AirAsia X announces Christchurch, New Zealand as its next destination

KUALA LUMPUR – AirAsia X, the Malaysian-based long-haul, low-fare airline, today announces its latest international route from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, New Zealand; the fifteenth destination for the airline after destinations in Australia, India, Taiwan, China, UK, Korea, Japan, Tehran and soon France.

AirAsia X will extend its network deep into the southern hemisphere with four non-stop weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch from 1 April, 2011. Christchurch will be the tourism gateway to New Zealand’s South Island and Kuala Lumpur will be the tourism gateway to South East Asia and beyond.

To mark the opening for sale of the new route, AirAsia X is offering an unbelievable promotional all-in fare from as low as RM199 one way from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch for the booking period from 3 to 5 December, 2010 (Booking starts 12:00 noon New Zealand and 07:00 am Malaysia) for the travel period from 1 April to 10 November, 2011.

Promotional seats are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively available online via www.airasia.com.

Tourism New Zealand welcomed AirAsia X’s announcement today at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur with the presence of His Excellency Mr. David Kersey, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia; Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Founder of AirAsia X and Group CEO of AirAsia, and delegates from the trade industry, media, hoteliers and tourism authorities. Present from Tourism New Zealand was Mr. Mark Frood, Tourism New Zealand General Manager Asian Markets.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said: “AirAsia X flights will open up routes and connectivity to New Zealand not just from Malaysia, but from India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, China and London via AirAsia X’s Kuala Lumpur hub.”

“This announcement is great news for AirAsia and AirAsia X customers and great news for New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand welcomes the increased connectivity to the world this new service will provide. We have strong growth in demand from South East Asia and this new service will go a long way to fulfilling this increased interest in visiting our stunning country.” Kevin Bowler said.

At the launch in Kuala Lumpur, Tourism New Zealand Asia General Manager Mark Frood welcomed the new service saying it would make New Zealand and its beautiful South Island more accessible for a new group of visitors, including younger travellers and small groups.

“New Zealand’s South Island offers huge diversity from the beautiful city of Christchurch itself, to the rugged West Coast, Southern Lakes mountains, Fiordland sounds, glaciers and whale watching up to the sunny reaches of Nelson and the wine regions of Marlborough. There is so much for visitors to enjoy,” Mark Frood said. In the last 12 months until Oct2010, New Zealand welcomed 20,784 Malaysian visitors (up 6.9%), 30,839 Singaporean visitors (up 7.1%), 28,421 Indian visitors (up 16%) and 21,052 Thai visitors (up 7.1%).

Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernnades, Founder of AirAsia X, said “We are pleased with this achievement. 2010 has been a busy year for AirAsia X with the launch of six new destinations in India, Korea, Japan, Tehran and France. AirAsia X’s commencement of four weekly services to Christchurch, New Zealand, from Kuala Lumpur is a new addition to our long haul network and will be the sixth destination announced this year. We are pleased that we have finally announced this route and Christchurch, as the South Island’s largest city, is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. Rich in heritage, sophistication and a sense of adventure with an unforgettable scenic experience, Christchurch represents an important feeder market into our growing international network.The four times weekly flight will strengthen our business and tourism links with New Zealand, adding real convenience and providing affordable international travel for everyone.”

“AirAsia X’s direct connection will be able to stimulate new travel demands and further tap the markets of 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, which 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 both in New Zealand and Malaysia,” concluded Tony Fernandes.

Guests flying on this new route will have the chance to experience the new comfortable ‘Premium FlatBed seats’ on the brand new A330 aircraft. The flatbed seats have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in the full recline position. The seats feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. This new improvement offers unmatched comfort to the guests and positions AirAsia as the market leader, further bolstering the brand as the epitome of innovation and excellence.

Source: AirAsia X