Macau Asia Express

Macau Asia Express is a proposed start-up low-cost airline based in Macau. It has plans to launch in the second quarter of 2007.cite news | title= Directory: World Airlines | work= Flight International | page= 46 | date= 2007-04-10]

History

The airline was established in January 2006 with an initial funding of $30 million. It is owned by Air Macau (51%) and ST-CNAC (CNAC and Shun Tak Holdings) (49%). Established on 24 January 2006 and will initially serve destinations in mainland China and Asia. [cite web | title= Macau Asia Express - Macau's new airline set to take off | date= 2006-01-24 | work= Air Macau News | url= http://en.airmacau.com.mo/about/news_articles.asp?id=51 | accessdate= 2007-06-15] While it is not clear what aircraft will be operated, it hopes to operate 15-20 aircraft in three years time. [cite web | title= Macau Asia Express to be launched later this year | date= 2006-01-27 | work= m-Travel.com| url= http://www.m-travel.com/news/2006/01/macau_asia_expr.html| accessdate= 2007-06-15] It will operate a fleet of 6 Airbus A320.

In November 2007 Macau Daily News reported that:"Macau Asia Express suffered a setback. CA hesitated for funding the airline and some management team member resigned."

"Air Macau, Air China and Shun Tak incorporated Macau Asia Express suffered a major setback in the establishment, for allegedly falling short of funding from Air China. According to source from the circle, a few of senior management team members, including the Chief Operation Officer and Commercial Head, were resigned already. Some around thirty staff were on duty as usual but the airline official website was suspended. MAE was granted 11 mainland routes and 11 regional routes by AACM and committed the lease of 6 A320. MAE planned to fly Ho Chi Minh and Clark in the first phase. Nagoya, Kitakyushu, Japan and Hangzhou, Tinjing, China are on their routes plan as well. It was believed if CA's withdrawal suspended the operation of MAE, the leased 6 aircraft would be handled by Air Macau."

Further industry news reports that Macau Asia Express is attempting to delay the delivery and acceptance of all aircraft.

An unnamed sourced at the Civil Aviation Authority Macau confirmed that Macau Express has formerly suspended their Air Operator's Certificate process.

* [http://www.macau-asia-express.com/index.html Macau Asia Express]

References