Malaysian archipelago Langkawi can be transformed into first online duty free shopping destination among the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN), AirAsia has declared.

The low-cost airline, which now positions itself as a digital and lifestyle group, is working with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to introduce the AirAsia ‘Super App’ to digitalise the duty free shopping experience for visitors.

Amanda Woo, CEO of AirAsia Super App, said: “By the end of September, for the first time in Malaysia, customers can now order Langkawi duty free products online and have them delivered straight to their hotel within the same day, via Teleport’s six-hour express service.

“To create convenience for our customers, they can select their preferred delivery time or engage concierge services by our partner hotels to receive on their behalf. We will offer free delivery for all purchases, as well as special discounts to AirAsia guests at our partner hotels during our launch campaign.”

MORE FULFILMENT OPTIONS TO COME…

AirAsia plans to offer a full spread of fulfilment options such as inflight delivery to seat, airport pickup and home delivery, with 13 ASEAN retailers already signed up to the duty free service.

“We are pleased to join hands with Langkawi Development Authority to reinvigorate the economic and tourism recovery in Langkawi starting with the introduction of a new duty free shopping experience for travellers with islandwide delivery,” added Woo.

“The digitalisation of duty-free shopping in Langkawi through our AirAsia super app will power Langkawi up as the ASEAN’s first online duty free shopping destination and this is just one of the many things we look forward to collaborating with LADA in the long-term.”

The development comes as visitors begin returning to Langkawi via a travel bubble with Malaysia, as the country continues to grapple with the latest Covid-19 wave.

To support the re-opening to Langkawi, AirAsia travellers can book their trips to the airport and within Langkawi, confirm flights and accommodation and benefit from a ride-hailing service.

AirAsia is operating more than 90 weekly flights to Langkawi with a number of special offers available via the AirAsia Super App.

The company reports it has sold more than 200,000 seats to Langkawi since the government’s announcement of the travel bubble last week.

“We believe AirAsia’s initiative to mount new routes will help boost Langkawi’s potential as a premier island destination among domestic tourists,” added Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, Chief Executive Officer, LADA.

“We hope their arrivals will help us to achieve our economic goals, other than to also ensure Langkawi remains as the top-of-mind holiday retreat for worldwide tourists.”