Asian long haul budget carrier launched
Low fare flights from Malaysia to Europe, China and India are to be launched this summer by start-up carrier AirAsia X.
Fares are expected to be about half the rate of regular long-haul scheduled services when flights start in July from a low cost terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
AirAsia X operator Fly Asian Xpress has signed a deal with local budget airline Air Asia to allow its brand to be franchised to the start-up.
The airline is in the process of finalising its fleet requirements with Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s in the frame.
Daily flights to unnamed popular destinations in China, India and Europe are planned, including the UK.
Virgin Atlantic and EasyJet had previously denied being potential partners with AirAsia in the project (see previous TravelMole story).
Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes, a director and founder of FAX, reportedly said: “AirAsia X will offer an innovative product offering, ensuring passengers will enjoy a level of comfort and convenience suited for long haul travel.
“While AirAsia and AirAsia X will be two seprate legal entities and have separate management team, I believe AirAsia X and AirAsia will have a symbiotic relationship.
“Both carriers will enhance the feed of passengers into each others operations and ensure passengers enjoy a seamless experience by flying with both carriers. We intend to leverage from the global popularity of AirAsia in creating the awareness of AirAsia X.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026