Ten years have passed since Air Asia X retreated from the London-Kuala Lumpur route.
At the time this Malaysian budget airline cited the UK’s Air Passenger Duty and high oil prices for its decision to pull off the route.
Back then Air Asia X was operating a four-engined A340-300, configured for business and economy.
On a number of occasions since, most recently last June, Air Asia X has mooted it would restart London.
But its latest plans revolve around regional (some Asian airlines consider Australia as “regional”) rather than long-haul services. Why?
Because as former CEO Osman bin Rani noted, the “sweet spot” is a flight sector of around eight hours.
That is why I thought that Air Asia X’s plans to operate Kuala Lumpur-Dubai-London made sense.
Not only were these flight sectors the ‘right’ length but the airline could spread its risks by taking passengers on all sectors.
The sectors from Dubai to London and from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur would appeal to budget-conscious travellers.
However this service has yet again been postponed according to Flight Global.
Travellers seeking a keen fare between London, Dubai and return now have Royal Brunei as an option.
From November 1 this carrier will be serving Dubai from London Heathrow. Royal Brunei will be operating via Dubai to Bandar Seri Begawan benefitting from the ‘sweet spot’.
