KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 3): AirAsia Group Bhd is gearing up to resume flights between Malaysia and Singapore — including the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route that is touted as the world's busiest — in the week of Aug 17, following both countries' decision to implement the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL).

This will be followed by other international destinations, subject to approvals from authorities, AirAsia said in a statement today.

To start with, AirAsia will launch daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and one weekly flight each between Singapore and Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Ipoh.

"These flights are scheduled for the week of Aug 17, 2020, subject to further announcements by the governments," AirAsia said, adding flights are available for booking on its website and mobile app.

AirAsia chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the RGL may only be the first step but it certainly is the most important one as both countries start to revive the economy.

The RGL scheme requires eligible travellers to abide by the prevailing Covid-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by both countries, which include undergoing polymerase chain reaction swab tests.

"We look forward to the formation of more 'travel bubbles' and 'green lanes' between countries with low infection rates or active cases, and proven pandemic curbing systems. AirAsia is thoroughly committed to resuming air connectivity and thus reviving economic activities in the region," he said.

AirAsia further said guests can expect enhanced safety measures throughout the entire journey, including preflight, in-flight, and arrival processes. It also advised guests to check and comply with measures implemented by local airport authorities.

"To ensure guests can plan their travel with peace of mind, AirAsia will soon allow guests to upload their Covid-19 test results during check-in using the AirAsia mobile app and website.

"For added convenience, AirAsia has made the MySejahtera contact-tracing app available for download on its website and mobile app, and is currently working with the relevant authorities in Singapore for a similar arrangement for the TraceTogether app," it added.