Air Asia X - Cheap Flights Asia to Australia, UK and Europe
| Air Asia X is a long-haul budget airline that launched flights in November 2007 and may have a big impact on the air travel market in the coming years. Air Asia X is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and flies to cities in Australia and China with plans to serve India, the Middle-East, UK and Europe... |
Air Asia X has evolved from budget short-haul carrier Air Asia and its subsidiary Fly Asian Xpress. Air Asia is based in Malaysia and is listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. It has satellite operations in Thailand and Indonesia and carries around 10 million passengers annually. It has a current fleet of 66 aircraft (Boeing and Airbus) - with a large order placed with Airbus for more aircraft deliveries over the next few years.
Air Asia X has ordered a total of 25 new Airbus A330s for the long haul operation. Air Asia X services are as follows:
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Gold Coast (OOL), Australia - The was the first Air Asia X flight route and took off on November 2nd 2007 using a leased aircraft. Flights D7 2702 / 2703 operate 4 times a week.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Hangzhou (HGH), China - This 5-times-weekly service was started in February 2008.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Perth (PER), Western Australia - 6-times-weekly service will start in November 2008 going up to daily service from March 2009.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Melbourne (MEL), Australia - This 4-x-weekly operation is also due to start in November 2008, going up to daily by March 2009.
In general prices come in at around half the price of the major carriers. A typical return journey from Australia costs around AU$ 600 / MYR 1,600 (approximately US$ 525) including taxes. Note, this is not as cheap as many expected but it does undercut Qantas Jetstar's current lowest fare (circa AU$ 800) from Sydney to KL.
However there have been some one-way 'promo' fares for AU$ 199 all in.
On top of that you do have to pay for extras: checked luggage will cost from AU$ 7 / MYR 20 for 1-15kg - and innovatively, higher weight bands in 5 kg increments will cost successively more - with 36-40kg coming in at a hefty AU$ 182. A meal will cost AU$ 7 / MYR 20, as will a 'comfort kit'. You will also pay extra for advanced seat assignment and in-flight entertainment.
There is a Premium Economy XL section with 38" seat pitch which is priced from aound AU $1,500 / MYR 3,209 return.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London Stansted (STN) - Air Asia X plans to start non-stop flights to London sometime between March and June 2009. It has earmarked an Airbus A340-300 for the route. This aircraft will carry 386 passengers including 58 in a premium economy section which is claimed will have a generous 50" pitch. Prices for standard economy from London to KUL will be around £350 return. Flights from Australia to London could be around AU$ 1,000 return.
Other destinations being considered in Europe are Manchester, Prague and Moscow. Expansion of the network is expected in Australia with Newcastle and Adelaide further possibilities (Sydney is deemed to costly to serve). Wide and extensive coverage is expected throughout Asia and the Middle East: Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Amristar, and various cities in China and Japan.
Once the full route network is established it will provide some cheap flight opportunities not only to Asia but also between UK / Europe and Australia for business and leisure travellers.
From Kuala Lumpur passengers will be also able to connect on to Air Asia's short-haul network around South-East Asia.
Back in August 2007 Virgin's Richard Branson took a 16% stake in the new airline which means closer co-operation with Australia's Virgin Blue and other Virgin airlines could be on the cards.
Watch prices carefully from Air Asia X and competing airlines (particularly Qantas, Jetstar and Malaysian) - some bargain fare deals could be had. Try to book as far in advance on Air Asia X and take advantage of cheaper deals in mid-week and special offer fares.
If you are serious about flying long haul but only have an economy budget then you should invest in the:
Ultimate Airfares & Upgrades Guide - This special guide includes a many top tips and strategies for finding the world's very lowest airfares. You will also discover how to get unlimited free stopovers on your flight, a little known way to fly round-the-world only on budget airlines, info on free airline upgrades to business class plus much, much more. This could be your passport to luxury first class travel.
Air Travel Articles & Resources > Budget Airline Flying > Air Asia X
Articles | Site Map | Legal Disclaimer | © 2005-2008 AirTravelGenius.com