AirAsia X celebrates inaugural flight to Chengdu, China from Kuala Lumpur
20-Oct-2009 AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline today celebrates its maiden flight to Chengdu from Kuala Lumpur with a big celebration upon arrival at the Chengdu International Airport. This new service is operated by AirAsia X, the low cost long-haul airline affiliate of AirAsia. AirAsia X continues to aggressively expand its China network by launching four direct weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, further strengthening its already vast network to China.
The inaugural flight took off from Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) Kuala Lumpur at 09:00 and landed in Chengdu International Airport at 13:40. Mr. Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X was onboard the maiden flight with 378 guests and represented AirAsia at the momentous inaugural flight ceremony at the Chengdu International airport. Present at the function were representatives from Chengdu Tourism and Tourism Malaysia Bureau, several Hangzhou airport and government representatives, and over 80 local and foreign media members.
Azran Osman Rani said at the press conference, "With Chengdu now added on to our network, AirAsia is unlocking the potential of travel to the western territories of China and further boost our vast network in China with more than 160 flights weekly. AirAsia has already recorded an overwhelming load for the route from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, as the city being the capital of Sichuan Province in the People's Republic of China has become increasingly popular among overseas visitors. We are promoting Chengdu as a gateway to Tibet, which its capital Lhasa is home to the historical center of Tibetan Buddhism and famous Potala Palace. Chengdu, well known for its interesting sites and attractions such as Wide and Narrow Cultural Street, Dujiangyan water irrigation system and Tea Houses at Chun Xi Road, the city is also well known as the home of the Giant Pandas.
"We also look forward to draw more international and regional guests to China using Kuala Lumpur as its connecting gateway. Through AirAsia's eight major hubs (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali and Bandung), stretching across 20 countries and over 130 routes, we offer the most extensive route network in the region hence AirAsia guests will enjoy seamless access in the region and beyond including routes serviced by AirAsia's long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X."