In news sure to shake up the travel industry in this sector, Asian long haul budget carrier AirAsia X has become the first low-cost service on the continent to receive clearance for regularly scheduled passenger flights to the USA.
To now, the only other budget carrier in the broader Australasian market to offer flights to the US has been Jetstar’s service between Australia and Hawaii – however this new service from AirAsia X will provide an option for Australian travellers – as well as any using the AirAsia and AirAsiaX service around the Asian region – to connect to the US through Kuala Lumpur on the budget flights.
No specifics have been announced in terms of routes, though the airline has confirmed that it is considering “several US states including Hawaii as part of its route expansion plans”.
AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said of the announcement, “This is a major milestone for AirAsia X. Our expansion up until now has concentrated on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, and we are excited about our first foray into an entirely new market as we look beyond Asia Pacific.”
“I’m confident travellers will respond well to our award-winning service and the kind of connectivity we can offer with our Fly-Thru product. As part of our expansion plans, we are also looking to resume our very popular London route, and are working towards securing the necessary approvals.”
The potential of resuming the London route will also be welcome news for Australian passengers. AirAsia Group currently travels to over 120 destinations in Asia Pacific, including some 60 unique routes within the Asean region. More on the new services as they are announced!
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