AIRASIA X CELEBRATES FIRST FLIGHT INTO SHANGHAI, SOLIDIFYING ITS PRESENCE IN CHINA
AirAsia X, the long-haul, low fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group touched down Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 00:45 (Shanghai local time) today, marking its inaugural flight into Shanghai from Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia X’s D7 330 flight arrived Shanghai with a full passenger load with 377 guests from Kuala Lumpur. Likewise, the inaugural flight from Shanghai departed at 0145 this morning with over 85% passenger load to Kuala Lumpur, an encouraging demand from the global city.
The arrival of AirAsia X into Shanghai will further expand the airlines reach in North Asia. AirAsia X will increase the current six direct flights weekly to daily flights to the city from 1st May onwards.
Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X said, “Pudong International Airport is a key aviation hub for the Asia region which would further open up new affordable travel to guests tapping into Shanghai and its surrounding regions and connect to over 85 destinations offered by the AirAsia group across ASEAN and beyond.”
“We believe our presence in Shanghai would further solidify AirAsia group’s position in China, offering guests a more affordable travel option and greater flight connections and flexibility between ASEAN and China.”
Shanghai is AirAsia Group’s fourteenth destination in China after Hangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Kunming, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xian including Hong Kong and Macau.
AirAsia X officially celebrated the inaugural launch at Shanghai Paramount the Old Shanghai Style today with the attendance of AirAsia X’s Chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Azran Osman-Rani, and Director, Dato’ Fam Lee Ee. Also present were the Consulate General of Malaysia in Shanghai, Mr. Hendy Assan and the Vice General Manager of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Mr Hu Zhi Hong, representatives from tourism bodies, Pudong airport, and business associates including members of the media.
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AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position. The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 25kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Blanket.
It is also noteworthy to highlight that recently, AirAsia X was recognised among the best top 5 in-flight meals served under the long-haul, low cost airline category at the 2012 inaugural Skyscanner Asia Pacific Food Awards. Airlines in the low cost long-haul category were rated based on taste, presentation, and value for money. The airlines were voted via a survey conducted on 200 international travellers and bloggers who had flown with low cost long haul carriers within the past three months from the Asia Pacific region.
