14 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In an effort to realign its network to focus on its core markets, AirAsia announced on 12 January that it would be withdrawing services from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai and Delhi (India) and Paris and London (Europe). These changes are expected to improve cost efficiencies.
Affected Flights
- Mumbai- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 January, 2012
- New Delhi- Daily services will be suspended with the last flight on 22 March, 2012. Flights in March will be reduced to four weekly services.
- London– Six weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 31 March, 2012
- Paris- Four weekly services will be suspended with the last flight on 30 March, 2012
Alternative travel options at no additional costs will be offered to guests who hold bookings after these dates. Affected guests will receive an email from the airline with available options including full refunds, reroute to another AirAsia X destination in Australia or North Asia or a move to an alternative carrier where available.
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said “AirAsia X remains focused on maintaining its global leadership position in the low cost, long-haul segment. We intend to concentrate capacity in our core markets of Australasia, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea where we have built up stable, profitable routes within an infrastructure that supports low cost services. We intend to open up new routes within these markets, as well as add frequencies on existing routes. Announcements of our future expansion plans will be made soon.”
“The continued high jet fuel prices and the weakening demand for air travel from Europe, brought about by the current economic situation together with exorbitant government taxes, have placed cost pressures on operating long-haul low cost flights between Asia and Europe, compromising our ability to offer the low fares AirAsia X is known for.”
He adds, “The implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme and the escalating Air Passenger Duty taxes in UK, which will rise yet again in April 2012 has forced our decision to withdraw our services to Europe.”
“As for Delhi and Mumbai, the continued visa restrictions for travel between India and Malaysia, and the increase in airport and handling charges have resulted in a structure not conducive to the low cost model.”
Azran concluded that, “The airline is hopeful in reinstating services to India once these structural issues can be resolved.”
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