Airasia X Suspends Services Christchurch Route

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-fare unit of AirAsia, will be suspending its Kuala Lumpur-Christchurch-KL route as part of the realignment of its network to focus on its core market. In a statement Monday, AirAsia X said the current four times weekly KL-Christchurch flights will be suspended with the last flight on May 30 (from Kuala Lumpur) and May 31 (from Christchurch). AirAsia X said it will offer guests with bookings after these dates an option of full refund, a re-route to another AirAsia X destination such as Australia to Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur to North Asia, or a re-book of a return flight prior to May 31. "All changes will be made at no additional cost to mitigate the inconvenience caused as a result of withdrawal and affected guests will receive an e-mail stating the available options," it said. Its chief executive officer, Azran Osman-Rani, said the decision to withdraw from Christchurch was made taking into account the strategic focus in consolidating network on markets AirAsia X has built stable and profitable routes. He said the route has performed strongly in terms of demand since its launch in April 2011, recording close to 80 per cent loads in 2011. "However, the route has been impacted by the spiralling cost of jet fuel. The fuel prices have increased in excess of 30 per cent and are currently still at very high levels," he said. Azran said the high cost of fuel has compromised their ability to offer AirAsia X renowned low fares. -- BERNAMA