AirAsia X multi-hub strategy to shake up Thailand market from early 2014. Is Indonesia next?

AirAsia X's new affiliate in Thailand is gearing up to launch services in early 2014 with an initial fleet of two A330-300s and an initial network of three destinations. At least one destination in Australia and North Asia is expected to be served from a base at Bangkok's Don Muang Airport.

Thai AirAsia X (TAAX) is one of three new low-cost carriers in Thailand but is strategically well positioned as it will be the country's first medium/long-haul LCC. It will also have the advantage of being on the receiving end of Thailand's largest short-haul LCC, Thai AirAsia.

TAAX will be the first of potentially several new joint venture carriers from Malaysia-based AirAsia X, which is using proceeds from a Jun-2013 IPO to accelerate expansion in line with a new multi-hub strategy. Indonesia is in line to host the second AirAsia X affiliate, potentially launching by the end of 2014 with a base in Bali. The Philippines for now is not being considered for an AirAsia X affiliate, although it remains a long-term possibility.