AirAsia plans to expand services to India and China

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes stated the carrier will target India and northern China from Bangkok because the city is closer to these markets than Kuala Lumpur (Bloomberg, 28-Jun-2011). The move will help keep flight times under three hours, the company's preferred model, according to Mr Fernandes. Thai AirAsia's CEO Tassapon Bijleveld recently stated the unit was likely to increase its fleet to as many as 70 aircraft from 20 to support expansion in the countries. Thai AirAsia may add as many as six destinations in India and boost its China network by a similar number.