AirAsia X flies from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka

1 December 2011, Osaka – Japanese drummers performed to a crowd of curious travelers at the entrance of the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Malaysia hours before AirAsia X’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan yesterday afternoon.   Osaka is the third largest by population after Tokyo and Yokohama and serves as a gateway to the popular historical city of Kyoto and Kobe, both of which are accessible in under 30 minutes by Japan’s rail network.

Flight attendants dressed in the familiar bright red uniforms and dorning traditional head gear distributed scarves and welcome gifts to passengers who were eagerly awaiting to board the Airbus A330-300.

As I awaited the flight D7 536 to take off for it’s final destination, Japanese pop songs were piped through the aircraft speakers. It was also a pleasant change to hear announcements made in Japanese in AirAsia X. Departing on schedule at 2pm, we were in the air by 2.21pm.

On board, CEO of AirAsia X, Azran Osman-rani welcomed passengers thanking everyone for their continuous support allowing AirAsia X to fly today to its sixteenth destination and second Japanese destination after Tokyo.

Captain Azhanudin, helmed the cockpit, with a capacity of 80%, for five hours forty-five minutes before touching down in Kansei at 9.25pm. Most of the passengers probably enjoyed the RM199 one-way special rate for this flight. This aircraft takes up to 377 passengers at any one time. The other senior members of the flight included Senior First Officer Raveen and In Flight Manager Terence. Kudos to the team today for the hospitality and service.

The flight experience was rather enjoyable, given that I had completed five stories as well as edited all my photos for yesterday’s 2011 MNET Asian Music Awards in Singapore as well as photos taken at LCCT earlier.

If you’re still wondering whether flying with a low cost carrier is even thinkable, you can take my word that for the price you pay, it is really worth the while. I usually do not need any entertainment as I would usually be glued to my iPad. However, if you prefer to watch the inflight entertainment, that’s available at RM35 or RM30 if you book that online when you book your flight. The seats are comfortable enough for me and I am 175cm tall.

I had two meals which filled my stomach. If you enjoy airline food, then the meals here will suit you fine. If not, just have a heavy meal before your flight and indulge in the snacks that are sold on board. Meals and beverages would not cost you too much even if you’re traveling on a shoe string budget.

This AirAsia X experience brought back memories of last June when I flew to London for the AirAsia British MotoGP.

At Kansei International Airport, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the inaugural leg from Osaka to Kuala Lumpur where Japanese media was present.

Places of interest in Osaka includes the electronic and manga/anime district Den Den Town, Umeda district which houses the Hankyu Sanbangai Shopping Mall and a huge electronic appliance store Yodobashi Camera.   Click here for recommendations of places to visit in Osaka.

You’ll also have to try the local dishes including okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake), takoyaki (octopus dumplings). udon (noodles), as well as the traditional oshizushi (preset sushi) particularly battera (pressed mackerel sushi)

AirAsia X flies four times a week to Osaka on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

To coincide with its launch, AirAsia X is offering introductory all-in fares from as low as RM199 each way economy and RM599 for each way on its Premium Fly Flat beds from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka for immediate travel from 1 December 2011 to 31 March 2012.  Promotional Fly-Thru fares from Osaka to Australia, France and New Zealand are also available.

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Adrian Editor

Adrian Eugene Seet, editor of SUPERADRIANME.com, has long shared his passion for travel, destinations, and air travel. His childhood love for exploration has evolved into a thriving career, with his engaging content inspiring others to discover new cultures. Taiwan is his new-found favourite destination, and he dreams of visiting the Andes. Adrian's work is driven by his curiosity for travel trends and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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