summary
- AirAsia X expands its network by launching flights to Kazakhstan, providing direct and affordable access to the Central Asian country.
- The airline believes this route will increase tourism to both Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
- AirAsia X’s A330-300 fleet has a variety of layouts and seats up to 367 passengers.
One of the reasons the AirAsia family of airlines has been able to return its fleet so effectively is that it has its own MRO facility, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE). That foresight has paid off admirably as the group enters a growth phase, where having ‘ready-to-go’ capacity is a key part of exploring new routes.
First Malaysia Airlines connection
AirAsia X, the AirAsia Group’s medium-haul affiliate, has the majority of its Airbus A330-300 fleet back in service, with all 17 expected to be back in service by early next year. This is good news for AirAsia X’s network planners, as the airline announced last week that it would launch flights to the Republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asia.
Photo: axel.rf | Shutterstock.
From Thursday, March 14, 2024, AirAsia X flight D7600 is scheduled to depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 12:50. It operates four times a week, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The aircraft will arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA) at 18:45, then depart as flight D7601 at 20:05, arriving on the ground in Kuala Lumpur at 06:05 the next day.
Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and has the country’s largest airport, which handled 7.23 million passengers in 2022. AirAsia X believes its new service will contribute to a significant increase in tourism to both Kazakhstan and Malaysia by providing direct and affordable access to this unique destination. The special launch offer (available until November 30) is certainly affordable as it costs just RM99 ($65) one way. This rate includes tax and service charge and is valid for travel from March 14 to October 26, 2024.
16th year, going even better
This month, AirAsia said. “We offer the best fares to everyone’s old and new favorite destinations.”
Photo: Nattanon Thavonthammarit | Shutterstock
AirAsia X will be the first Malaysian airline to fly directly to Almaty, Ismail added.
“This is a completely new market for AAX and a strategic expansion route that brings the rest of the world closer to Southeast Asia.As our first foray into Central Asia, expanding into the Kazakhstan market aligns with our vision and the We are determined to resume service to popular destinations and explore new territory.”
The company also expects the opening of direct flights to Kazakhstan to facilitate important trade, commercial and educational exchanges, especially considering that Kazakhstan is the richest country in Central Asia. It is also the ninth largest country in the world and is rapidly becoming a must-see destination due to its spectacular landscapes, rich cultural heritage and blend of tradition and modern lifestyle.
AirAsia X A330-300 has a mixed layout with seating capacity ranging from 285 to 367 passengers. The majority of the fleet (15 of 17 aircraft) is equipped with a fairly standard A330-300 layout with 377 seats, including 12 business seats and 365 economy seats. According to Planespotters.net, one aircraft has 367 seats in an all-economy format, while others have 309 and 285 seats in a two-class layout.
Have you traveled on AirAsia X A330 recently? Let us know in the comments.
sauce: Plane Spotters.net
