The much awaited Malaysia’s long-haul low lost carrier, AirAsia X unveiled Gold Coast as its first long haul international destination, marking a major tourism and economic coup for thriving Asia. The airline will commence four (4) direct return flights per week between Gold Coast Airport and Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), Kuala Lumpur beginning 2 November 2007.

AirAsia X is the extension of AirAsia’s short haul low cost model in South East Asia. It aims to build on AirAsia’s tradition of revolutionizing the short haul, low cost carrier model by introducing a number of features unique to the long-haul service.

The inaugural flight will carry a total of 315 guests, consisting of 279 economy seats and 36 premium XL seats, serviced by the airline’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft which arrived earlier this month in LCCT.

Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X, said, “Gold Coast is an ideal and exciting choice as X’s first destination as it is a popular destination amongst Asians with first class offerings of theme parks, spectacular beaches, abundance of shopping opportunities that will cater to families and young adults. Gold Coast will definitely be a hit with Malaysian travelers. We are keen to position Gold Coast as the gateway to Australia as the airport also offers strong domestic connections for low cost travel to Sydney and Melbourne.”

“AirAsia has successfully pioneered the low cost concept in South East Asia five years ago and today has carried over 40 million guests. It is evident low fares have opened up a huge market and enabled many millions with dreams to fly. We are now extending this successful model and concept to long haul with the birth of AirAsia X and we believe Gold Coast is the start of X’s exciting journey to building a strong long haul network. We believe this endeavour will be another outstanding achievement for Malaysia in establishing its homegrown low coast carrier internationally,” added Azran.

Kathleen Tan, Head of Commercial of AirAsia Group, said, “We are extremely excited with X’s first foray to Gold Coast. With globalization, high economic growth and modern technology, AirAsia’s low cost concept has empowered many millions to fly. With our strong branding, vast route network and over 80 routes within Asia, AirAsia is now synonymous with low cost air travel. Australians are avid independent travelers and through X’s entry to Gold Coast, many Australians can now see more of Malaysia and Asia for less using Kuala Lumpur as the South East Asia gateway. We are committed to offering the lowest fares and many will find AirAsia is a highly attractive option through our six hubs within Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.”

Kathleen added, “The launch of X is timely to commensurate with Visit Malaysia Year 2007. Australia ranked No. 6 on our website’s Top Ten countries for 2006 which is a strong indication that Malaysia is a highly popular tourist destination. Both AirAsia and AirAsia X certainly complement each other’s network, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless experience by flying with us.”

Celebrating the announcement, the Honourable Desley Boyle MP, Queensland Tourism Minister, said “I welcome Air Asia X to the Gold Coast and Australia - may it be a long and happy partnership. Congratulations to the Gold Coast. This is going to be a huge boost to aviation movements at the Gold Coast Airport and will mean a significant increase in international tourism.”

Paul Donovan, Chief Operating Officer of Gold Coast Airport, hailed the move as a major win for international tourism to the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales regions. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. Kuala Lumpur is a major hub for AirAsia X with connections from South East Asia, China and India, and the emerging network will open the gates to all of the ASEAN countries and potentially Europe. From an outbound perspective, residents within our catchment area, from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour, will be able to access low cost services directly to Malaysia and beyond.”

Donavan said AirAsia X would be accommodated in the current terminal building and would move into the airport’s expanded terminal once completed.