Worlds best low cost airlines flies to 1st Middle east destination- Abu dhabi

AirAsia, the World's Best Low-Cost Airline, continues to boost its international connectivity by announcing the launch of its first long haul low cost route into the Middle East between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur; further expanding its already vast network in the region.

This new Kuala Lumpur - Abu Dhabi route, serviced by AirAsia's low-fare long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, will begin on 23 November 2009 with five times weekly flights in time for the peak Haj and Eid-dul Adha travel season. To mark the opening for sale of this new route, AirAsia X is offering an attractive promotional all-in, low fare of AED99 (RM99)* one-way which is exclusively available online via AirAsia's website at www.airasia.com, and via mobile at mobile.airasia.com. Booking period is from 20 August to 26 August 2009, for travel between 23 November 2009 to 31 July 2010.

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani said, "We are ecstatic with our first long haul route into the Middle East from Kuala Lumpur. This clearly indicates that our expansion plans are on track which represents our determination in providing truly low fares on our long-haul, low fare services across the globe. We believe our low fares will help to stimulate and trigger new travel demand, and will help to boost tourism potential on both ends. This is part of our overall strategy in expanding into the Middle East. We see an untapped market which has strong economic potential for the route. Abu Dhabi is the largest city in UAE, with a population of 2 million - in which more than 80% of the populations are frequent traveling expatriates. Hence, we foresee an increasing trend of UAE travelers flying to Malaysia for holidays; tapping into a very lucrative market. There will also be potential demand from Malaysian and ASEAN travelers who dream to experience the wonders of the Middle East for the first time, as it is now so affordable to do so."

"There is no better way than to have low fares to get travelers from Abu Dhabi and the region to see the multi-color cultures of Malaysia, exciting shopping and sample gastronomic cuisines. More importantly, many in the UAE can now come through Kuala Lumpur to connect and feed on AirAsia's incredible route network to ASEAN, India, China, Australia and Europe where we boast to have the biggest connections in South East Asia. AirAsia is committed and poised to position Malaysia as Asia's biggest low cost hub," concludes Azran.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city is a modern and fast moving city and is a thriving metropolis that leads the nation's fast paced development. With its multiracial heritage and blend of cultures, Kuala Lumpur is a grand gateway to a fascinating experience of exotic Asian charm. The landscape of the city is a blend of modernity and traditional charm with spectacular buildings and skyscrapers standing alongside pre-war shop houses and historical structures.

Chairman of ADAC, His Excellency Khalifa Al Mazrouei said, "This new route, which is due to begin in mid-November this year, will help to enhance the Emirate's connectivity to the Far East and beyond. ADAC is very focused on the resident population and at the needs of the local community, and it is apparent that there is a large market for this low cost carrier. South East Asia is one of our largest markets, with 2008 statistics showing a 24 per cent increase in origin and destination passengers from Abu Dhabi to this region. Kuala Lumpur is the third most popular destination and a convenient entry point to the rest of the South East Asia".

"AirAsia X will form an integral part of this ambition and I look forward to a lasting and prosperous partnership into the future," he concluded.

AirAsia celebrated the announcement with an auspicious ceremony at the Shagri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi today graced by Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC); Mr. Ahmed Al Haddabi, Ambassador of Malaysia in UAE; H.E. Dato Yahaya Abdul Jabar and Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA); H.E. Mubarak Hamad Al Muheiri, and AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani. Also present were over 200 guests from the hoteliers, trade and government authorities.

The new route will be serviced by the Airbus A340 aircraft with a 286 passenger capacity including 30 XL seats.

To date, AirAsia X flies to the Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne in Australia, Hangzhou, Tianjin in China, Taipei, London and now Abu Dhabi, bringing the well known brand on to a global stage. AirAsia X covers destinations which are more than four hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur, complementing the existing AirAsia network of over 65 destinations throughout ASEAN, China and India. Via AirAsia's major hubs in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, guests can enjoy unparalleled access to destinations throughout Asia, including Phuket, Borneo, Bali, Angkor Wat, and Ho Chi Minh City.

With excellent air connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur, mutual economic benefits can be expected as AirAsia's low fares and innovative services will definitely stimulate more travel both inbound and outbound from these two destinations. AirAsia's main aim is to establish Kuala Lumpur as a main gateway to other Asean destinations due to AirAsia's immense Asean network. To add value, AirAsia, under GoHoliday at goholiday.airasia.com, has also lined up some great online hotel deals to stretch the dollar where they may choose their holiday lodgings from over 50,000 hotels. We encourage our guests to purchase food, baggage, hot seats online to enjoy more discounts and savings through airasia.com.

*All fares quoted are applicable for one-way travel only

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