AirAsia X plans ambitious network expansion in first year route revival

AirAsia X is preparing to take major steps in its network recovery, as it boosts its route total to seven and signals its intention to add more destinations - including London - later this year.

The latest announcements give the clearest indication yet of what the new iteration of AirAsia X will look like.

The Malaysian medium and long haul LCC grounded all its operations early in the COVID-19 pandemic and underwent a significant restructuring to survive. The airline's strategy shows that it still has ambitious network plans following its revival.

It has returned with a pared-down fleet and order book. The airline has been back and forth on whether it would follow through on its initial goal to fly true long haul routes outside Asia-Pacific, but has now confirmed that it will pursue such services - in addition to key routes within the region.