AirAsia X flys into Sydney

AirAsia touches down in Sydney

New AirAsia X flights between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur are expected boost tourism into NSW, according to Minister for Tourism George Souris.

Launching flights between the two destinations yesterday, Mr Souris said the flights meant “business for Sydney”, opening Australia up to the airline’s network with up to 78 cities.

“The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is committed to growing affordable aviation services to Sydney so more visitors can experience Australia’s most dynamic cultural and business city,” Mr Souris said.

Announced in January, the new service opens the door for travel, trade and tourism between Australia and Malaysia.

AirAsia forecast to operate out of five Australian cities in five years and with the commencement of flights to and from Sydney, the airline is just one city short of fulfilling its affirmation.

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani was amongst the first passengers to fly from KL to Sydney and was delighted with the opportunities this new venture presented.

“AirAsia X’s presence inSydney is a game changer which will deliver more competitive fares and choice for Sydneysiders.

“We are delighted with the response to the Sydney service and have recorded strong forward sales since we open the route for sale in January. We’ve also seen a solid show of support from international travellers from key international markets such as Malaysia and China keen to fly to Sydney to enjoy all it has to offer,” Mr Osman-Rani said.

According to the airline’s head, the new route encompasses an ongoing strategy placing emphasis on its core markets of Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, China and Iran.

AirAsia X is also releasing Fly-Thru promotional services, offering seamless connections to popular Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Medan to name a few.

Sydney Airport CEO, Kerrie Mather also praised the arrival of AirAsia X services to Sydney.

“AirAsia X offers a great product and even more choice for travellers.”

The Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 12 premium flatbed seats and 365 economy seats will be used for the Sydney-KL route.

Image Source: AirAsia