AirAsia X eyes Middle East routes

AirAsia X will target "fare-conscious passengers travelling for business or leisure". (Getty Images)

Malaysia-based AirAsia X has confirmed that it will launch flights to destinations in the Middle East in the future.

The low cost carrier, which is set to launch its four times weekly service between Kuala Lumpur's Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) and Australia's Gold Coast International Airport on November 2, is still in negotiations with airports in the Middle East in a bid to find the best value proposition.

"We have yet to confirm our destinations in the Middle East as we are still negotiating with the various airports and will eventually go with the one who provide the most attractive package," said Janet Leow, media relations and communications at Air Asia X.

"We can see so much potential in many cities in the Middle East and India but it all depends on how attractive the package each airport can offer and how much support we can garner for each destination."

Air Asia X will target "fare-conscious passengers travelling for business or leisure, particularly those using Malaysia as a hub to travel to other parts of Asia", she added.

The inaugural flight to Australia will carry 315 passengers, comprising 279 economy seats and 36 premium XL seats, on the airline's Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which arrived earlier this month in LCCT.

According to Leow, Air Asia X flights will be 30% to 50% cheaper than full service carriers.

The airline has also secured the rights to fly to London's Stansted Airport from December 2008.

Local media reported earlier this month that AirAsia X will sell stakes of 10% each to Japan's Orix Group and Bahrain's Perigon Capital for a total of $75 million, aimed at raising funds for its fleet expansion. The deal values the airline at $375 million.

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