Decade of Xcellence: AirAsia X reaffirms commitment to affordable long-haul travel for Australians

GOLD COAST, 26 October 2017 - Award-winning long-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X celebrates its 10th anniversary milestone today on the Gold Coast in Australia, which was the maiden destination of AirAsia X one decade ago on 2 November 2007. An aircraft painted with a special commemoration livery was received at Gold Coast International Airport by senior executives of AirAsia X, Gold Coast Airport Limited and Tourism Events Queensland, followed by an exclusive industry event.

AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said, “This 10th anniversary is definitely a memorable milestone for all of us at AirAsia X. For an airline that many thought wouldn’t succeed in the beginning, we have sure have a lot to celebrate after 10 amazing years. We have grown from strength to strength since our inception in 2007, having flown over 30 million guests to over 25 destinations in different regions including Australia and the US, whilst at the same time forming the most extensive flight network of over 125 destinations in Asia and beyond with our short-haul affiliate AirAsia to serve a broader spectrum of guests, making us one of the largest airline groups in the world.

“As we receive more wide-body aircraft over the next few years, route network expansion becomes even more crucial and we will definitely be launching more exciting long-haul destinations to stimulate travel demand. This is what we do best, connecting our guests to different parts of the world at one of the lowest fares on one of the world’s youngest Airbus fleet. It has been a fantastic decade for AirAsia X, and we owe it all to our supportive guests and dedicated employee ‘Allstars’. Now everyone can fly extra-long, and that is a promise we intend to keep,” added Datuk Kamarudin.

AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year on the Gold Coast. AirAsia X has delivered a commendable performance over the past 10 years, flying more than 12 million passengers between Australia and Asia, and we intend to continue for many more years to come. Our growth focus will be on tapping underserved markets and high traffic routes. Leveraging on the group advantage, and dynamic pricing that we have as our core drivers in bringing the company forward, we promise to deliver not just low fares but better connectivity within our region and beyond for our guests to enjoy. A big thank you to all our guests, our industry partners such as Gold Coast Airport, Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Events Queensland, and my fellow Allstars for being part of these 10 exciting years.”

Gold Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said AirAsia X became the airport’s first long-haul international carrier to Asia when they commenced 10 years ago.

“That was a game changing moment for us and the start of a close relationship with AirAsia X over the next 10 years,” Mr Mills said.

“It gave Gold Coasters an affordable and convenient travel option to Asia and just as importantly, put the growing Asian market in easy reach of us.

“The addition of Auckland services in 2016 bolstered Air Asia X’s commitment to the Gold Coast and strengthened our low-cost connectivity to destinations across the Asia-Pacific.”

AirAsia X Group has a firm order of 66 A330neo aircraft to be delivered from 2018 through to 2027. Together with AirAsia Group, the airline groups have close to 500 aircraft on firm order with Airbus, making the airline groups one of the largest Airbus operators in the world.

To commemorate this Xciting milestone, and to thank Australia for their continued support, the airline will have 10th anniversary surprises for some lucky passengers on 2 November 2017, including the chance to win return flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

AirAsia X will also run a special anniversary promotion with all-in fares from $120* one-way for standard seats, and from $400* one-way for our award-winning Premium Flatbed for travel to our top destinations in Asia such as New Delhi, Taipei, Jakarta, Beijing, Shanghai and more. Fares are available on airasia.com for booking now until 29 October 2017 for travel from 1 May 2017 until 21 November 2018.

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 125 destinations across 25 countries. AirAsia X flies 14 times a week from the Gold Coast to Auckland and Asia via Kuala Lumpur. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. A non-refundable processing fee is applicable for payments via credit, debit or charge card. Fare includes airport taxes (except for selected airports where airport tax is collected at the point of departure). Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Valid for new purchases only. All fares are quoted for single journey (one-way) only. All taxes must be paid at the time of purchase unless otherwise stated. Foreign fares are subjected to currency exchange rates. Offer is subject to availability.