AirAsia X begins flights to Busan, stays positive on Asian expansion

0

ASIAN EXPANSION: AirAsia X’s Rafidah Aziz, Azran Osman-Rani, director Datuk Fam Lee Ee and senior management of AirAsia X were among the delegates who took the first flight into Busan. Fernandes along with Ji Sung Park, were among the few who received the inaugural flight at Gimhae International Airport Busan.

KUCHING: AirAsia X Bhd (AirAsia X), the Malaysian-based long-haul, low-fare airline affiliate of the AirAsia Group Bhd (AirAsia Group), yesterday touched down Gimhae International Airport, Busan with 86 per cent passenger load on its inaugural flight to the city from Kuala Lumpur Low Cost Carrier Terminal (KLIA-LCCT).

A press statement by AirAsia X said Busan marks the airline’s second destination point next to Seoul in South Korea, and is the first direct flight connecting the two cities.

AirAsia X is commencing four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Busan on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft with seat configuration of 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy seats.

Chairman of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said, “AirAsia X’s presence in Busan is our dedication to the Asia Pacific region; as we focus in our core markets in expanding our passenger base.

“We believe through our hub in Kuala Lumpur and hubs in countries where the AirAsia Group have been established, that we would together stimulate new travel demands from Busan city and its surrounding regions and vice versa.”

Meanwhile, AirAsia X co-founder and director Tan Sri Tony Fernandes highlighted, “We remain positive and will focus in building our market leadership position in Korea.

“The addition of Busan is clearly a step forward. Guests travelling to Busan, may also use Busan as a gateway to the popular Jeju Island which is just an hour away by flight.”

The inaugural celebration took place at Paradise hotel with the attendance of the media, airport, tourism, government representatives and business partners.

AirAsia X was represented by Rafidah Aziz, Fernandes, AirAsia X chief executive officerAzran Osman-Rani, and international football icon Ji Sung Park.

“Our launch today (July 15) with the presence of Ji Sung Park is part of our aggressive marketing strategy to further enhance our brand image and presence in Korea.

With the rise of low cost carriers in the Asia Pacific region, we need to remain creative and innovative and ensure we do things differently to stay in the forefront of competitors,” concluded Fernandes.