AirAsia X protests blocking of Sydney route with message on new A330
AirAsia X has painted the livery of its newest A330, with a silhouette of the Sydney Opera House and the message, "Liberate Sydney. End the monopoly", in protest against the Malaysian Government delaying approval for the carrier to launch Sydney services (Travel Mole, 07-Oct-2010/The Australian, 08-Oct-2010). The aircraft has been deployed on Melbourne and Gold Coast services.
AirAsia X: "There is an immense demand for capacity on that route but the only thing holding us back from launching direct services is government approval from Malaysia. We hope this paint job comes through loud and clear because we will keep fighting the good fight until we get the go-ahead to fly to Sydney," Azran Osman-Rani, CEO. Source: Travel Mole, 07-Oct-2010.
AirAsia X: "And that means we won't give up. Sydneysiders deserve greater choice and an end to the monopoly on the route by government-owned carrier Malaysia Airlines," Darren Wright, Head of Commercial Operations. Source: Travel Mole, 07-Oct-2010.