AirAsia X welcomes first long-haul A330
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Southeast Asia,
AirAsia
(CAPA) AirAsia X welcomed its first leased long-haul A330-300 on 18-Sep-07 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carrier Terminal.
The first aircraft, named ‘Semangat Sir Freddie’, in tribute to the pioneer of the low cost model, the late Sir Freddie Laker, was delivered to AirAsia X from Ansett Worldwide Services, a leading international aircraft leasing company, on a six-year lease. It complements AirAsia X’s purchase of fifteen new A330s, which will be delivered over a five year period starting from Sep-08.
Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X’s CEO said “AirAsia X aims to build on AirAsia’s tradition of innovating the short haul, low-cost carrier model by introducing a number of features unique to the long-haul service. These include a target seat configuration of over 390 seats – more than 100 more than traditional users of the A330-300 – while maintaining a comfortable seat pitch of 31” and a recline similar to that offered by international legacy carriers”
He added, “AirAsia X will also be introducing 28 premium seats offering the spaciousness and comfort equivalent to the legacy carriers’ business class seat, but at a fare equivalent to a full-fare economy ticket on other carriers”.
Additional new features to be introduced on AirAsia X include assigned seating for passengers, and the convenience of pre-selecting one’s own seat during the booking process. Passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase additional products and services such as hot meals, amenity kits, and eventually in-flight entertainment, on an “a la carte” basis.
“For the in-flight experience, my commitment to passengers is that they will enjoy an experience that is purpose-built for medium to long haul travel. In addition, regardless of whether bookings were made at the time of ticket purchase for the various in-flight products and services, these will also be available to be purchased on-board, providing further flexibility for passengers.”
Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Founder Director of AirAsia X and Group CEO of AirAsia, said, “This is an important day for both AirAsia X and AirAsia. AirAsia is delighted to have finalised its 20% investment in AirAsia X, and is determined to work with AirAsia X to realise the mutual synergies that exist between both companies, including realising the joint benefits from feeding into and out of each other’s network. Similar to AirAsia, AirAsia X offers a fundamentally different product to full service carriers. The low cost model has proven that it grows the overall market and I believe the low fares offered by AirAsia X will help fulfil the untapped demand within Southeast Asia for affordable long haul international travel.”
Dato’ Seri Kalimullah Hassan, Chairman of AirAsia X said,”I am delighted to welcome the arrival of our first aircraft into our fleet today, marking another important milestone in AirAsia X’s journey to become the world’s first and most successful long haul low cost carrier. We believe this venture will be important for Malaysia as we will strive together with AirAsia to develop Kuala Lumpur into the region’s leading hub for low-cost carriers, which will help boost the Malaysian economy”
About AirAsia X
AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Group, is the new long haul, low cost airline launched in Jan- 07. Having franchised the AirAsia brand from AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X’s long haul low cost business model is built on sustainable and continued delivery of everyday low fares. It aims to cover destinations which are more than four hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur, complementing the existing AirAsia network.
Date posted: 19-Sep-07
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