AirAsia, the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, has launched its first long haul low cost route into the Middle East between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur.

This new Kuala Lumpur – Abu Dhabi route, serviced by AirAsia’s low-fare long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, will begin on November 23, 2009 with five times weekly flights in time for the peak Haj and Eid Al-Adha travel season.

To mark the opening for sale of this new route, AirAsia X is offering an attractive promotional all-in, low fare of Dh99 ($27) one-way. Booking period is from August 20 to 26 for travel between November 23, 2009 to July 31, 2010.

“We are ecstatic with our first long haul route into the Middle East from Kuala Lumpur,” said Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO.

“This clearly indicates that our expansion plans are on track which represents our determination in providing truly low fares on our long-haul, low fare services across the globe. We believe our low fares will help to stimulate and trigger new travel demand, and will help to boost tourism potential on both ends.”

“This is part of our overall strategy in expanding into the Middle East,” Osman-Rani continued. “We see an untapped market which has strong economic potential for the route.  Abu Dhabi is the largest city in UAE, with a population of 2 million – in which more than 80 per cent of the populations are frequent traveling expatriates.”

“Hence, we foresee an increasing trend of UAE travelers flying to Malaysia for holidays; tapping into a very lucrative market. There will also be potential demand from Malaysian and ASEAN travelers who dream to experience the wonders of the Middle East for the first time, as it is now so affordable to do so.”

“There is no better way than to have low fares to get travelers from Abu Dhabi and the region to see the multi-color cultures of Malaysia, exciting shopping and sample gastronomic cuisines. More importantly, many in the UAE can now come through Kuala Lumpur to connect and feed on AirAsia's incredible route network to ASEAN, India, China, Australia and Europe where we boast to have the biggest connections in South East Asia. AirAsia is committed and poised to position Malaysia as Asia's biggest low cost hub,” concluded Osman-Rani.

Khalifa Al Mazrouei, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac), said, “This new route, which is due to begin in mid-November this year, will help to enhance the Emirate’s connectivity to the Far East and beyond.

“Adac is very focused on the resident population and at the needs of the local community, and it is apparent that there is a large market for this low cost carrier.”

“South East Asia is one of our largest markets, with 2008 statistics showing a 24 per cent increase in origin and destination passengers from Abu Dhabi to this region. Kuala Lumpur is the third most popular destination and a convenient entry point to the rest of the South East Asia,” he concluded.

The new route will be serviced by the Airbus A340 aircraft with a 286 passenger capacity including 30 XL seats. – TradeArabia News Service