MALAYSIA Airlines has launched an ASEAN Pass ticketing program with the aim of making travel easier and more affordable in Southeast Asia, said the airline’s Myanmar area manager.

The ASEAN Pass, introduced on June 1, allows passengers to purchase a voucher for US$229 that is valid for up to four economy class flights on Malaysia Airlines, to destinations in the ASEAN region, said area manager Mr Chali Awang.

He said that while the voucher must be exchanged for tickets for all flight sectors at the same time, only the dates for the first outbound sector need to be firm, while subsequent sectors can be open-dated.

For example, one voucher can be used to fly from Yangon to Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur to Manila, Manila to Kuala Lumpur, and finally Kuala Lumpur to Yangon. At the time of purchase, only the dates for Yangon-Kuala Lumpur flight need to be firm.

The price includes fuel surcharge and insurance but excludes airport taxes. The vouchers cannot be used for domestic routes in Malaysia.

“The ASEAN Pass program is aimed at all customers, including those from Myanmar,” Mr Chali said, adding that vouchers were valid for up to three months from the date of purchase.

“We will continue this program until further notice. The ASEAN Pass fare is a very reasonable price. The normal airfare is $423 for the Yangon-Kuala Lumpur-Yangon route,” he said.

He said the ASEAN Pass was Malaysia Airline’s response to the global recession and the impact of swine flu.

“With the ASEAN pass we hope to streamline tourism in the region and stimulate travel by allowing customers to travel with ease at an affordable price,” he said.