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Watch A-Sonic go supersonic with FAX
By VEN SREENIVASAN
DURING the last few days, there has been a flurry of excitement over reported plans for low-cost, long-haul flights by AirAsia's East Malaysian associate, Fly Asian Express (FAX). FAX's co-founder Tony Fernandes told news agencies this week that the airline - which currently services rural destinations in East Malaysia using 12 turbo-prop aircraft - could make an announcement on its ongoing discussions with Europe's easyJet and AirAsia about a low-cost, long-haul alliance. Another potential partner is rumoured to be Virgin Blue of Australia, controlled by Richard Branson. But what the market has yet to realise - and which has yet to be mentioned - is that there is one Singapore-listed company which is well-placed for a deeper engagement in all of this: A-Sonic Aerospace. Last October, the mainboard-listed company signed a seven-year exclusive contract with FAX, making it the sole aircraft maintenance management agent for the Sarawak-based airline. Under the pay-by-the-hour deal, A-Sonic undertakes all engineering and maintenance services for the entire fleet of FAX's seven Fokker 50 and five Twin Otter planes. More importantly, the deal also guarantees that A-Sonic will 'grow' with FAX. This essentially means that if and when FAX acquires or leases bigger jets - as it must for its intercontinental long-haul flights - A-Sonic will be charged with helping to maintain this bigger fleet. The exclusive deal with FAX also gives A-Sonic a 'first mover' advantage to source these bigger jet aircraft via its recently established leasing arm. Established by AirAsia founders Mr Fernandes and his partners Kamarudin Meranun and Raja Mohd Azmi, FAX now flies to over 22 routes across East Malaysia. But on its website, it makes clear its intention to 'extend services to international destinations in the future'. Company executives told news agencies yesterday that initial plans include the United Kingdom and China. BT understands that FAX is eyeing flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dhaka in Bangladesh - a route abandoned by Bangladesh's Biman Airlines, but still providing significant loads for Malaysia Airlines (MAS). And Dhaka would be the springboard for long-haul flights to London, possibly via the Middle East. Well-placed to benefit How this will be done remains to be seen. The details should become evident by this weekend. Meanwhile, A-Sonic seems to be - if not in the thick of the action - at least well-positioned to capitalise on FAX's emergence as Malaysia's third major airline. The mainboard-listed company has already been quite busy with various ventures in China and elsewhere. It recently bought fellow mainboard-listed air logistics group Air Ocean. In China, where it already has a strong aircraft maintenance base and clientele, it recently obtained preliminary permits to start a Guangzhou-based freighter airline. The company has also recently ventured into aircraft leasing, and this business could benefit hugely as FAX sources bigger jets for its long-haul services. Under the terms of its exclusive contract with FAX, it could emerge as the primary agent to secure these jets for the young Malaysian upstart. And it could also emerge as the main aircraft engineering and maintenance provider for FAX's potential partners in the long-haul venture. So, while everyone is focusing on Tony Fernandes, his partners and their two airlines at the moment, a scarcely followed and low-profile Singapore-listed aircraft maintenance specialist is quietly preparing for the ride of its life. |
some movement today.
looks set for brighter days! :)
Thks for your advise. I am in need to look for some reliable ones cos hit by Biosensors @ 1.30! Still not recovered... Any Guru advice? Or shall I say a hint?
This counter's volume is quite bad... I don't see any interest at all this week.
For Kingboard, it woke up today. But in the past, its volumes have also been quite bad. A sudden large surge in volume with price change smacks of manipulators at work. I will usually avoid such a stock because its really difficult to analyse and predict - like gambling.
For Kingboard, it woke up today. But in the past, its volumes have also been quite bad. A sudden large surge in volume with price change smacks of manipulators at work. I will usually avoid such a stock because its really difficult to analyse and predict - like gambling.
Agreed but its just like Kingboard. It nvr really interest anyone until this week esp today..
If it doesn't seem to interest anyone, it's definitely not a good sign.
Vol is extremely low n the price close lower today. the chart looks ugly lots of flat days. Is this stock really worth investing? Despite the winning of the contract it dun seems to interest anyone... Pls advice
now buy AirOcean 2630 lots @ 0.90 (cost $23670) then later exchange 1000 lots A-sonic @ 0.27 ($27,000), net gain $3330. can try? if later someone push up A-sonic.... heiheihei....
very low volumes... TA people should avoid
So will it be worth to exchange the Airocean with A-sonic.. now Airocean trade at 0.095 and A-sonic @0.27.
This is its single biggest contract this year. It is based on the fleet having an average utilisation of 1500 to 2000 hours per year per plane. But based on the current surging utilisation growth rate, the value of the ontract could rise to around $180m in the next couple of years.
It said its unit JANCO Aircraft & Engines JAE) has entered into a seven-year aircraft maintenance management deal valued at about $139m with Malaysian Fly Asian Xpress Sdn Bhd (FAX).
Under the deal, JAE will provide aircraft maintenance services for FAX's fleet of 12 aircraft.
"From a financial perspective, the multi-year contract provides recurrent revenue and earnings to the A-Sonic Aerospace group," it said in a statement.