AirAsia X’s inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Sydney service touched down in Sydney this morning, signalling the dawn of a low cost price battle on Asian routes.
The daily A330 service marks an end to more than two years of lobbying the Malaysian Government which had previously banned the low cost carrier from going up against flag bearing Malaysian Airlines on the route.
Prices are now set to tumble as a spate of new air services arrive in the NSW capital.
AirAsia X’s arrival will be followed by fledgling Singaporean carrier Scoot in June, with Tiger Airways set to make Sydney its second Australian base in July, upping pressure on Jetstar.
To celebrate the launch, for the next three days AirAsia X is offering fares of $199 one way on the route for travel between June 26 and September 30, coinciding with Scoot’s launch.
Scoot also recently released an introductory fare of $88 one way which rapidly sold out. Discounts have now been extended to its business class product, priced from SGD321 (AU$246).
Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather welcomed the low cost carriers to the airport.
“Low cost carriers are unlocking new demand to travel, particularly in South East Asia,” she said.
“AirAsia X is the first airline to arrive in Sydney as a result of our partnership with Destination NSW and is proof our proactive approach to attracting new airlines and routes to Sydney is working.”
Meanwhile, state minister for tourism George Souris said the new daily service represents part of an “aggressive” tourism strategy to boost visitor number to the state.
“This service means business for Sydney,” he said. “AirAsia’s network opens up Sydney to over 78 cities – and millions of consumers across Asia.”
Tourism Malaysia believes the new service will see Australian interest in travel to the destination “dramatically increase.”
