AirAsia Malaysia Expands Flights to China
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AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has resumed flights to China and unveiled its plans for the country.
The popular low cost carrier will resume four China destinations from two hubs – Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu to Macao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Kunming, with a total of 10 flights weekly and plans to increase the frequency by up to 27 flights weekly in March.
The first flight to/from China recommenced on 10 February 2023 to/from Guangzhou with strong load factors both ways.
Complementing the resumption of the short-haul destinations, AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) will reconnect Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chengdu with 10 flights weekly starting 1 March 2023.
“China is an integral market for AirAsia Aviation Group, where we were the largest international low-cost carrier by capacity pre-pandemic,” said Riad Asmat, AirAsia Malaysia CEO. “Based on the impressive load factor of our inaugural flight to/from Guangzhou, the restart of our services will not only provide greater value and accessibility to essential travellers from Malaysia and tourists from China but will significantly boost tourism, trade and economic growth in both countries.”
AirAsia Malaysia operates flights with Airbus A320 aircraft while AirAsia X Malaysia operates Airbus A330 aircraft featuring flatbed seats in its premium cabin.
Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia X Malaysia CEO, said, “China will be our next primary market focus as we resume our growth strategy flying our most popular and profitable routes. We have witnessed tremendous success with our services to China in the past where we carried over 1.8 million guests to/from China in 2019 alone. We believe the recommencement of our services to China will be popular for business travellers, international students, those visiting family and relatives as well as stimulating regional demand between two large markets through great value airfares and services.”
As the entry to China is currently limited to certain visas, travellers are advised to always check the very latest travel requirements of the country they are travelling to.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific cities in China are AirAsia Malaysia resuming flights to from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu?
Which specific cities in China are AirAsia Malaysia resuming flights to from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu?
AirAsia Malaysia is resuming flights to Macao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Kunming from its Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu hubs. These short-haul routes are part of their initial re-entry into the Chinese market.
Q.When will AirAsia X Malaysia begin its flights to China, and which cities will it serve?
When will AirAsia X Malaysia begin its flights to China, and which cities will it serve?
AirAsia X Malaysia will commence flights to China starting 1 March 2023. They will connect Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, offering longer-haul services to these destinations.
Q.What evidence does AirAsia cite for its optimism regarding the resumption of China flights?
What evidence does AirAsia cite for its optimism regarding the resumption of China flights?
AirAsia points to the strong load factors on its inaugural Guangzhou flight on 10 February 2023 as evidence of demand. They also recall carrying over 1.8 million guests to/from China in 2019, indicating past success.
Q.What type of aircraft does AirAsia Malaysia use for these routes, and how does it differ from AirAsia X Malaysia’s planes?
What type of aircraft does AirAsia Malaysia use for these routes, and how does it differ from AirAsia X Malaysia’s planes?
AirAsia Malaysia operates Airbus A320 aircraft for its services. In contrast, AirAsia X Malaysia utilises Airbus A330 aircraft, which feature flatbed seats in their premium cabin for longer routes.
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