AirAsia X to further expand into Middle East

AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, stated the carrier plans to further expand into the Middle East (AFP/Reuters, 12-Oct-2009). The carrier stated it plans to launch services to Jeddah in 2H2010, subject to regulatory approvals, while services to a third non-GCC destination may be launched in 2011.

AirAsia X: "In the three-year horizon, we probably expect to add a couple of airports in the Middle East…Jeddah is a possibility. We would like to get Jeddah…I do think there's scope for a third [Middle East destination]. Probably not next year, but certainly beyond that…There is a lot of room [for a hub] in a non-Gulf, non-Saudi area. Assuming we get a good airport deal and get planes we would add a third destination in 2011," Azran Osman-Rani, CEO. Source: Reuters, 12-Oct-2009.