|
|
|
|
AirAsia X to launch London-Kuala Lumpur services
The London-KL route is a major step in AirAsia’s realising its international aspirations, and strengthens Kuala Lumpur as the regional aviation hub and gateway into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “AirAsia X’s London-Kuala Lumpur route is the realisation of a long-held ambition to open up affordable access between Malaysia and Europe for both ASEAN and European communities. We have an incredible route network and at £99, the opportunity for Londoners and Europeans to explore the ASEAN region has never been greater.”
“Being a truly ASEAN airline, we are committed to promoting tourism and travel throughout and beyond that region. This new route will benefit everyone, enabling magnificent holidays in beautiful locations, encouraging economic and tourism activity, bringing in revenue and creating job opportunities.”
He added, “AirAsia X and AirAsia boast a brand new modern fleet of Airbus aircraft fitted with leather seats and spacious cabins, diverse selections of hot meals and high quality service plus fun and friendly cabin crew. On top of that, our On Time Guarantee and the recent ‘No Fuel Surcharge’ initiative will further improve the AirAsia experience. As time passes, there will be more promotions and the fare could well fall further – we always look to make the fare as low as possible”.
The new route will be serviced by an Airbus A340 aircraft with a 286 passenger capacity including 30 premium XL seats.
AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer, Azran Osman-Rani said, “The London route is a significant achievement for us, allowing those who have always wanted to travel between Europe and ASEAN to achieve their dream, at an affordable price. We are looking to expand from five flights per week to a daily service in the near future.”
Azran concludes, “We have always been enthusiastic to venture into Europe since we launched. The establishment of this route is a significant achievement for us and is a reflection of our commitment to expanding international operations. Like Kuala Lumpur’s Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) - the gateway of ASEAN - London’s Stansted has true potential to be the gateway of Europe. Our renowned low-fare offerings will stimulate more demand from the European community to discover ASEAN and vice versa”.
(C) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 27-Nov-08
For in-depth analysis of the low cost airline sector worldwide, subscribe now to the peerless Peanuts! Weekly