Jim Boult, Azran Osman-Rani and Bob Parker launch Air Asia X's Christchurch service
The lowest long-haul international air fares ever seen in New
Zealand go on sale this Friday with the launch of low-cost airline
AirAsia X.
The Malaysia-based carrier today announced introductory $99
one-way direct flights from Christchurch to Malaysia which, when
combined with its regular Kuala Lumpur to London or Paris fares,
means Kiwis will be able to fly to Europe for around $1000 return.
Promotional fares can be even lower.*
"Long haul air travel is now accessible to the average New
Zealander," says CEO Azran Osman-Rani. "Our average fares are
always the lowest in the market.
"AirAsia X's direct connection will be able to stimulate new
travel demands, particularly from young working adults and
families, to travel to Malaysia and thereafter use Kuala Lumpur as
a gateway to over 139 routes in South East Asia that includes
regional ASEAN cities or long-haul sectors serviced by AirAsia X.
We anticipate that this new route will be able to tap first time
travellers to and from Christchurch, which will significantly
contribute to tourism growth in both New Zealand and Malaysia,"
concluded Osman-Rani.
AirAsia X offers flights between Christchurch and Kuala
Lumpur commencing 1 April 2011. Tickets go on sale
at www.airasia.com
from midday December 3rd to December
5thor until fares are sold out, for flights from April
1st - November 2011.
AirAsia X flies to 13 other destinations in Australia, UK /
Europe, China, Korea, India, Iran, Japan and Taiwan, while its
affiliate - AirAsia - flies to all the ASEAN cities and
destinations in South East Asia.
Wellington-based aviation consultant Gordon Bevan says this
means New Zealanders will now be able to reach many destinations
with fewer stops, and at prices that are typically 20-40 per cent
cheaper than those offered by other airlines. "AirAsia offers a
much wider, much broader network from Asia than our existing
carriers. People will be able to 'try things out' because it's so
much cheaper - you can go lots of places from KL for NZ$50."
For travellers wanting extra services, AirAsia X promotional
premium fares - Christchurch to Malaysia - with flatbed seats will
be $890 one-way.
Part-owned by Richard Branson, AirAsia X is one of the fastest
growing airlines in the world. Its philosophy of 'Now Everyone
Can Fly' is dedicated to making travel more affordable
and accessible to all. Tourism New Zealand says AirAsia X will
bring many new travellers to New Zealand, boosting inbound
traveller numbers by over 30,000 per year.
The airline launched services to the Gold Coast in 2007 and
within the first 12 months demand grew by 46 per cent - 23 times
faster than overall Queensland international market growth**. By
opening up more international opportunities, feedback is that
locals have adopted AirAsia X 'as their own'. From an initial four
flights a week, AirAsia X has increased its capacity to daily
flights.
Analysis of AirAsia X's impact since it launched in Australia
three years ago indicates there will likely be a 35-53 per cent
increase in New Zealanders travelling from Christchurch to
Malaysia**. It's expected that the airline will be popular with New
Zealanders travelling to destinations such as Bali, and to Phuket
and Krabi in Thailand.
"There is plenty of room in the market for AirAsia X to
operate alongside the established providers such as Singapore
Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand," says Christchurch
International Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult. "The AirAsia
network is so extensive it's going to introduce New Zealand to
passengers that the existing airlines don't tap into. AirAsia
targets mostly high-growth markets whose populations are rapidly
developing an appetite for travel."
* All flights are subject to regulatory
approval.
** Statistics sourced from the Australian Government's
Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
1 April, 2011
Flights From
|
Departure/ Arrival
|
Flight No.
|
Frequency
|
Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch
|
08:55/00:10 (+1)
|
D7 2754
|
Friday
|
Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur
|
01:25/07:45
|
D7 2755
|
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
|
3 April to 24 September,
2011
Flights From
|
Departure/ Arrival
|
Flight No.
|
Frequency
|
Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch
|
08:55/23:10
|
D7 2754
|
Friday, Sunday
|
Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur
|
01:25/07:45
|
D7 2755
|
Monday, Saturday
|
Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch
|
23:40/13:55 (+1)
|
D7 2756
|
Monday, Wednesday
|
Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur
|
15:10/22:30
|
D7 2757
|
Tuesday, Thursday
|