More sky for AirAsia X

LOW-cost carrier AirAsia X will increase its flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast by two return flights each week.

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani, says the Gold Coast has become a key market for the airline.

“Despite a shrinking global aviation market, AirAsia X continues to buck the trend by delivering growth on all of our routes,” he says.

“For the Gold Coast market alone, our passenger traffic grew by almost 15 per cent in the first half of 2009 versus the same period in 2008. Contrary to the sceptics, this is not a seasonal holiday route. Loads have been consistently strong year-round and this has given us confidence to increase our capacity by 50 per cent with our two additional weekly flights.”

The Gold Coast route was AirAsia’s inaugural route to Australia, commencing in November 2007.

Gold Coast Airport chief operating officer Paul Donovan, says the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most important destinations for local tourism operators.

“AirAsia X is clearly a very important partner to Gold Coast Airport and our surrounding tourism industry,” says Donovan.

“We look forward to seeing the continued success of the airline on the back of this announcement, in bringing tourists to our local area and also offering more choice for our consumers here to fly direct to Asia from the Gold Coast.”

AirAsia X last month became the first airline in the world to abolish administration fees, making it an even more affordable option for travellers during the current tough economic climate.