China, Australia, UK, here we come: AirAsia X
SEPANG – Malaysia’s long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X will launch inaugural flights to China and Australia next month and UK by November 2008 with the arrival of its first leased long-haul Airbus A330 aircraft on Tuesday at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal.
The aircraft (pictured), named “Semangat Sir Freddie” in tribute to the late Sir Freddie Laker who was the pioneer of the low cost model, is on six-year lease from Ansett Worldwide Services.
AirAsia X’s Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said the landing rights for China and Australia had been secured and the airline was currently waiting for the Malaysian regulators to certify the plane
The much awaited Kuala Lumpur-London service is scheduled to be launched by November next year. The airline has secured the rights to fly to London’s Stansted Airport and will fly on a daily basis using two leased A340-300s. It will start selling tickets for the UK flights in February 2008,
AirAsia X will also extend its services to India, South Korea, West Asia and Japan with fares about 50% lower than full-service carriers, said Azran.
The airline will introduce new features unique to the long-haul service, including 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.
“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,” added Azran.
Additional new features are assigned seating for passengers and the pre-selecting of 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.
Meanwhile, AirAsia X director Dato’ Tony Fernandes said the airline was considering buying 25 Airbus A350 planes. But the airline is also looking at the Boeing 787s for its long-haul routes.
“The A350 looks very good and that is the most logical choice as we are already on the Airbus, but we are also looking at Boeing,” he said, adding that he would be going to Seattle next week to talk with the Boeing CEO.
Corinne Wan
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