Kuala Lumpur, 5 January 2007 – Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) today announced the launch of AirAsia X, which will be one of the first in the world in tailoring the low cost model for long haul travel. The launch of AirAsia X will change the way passengers are able to travel long haul as it will provide greater options and affordability to the travelling public. AirAsia X will fast track Malaysia into the global low cost travel hub when it commences operations in July 2007 from the low cost terminal in KLIA.
The launch of AirAsia X was officiated today by Y.B. Dato` Sri Chan Kong Choy, Minister of Transport Malaysia and was also graced by Y. B. Dato’ Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Minister of Tourism Malaysia.
“I congratulate Dato’ Tony and his team on being one of the first global innovative pioneers of the long haul low cost airline model and for their continued drive and innovation to make KLIA the global hub for low cost travel. The launch of this venture during Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is timely and will provide another useful platform in connecting Malaysia to the world. The Malaysian government is proud of this world class achievement,” said Y.B. Dato` Sri Chan Kong Choy, Minister of Transport Malaysia.
During the launch ceremony, FAX also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AirAsia, Asia’s leading and largest low cost airline. The MOU will allow AirAsia to franchise its internationally recognized brand to FAX, the operator of AirAsia X.
AirAsia X’s network focus will cover destinations which are more than 4 hours in flight duratioin from Kuala Lumpur, offering daily point-to-point frequencies to popular destination in China, India and Europe. AirAsia X will also tie up with LCC partners at destinations in order to increase connectivity and route network.
In terms of fleet, AirAsia X is currently finalizing its requirements, and aircrafts under consideration include Boeing 777-300ER’s and Airbus 330-300‘s.
“AirAsia X will offer an innovative product offering, ensuring passengers will enjoy a level of comfort and convenience suited for long haul travel.” said Dato’ Tony Fernandes, director and founder of FAX.
“We are excited with the opportunities and potential within the long haul low cost travel market. Customers can expect exciting and unbelievably low fares for their long haul travel, due to the significant cost saving opportunities within the long haul low cost business model. We believe this venture will be another world class achievement for Malaysia. Equally important, we intend to be the first in the world to make a success of this model” said Raja Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of FAX.
”While AirAsia and AirAsia X will be 2 separate legal entities and have separate management teams, I believe AirAsia X and AirAsia will have a symbiotic relationship. Both carriers will enhance the feed of passengers into each others operations, and ensure passengers enjoy a seamless experience when flying with both carriers. We intend to leverage from the global popularity of AirAsia in creating the awareness of AirAsia X.” added Dato’ Tony.
“We are proud in being able to continue to lead and revolutionise the aviation industry in Asia, just as we did with AirAsia. Ultimately, the launch of AirAsia X will bring independence to the long haul low cost traveller, by providing a choice of service for their long haul travel requirements. We continue to be thankful for the support from the Malaysian Government, and will intend to realise its vision in creating world class companies which compete successfully within the global arena.” concluded Dato’ Tony Fernandes. About FlyAsianXpress Fly Asia Xpress (FAX), an independent company operating turbo prop air services, was borne out of the recent rationalization to take over the Rural Air Service (RAS) routes to provide inter and intra state flight connectivity among all major cities in East Malaysia.
Based out of Miri, FAX operates with a fleet of seven (7) Fokker 50s (50 seats) and five (5) Twin Otters (19 seats) with a network distribution of 22 routes and 104 flights daily within Sabah and Sarawak.
