SEPANG, March 15, 2024 -- Photo Caption: (From Left to Right) Moses Devanayagam, Senior Director of Operations of AirAsia X; Kesavan Sivanandam, Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer of AirAsia; Amanda Woo, Group Head of Commercial of AirAsia; Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia and r. Yasmeen binti Yasim, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) at the welcoming ceremony for the inaugural flight from Almaty at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) today.
As AirAsia X (AAX) officially entered the Central Asian market with the launch of its direct flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan yesterday, the airline today welcomed 285 guests that formed a 100 percent load on its inaugural flight from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur.
The inaugural flight D7601 departed from Almaty International Airport on 14 March 2024 and landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) today. All guests received a warm welcome from Dr. Yasmeen binti Yasim, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) and Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia together with Kesavan Sivanandam, Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer of AirAsia, Moses Devanayagam, Senior Director of Operations of AirAsia X and Amanda Woo, Group Head of Commercial of AirAsia.
At a glance
- Company
- AirAsia X
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Key figures
- Guests on inaugural flight
- 285
- Inaugural flight load factor
- 100 percent
- Malaysia's 2024 tourist target
- over 27.3 million
- Promotional one-way fare in ringgit
- RM599
- Promotional one-way fare in US dollars
- USD169
- Destinations reachable from Kuala Lumpur, according to the CEO
- 130
People
- Benyamin IsmailAirAsia X CEO
- YB Dato Sri Tiong King SingMinister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
- Dr. Yasmeen binti YasimDeputy Secretary General (Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture)
- Manoharan PeriasamyDirector General, Tourism Malaysia
- Kesavan SivanandamChief Airport and Customer Experience Officer of AirAsia
- Moses DevanayagamSenior Director of Operations of AirAsia X
- Amanda WooGroup Head of Commercial of AirAsia
Products and programs
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said: “We are pleased to welcome AirAsia X’s inaugural flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Kuala Lumpur today. As the first Malaysian airline to fly directly to Almaty, this marks a significant milestone for our nation. Malaysia is a country rich in diverse cultures and natural beauty, and we are excited to extend our Malaysian hospitality to our Kazakh friends. Our aim for 2024 is to welcome over 27.3 million tourists, and we are confident that our Kazakh visitors will contribute significantly to this goal. Selamat Datang ke Malaysia!"
AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail added: “The launch of our direct flights from Almaty today with an impressive 100 percent load factor marks a significant leap forward for AirAsia X as we venture into the heart of Central Asia. This strategic move underscores our continued commitment to expanding our global footprint and reconnecting travellers with the world's most captivating destinations. We are confident that our entry into the Kazakh market will not only enhance tourism between both countries but also foster closer ties regionally as we can connect the people in the largest country in Central Asia to 130 destinations from Kuala Lumpur. As we continue to expand our increasing network across the region and presence in Central Asia, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the airline.”
In celebration of this milestone, AAX is offering promotional fares from RM599 all-in* one-way or USD169 all-in* one-way between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty. The promotional fares are available for booking starting 15 until 21 March 2024 for the travel period between now and 17 June 2025 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, which was previously known as ‘airasia Superapp’.
*The promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel inclusive of taxes, fuel surcharge, and other relevant fees. Other terms and conditions apply.
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In brief
AirAsia X says its first direct service between Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Kuala Lumpur arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 with 285 guests, representing a 100% load factor. Flight D7601 left Almaty on March 14 and arrived the following day. The launch marks the airline’s entry into Central Asia. Malaysia’s tourism minister said the route supports the country’s goal of welcoming more than 27.3 million tourists in 2024. AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said the new service connects travellers from Kazakhstan to 130 destinations via Kuala Lumpur. To mark the launch, the airline is offering one-way promotional fares from RM599 or USD169, with booking available from March 15 to 21, 2024, for travel through June 17, 2025.
Key takeaways
- AirAsia X’s inaugural Almaty-to-Kuala Lumpur flight arrived with 285 guests and a reported 100% load factor.
- The airline says the direct route marks its entry into the Central Asian market.
- AirAsia X is offering promotional one-way fares from RM599 or USD169.
- Malaysia’s tourism minister cited a 2024 goal of welcoming more than 27.3 million tourists.
Earlier from AirAsia X
- AirAsia X celebrates milestone as the first Southeast Asian airline flying direct to Almaty, Kazakhstan
- AirAsia X offers incredible fares to Almaty, Kazakhstan from only RM88 all-in one-way
- AirAsia X Super Sale Features Ultra Low Fares From Australia To Asia Starting From AUD$135!!
- AirAsia X announces strategic acquisition of Capital A’s aviation business
- AirAsia X Chairman steps down after a successful turnaround
