AirAsia X today announced the introduction of a new daily service offering Sydneysiders a low cost alternative for flying direct to Kuala Lumpur from April 2.
Sydney will be AirAsia X’s fourth Australian destination in addition to the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth.
AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said Australia was a key market for the carrier and that the Sydney route had long been a priority due to the strong demand for it.
“Our goal has always been to make international travel affordable for everyone and now Sydneysiders can access Kuala Lumpur, which is the gateway to exotic destinations across our growing network at affordable low fares,” he said.
One-way launch fares on the route start from $99 in economy and $499 in premium.
It is the latest development in the airline’s current realignment of its network, with the carrier revealing last week plans to axe its services to India and Europe spurred by high fuel prices and weakening demand for air travel from Europe.
AirAsia X is now increasing the focus on its core markets, with plans to open up new routes within these markets as well as adding frequencies on existing routes.
As part of the announcement, Destination NSW revealed that it would be investing in a two-year marketing and promotion plan for the new route in conjunction with Sydney Airport, Tourism Australia and Air Asia X.
“This daily service will inject nearly $138 million into NSW every year,” state minister for tourism George Souris said.
