Asian low-cost carrier announces first Mideast route

Low-cost carrier AirAsia X has announced its first destination to the Middle East with a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi starting later this year.

The first flight is scheduled for November 23 and the route will be served by an Airbus A340-300, it was announced at a press conference in the UAE capital on Wednesday.

A statement by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company said the new route will improve the Emirate’s links to the Far East.

“Abu Dhabi continues to increase connectivity and the range and breadth of services we offer to our local community, as well as our customers from further afield,” said Mohammed Al Bulooki, vice president of airline marketing and aeronautical revenue, ADAC.

The route will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO, said: “This is part of our overall strategy in expanding into the Middle East. We see an untapped market which has strong economic potential for the route.”

AirAsia X launched in 2007 with four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast in Australia. The airline has since extended its network and now operates a fleet of five aircraft: three Airbus A330-300 and two Airbus A340-300 with firm orders for another 33 aircraft.