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Low-cost, long-haul Malaysian carrier AirAsia X is beginning its maiden U.S. service with introductory one-way fares starting at $99 from Honolulu to Osaka and $149 for continuing service to Kuala Lumpur.
The return leg from Osaka to Honolulu is an introductory $162.36 while flying from Kuala Lumper to Honolulu, with a layover in Osaka, is $198.02 one way.
Round trips would be as low as $261.36 and $347.02, respectively.
The airline will operate its Kuala Lumpur-Osaka-Honolulu route four times a week beginning June 28.
Hawaiian, Japan and Delta airlines also fly between Honolulu and Osaka. During the late June time period, their round-trip prices start in the low $600s to the mid-$800s. Prices are more expensive if booked one way.
“This is the game-changing route we have all been waiting for,” Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia X Group CEO, said today in a statement. “By connecting the U.S to North Asia and Asean with our world-class low fares offering, we will make it possible for those in the Pacific to explore Asia through our wide network.”
This will be the first route linking Honolulu with Malaysia. Guests transiting in Osaka do not require a Japanese visa during the two-hour stopover, and can return to their seats on the flight after clearing security with any carry-on luggage or belongings.
The introductory fares are available for travel from June 28 to Feb. 6. Flights depart Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The Malaysian carrier, which has been operating since 2007, will use 377-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Malaysia-Osaka-Honolulu route.
AirAsia X serves 22 cities in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East with a fleet of 30 A330s.
