AirAsia X Re-Aligns Network To Focus On Core Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- AirAsia X, the long haul, low fare affiliate of AirAsia, today announced the withdrawal of services to India (Mumbai and Delhi) and Europe (Paris, London) from its Kuala Lumpur hub, as part of a network realignment. The realignment is to focus on its core markets, AirAsiaX said in a statement. The last flight of the four weekly services to Mumbai is on Jan 31. As for New Delhi, the last flight is on March 22. Flights in March will also be reduced to four weekly services. The last flight to London is on March 31 while for Paris, it is March 30. AirAsia X is offering guests who hold bookings after these dates an alternative travel option at no additional cost, to mitigate the inconvenience caused as a result of the route withdrawals. All affected guests will receive an e-mail stating options that are available to them, including a full refund, a reroute to another AirAsia X destination or a move to an alternative carrier where available. AirAsiaX said in the statement that the changes would improve operating cost efficiencies and consolidate its network to focus on markets where it can build a leadership position in 2012. Azran Osman-Rani, the chief executive officer of AirAsia X said: "AirAsia X remains focused on maintaining its global leadership position in the low cost, long-haul segment. "We intend to concentrate capacity in our core markets of Australasia, China,Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, where we have built up stable, profitable routes within an infrastructure that supports low cost services. "We intend to open up new routes within these markets, as well as add frequencies on existing routes. Announcements of our future expansion plans will be made soon. "The continued high jet fuel prices and weakening demand for air travel from Europe, brought about by the current economic situation together with exorbitant government taxes, have placed cost pressures on operating long-haul low cost flights between Asia and Europe, compromising our ability to offer the low fares AirAsia X is known for." He also said the implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme and escalating Air Passenger Duty taxes in the United Kingdom, which will rise yet again in April, had forced the decision to withdraw services to Europe. "As for Delhi and Mumbai, the continued visa restrictions for travel between India and Malaysia, and an increase in airport and handling charges have resulted in a structure not conducive to the low cost model," he added. Azran said the airline is hopeful of reinstating services to India once the structural issues are resolved. AirAsia X started flights to London in March 2009 and to Mumbai and Delhi in 2010. --BERNAMA