kilometre, excluding toll charges, and for added convenience, passengers are able to book on-demand rides, or even pre-book rides in advance.
There is also a special feature that allows passengers to book an 'Allstar Ride' and be chauffeur driven by AirAsia pilots and cabin crew.
The latest e-hailing provider not only aims to provide convenience, more competitive prices, better income opportunity for it's drivers, but also a safe experience with its fully-vaccinated driver fleet.
"Safety is our priority. And in line with our safety commitment, we are happy to share that 100 per cent of our driver fleet are fully vaccinated and regularly tested, so anyone who jumps into an airasia ride vehicle can feel safe and confident to travel with us," said Ling.