Gold Coast, here we come: AirAsia X
GOLD COAST, Australia – Malaysia’s long haul low-cost carrier, AirAsia X, will launch its first long haul international flight to the Gold Coast in Australia from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) on November 2.
AirAsia X, the extension of AirAsia’s successful short haul low cost model in South East Asia, will start the four times weekly service with low fares starting from A$99 nett (US$88) – inclusive of airport tax, fuel surcharge & administrative fees – for one way travel departing from Gold Coast.
It will also offer fares of RM50 (US$15) onwards (air fare only excluding airport tax, fuel surcharge and administrative fee) departing from LCCT in conjunction with Malaysia’s 50th Merdeka (Independence) celebrations.
The promotion fares were available for 48 hours from midnight September 29 to 30 for travel period from November 2 to 14 this year, the airline said.
The inaugural flight will carry 315 guests, consisting of 279 economy class seats and 36 premium XL seats, in its Airbus A330-300 aircraft that was delivered earlier this month.
AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said that even after the promotional period the airfares would still be 30%-50% cheaper than that of full-service carriers’.
He added, “We are keen to position Gold Coast as the gateway to Australia as the airport also offers strong domestic connections for low-cost travel to Sydney and Melbourne.”
Azran added Gold Coast was the start of X’s exciting journey to building a strong long haul network. “We believe this endeavour will be another outstanding achievement for Malaysia in establishing its homegrown low coast carrier internationally.”
Gold Coast Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan hailed the move as a major win for international tourism to the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales regions.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Kuala Lumpur is a major hub for AirAsia X with connections from South East Asia, China and India, and the emerging network will open the gates to all of the ASEAN countries and potentially Europe. From an outbound perspective, residents within our catchment area, from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour, will be able to access low cost services directly to Malaysia and beyond.”
Donavan said X would be accommodated in the current terminal building and would move into the airport’s expanded terminal once completed.
Corinne Wan
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