Air Asia, the popular low cost Malaysian carrier plans to launch their first Japan route this December. The long-haul division, called Air Asia X, will be operating three weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
Government regulations regarding air travel in Japan have always been strict and Air Asia X will be the first foreign budget airline authorized to use Haneda. Haneda has been undergoing quite a redesign as other carriers are preparing to ramp up operations in and out of Haneda in October when a new terminal and 4th runway opens.
Even carriers like Delta are preparing to operate flights in and out of Haneda as it is considered more convenient than Narita. Transportation from Haneda is a mere 30 minutes into Tokyo itself versus the hour plus it can take from Narita.
Right now, Air Asia X is offering discounted opening fares, with one-way tickets from Japan as low as 5,000 yen, or $58. Current fares for the same route can exceed 200,000 yen.
"As far as other airports in Japan, yes, we remain very interested," Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani told a news conference. "We could operate at least three different airports over ... a couple of years."
The Air Asia group currently has 94 aircraft and plans to expand their fleet and add routes. They have placed an order for 25 Airbus A330s and 10 A350s. They plan to introduce new routes in the Middle East and Europe as well.
Air Asia X is an affiliate of Air Asia and Virgin, which was launched in January 2007. They have common shareholders including Air Asia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes.
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