Nevermind 2017, it seems that you might be able to score that AirAsia X flight to Hawaii sooner than you had initially expected! The long haul arm of Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd plans to launch its first US flights in November, with the drop in fuel prices helping revive a push into intercontinental service that the airline curtailed 3 years ago.
For starters, AirAsia X will kick off with 4 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu on 1st November, according to a regulatory filing published Monday (6th April), with a refueling stop in Osaka. The planned Honolulu flights would be the first direct service between Malaysia and Hawaii.
Also announced by AirAsia Bhd boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes himself, AirAsia X has plans for a destination in Europe, but he has declined to elaborate further. He did say, however, that “it’s going to be a very sexy route”.
AirAsia X abandoned flights between the Malaysian capital and London and Paris in 2012 because of soaring fuel prices. But now, with declining global oil prices, longer haul international flights will make a comeback. “We have to go back to Europe. By being in Europe and the United States, it would change the brand profile quite dramatically,” he told reporters after the launching of Wisma Tune.
AirAsia X currently serves 18 cities in Asia and Australasia, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a fleet of 23 Airbus Group NV A330 jets.
Meanwhile, AirAsia X group chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the airline was working on streamlining its operations, managing capacity and reducing cost. He said the airline had since February embarked on an internal restructuring exercise.
On Monday (6th April), AirAsia X’s share price closed one sen lower at 45 sen, giving it a market capitalisation of RM1.07bil.
Year-to-date, its share price has fallen almost 30% from 64.5 sen. AirAsia’s share price closed one sen lower at RM2.28.
Regardless, where do you guys think this “Europe destination” would be? Rather, what/where are you hoping for? Share your thoughts in the comments box below!
Sources: WSJ, The Star Online.
