Air Asia X re-aligns network to focus on core markets

In a move to focus on its core markets, Air Asia X has announced it will be withdrawing services to India, (Mumbai and Delhi) and Europe (Paris and London from its Kuala Lumpur hub.

For India the following changes will be made, Mumbai- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 January, 2012 and New Delhi- Daily services will be suspended with the last flight on 22 March, additionally flights in March will be reduced to four weekly services.

For Europe, London six weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 March, 2012
Paris- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 30 March, 2012.

The carrier will offer passengers who hold bookings after these dates an alternative travel option at no additional cost.

Affected guests will be notified by e-mail with a list of options available to them, including a full refund, a reroute to another Air Asia X destination or a move to an alternative carrier where possible.

AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said the airline remains focused on maintaining its global leadership position in the low cost, long-haul segment.

Mr Azran said the carrier will concentrate on its core markets of Australasia, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea were they intend to open new routes as well as new frequencies on existing ones.

“The implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme and the escalating Air Passenger Duty taxes in UK, which will rise yet again in April 2012, has forced our decision to withdraw our services to Europe.” Mr Azran said

“As for Delhi and Mumbai, the continued visa restrictions for travel between India and Malaysia, and the increase in airport and handling charges have resulted in a structure not conducive to the low cost model.”

Mr Azran added that the airline is hopeful in reinstating services to India once these structural issues can be resolved.