MALAYSIA- As pandemic lockdowns persisted in Asia while global aviation resumed, it appeared that the region’s airlines faced a prolonged recovery period. However, with China leading the way and other major Northeast Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea following suit, the outlook shifted almost overnight.
As aviation restrictions eased, Asian airlines quickly recovered, showing improved finances and high passenger numbers. Under Tony Fernandes’ leadership, AirAsia (AK) launched numerous new international and domestic services in 2024, including their latest venture, AirAsia Cambodia.
AirAsia Expands Flights to Japan from Taiwan
In pursuit of innovative solutions, AirAsia is capitalizing on fifth-freedom air rights to expand its presence in Northeast Asia strategically. The group intends to utilize these rights to introduce three new routes connecting the Taiwanese cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung to Japan.
The new services will be operated by AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia, with a mix of widebody Airbus A330s and narrowbody A320s deployed based on the specific route. AirAsia highlighted that introducing these fifth-freedom routes aligns with its focus on Taiwan as a virtual hub, facilitating connectivity to a broader range of destinations across Southeast and Northeast Asia through its extensive network of 130 destinations.
Starting from May 31, 2024, AirAsia X (AAX) will operate a new route from Taipei to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), while Thai AirAsia will inaugurate routes from the virtual hub at Taipei to Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) on June 15, 2024, and from Kaohsiung International (KHH) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) on June 16, 2024.
AAX will utilize its A330 Family aircraft for the Taipei to Tokyo Narita route, offering a maximum of 377 seats, including 12 Premium Flatbed seats. Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia’s A320s will accommodate 180 seats, featuring 42 Hot Seats with extended legroom at the front of the plane or in the emergency exit rows.
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, emphasized that the Taipei to Tokyo route marks the first fifth-freedom launch of the year and underscores Japan’s significance as a key destination for AAX. He further highlighted the notable recovery observed at AAX.
Relaunched Flights
AirAsia celebrated the relaunch of its services between Penang, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu yesterday, emphasizing its strong commitment to the East Malaysian market. The first flight from Penang to Kuching saw an 80% full load, marking a promising start for the resumed route.
Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, highlighted the airline’s dedication to enhancing connectivity within Malaysia and supporting economic growth and tourism development.
The resumed routes will operate daily between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Kuching, as well as between Penang and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), utilizing Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Flight AK5433 will depart KCH at 11:50 and arrive in Penang at 13:50, followed by flight AK5432 departing PEN at 14:15 and landing in Kuching at 16:15. Flight AK5323 will depart Kota Kinabalu at 08:00, reaching Penang at 10:40, with the return flight AK5322 departing PEN at 11:05 and landing at BKI at 13:55.
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