AirAsia X, the leading long-haul, low fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group today, officially celebrated the much awaited inaugural flight to Beijing, which arrived into Beijing Capital International Airport from Kuala Lumpur on 23rd June 2012 at 00:50 hrs.
AirAsia X’s entry into Beijing capital supports the Malaysian government’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) as one of the ten priority cities identified after Shanghai, Mumbai, Delhi, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Taipei in boosting tourism growth and connectivity between Malaysia and Beijing.
The first direct flight recorded an average of 90 percent passenger load both outbound into Beijing and inbound into Kuala Lumpur, proving an encouraging sign of the shift of operations from Tianjin to Beijing.
From August 6, 2012 onwards, AirAsia X will increase its current 4 times weekly flights to daily services from its hub in Kuala Lumpur to Beijing Capital International Airport, offering guests greater flight connections and travel flexibility for its guests from both countries.
AirAsia X celebrated the much awaited arrival of its first flight into Beijing the AirAsia style at an official lunch gathering in Beijing. The lunch was hosted by AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer; Azran Osman-Rani. The Malaysian Ambassador to Beijing; Dato’ Iskandar Sarudin and Mr. Zhang Wei, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Capital Airport CO. LTD were present as Guest of Honours at the event. Also present were business associates, airport representatives, tourism bodies and members of the media.
To celebrate this achievement, AirAsia X will be offering launch fares to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur from as low as MYR349* (CNY888*) one way on Economyand from just MYR1,149* (CNY2599*) one way on its Premium Flatbeds. The launch fares are available for online bookings from 25 to 28 June, 2012 for the travel period between 6 August and 30 November, 2012. For more details, log on to www.airasia.com.
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “AirAsia X is ecstatic with the encouraging response from our guests since we opened for sale. The shift from our Tianjin base to Beijing Capital International Airport has indeed increased passenger traffic to and from Beijing, with an average target of over 80 percent passenger load for the next 3 months. With the additional flight frequencies from August 6 onwards, we foresee a strong growth trajectory of new segments of travellers between Malaysia, and South East Asia to Beijing and its surrounding regions and vice versa. Our entry into Beijing will indeed grow economic ties between Malaysia and China, particularly in tourism and trade, and enhance people to people exchange between the two countries.”
“As the seventh destination in China as a group after Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Guilin; Beijing would be a strong pull for us as we are able to tap the feeder traffic from Beijing Capital International airport. AirAsia’s exciting low fares, and fly thru services and extensive South East Asia network will indeed entice business and leisure travellers from Greater China and beyond.”
Guests may also book our Fly-thru flights from Beijing to Australia (Melbourne, Gold Coast), Indonesia (Bali, Surabaya, Jakarta), Thailand (Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi), Singapore, and domestic destinations in Malaysia (Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching)*. The Fly-thru service allows passengers to seamlessly purchase two flight sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur.
Guest flying AirAsia and AirAsia X can enjoy extensive essential travel insurance coverage from AirAsia INSURE from as low as RM18 that covers overseas medical expenses, lost or damage baggage and personal effects, and other travel inconveniences. AirAsia INSURE is available in most key markets including China and managed by Tune Money. Purchase can be made as an add-on via ‘Manage My Booking’ at www.airasia.com
AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.
The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 20kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Blanket.
AirAsia was named World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for three consecutive years in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Guests can earn BIG Points with BIG, AirAsia’s Loyalty Programme when they purchase flight tickets and travel packages. Sign up now at tune2big.com to redeem BIG Points for free flight seats with AirAsia.
AirAsia keeps abreast with the social media community via their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Guests are able to receive real-time updates on latest promotions and interact with AirAsia via facebook.com/AirAsia and twitter.com/AirAsia.
Guests can also log on to AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers a range of more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels, tour packages and transfers to choose from.
*Promo Fares include airport taxes and fees (all in fares)
Flights and fares are subject to availability and are for one way travel only.
Source: AirAsia X