AirAsia is experiencing delays in launching services into Sydney with its AirAsia X long-haul brand.
The low-cost carrier had wanted to start up the Kuala Lumpur-Sydney flights as early as 2008 but delays in getting necessary approval from the Malaysian government stymied plans. Instead, AirAsia has had to connect first to Perth, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.
The next target date for the launch is July 2010, said Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO, “but only if we are granted approval this month (March)”. AirAsia X’s new Business Class offering, lie-flat seats, are now available on the Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur-London routes (see news).
The government's ownership of Malaysia Airlines, sources said, may have something to do with official permits not being released.
For more details about AirAsia and AirAsia X, visit www.airasia.com
Margie T Logarta