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Press Releases
8 October 2009
Bonjour, Paris!
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 October 2009 – AirAsia is elated at the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak regarding the granting of Paris landing rights to AirAsia by the French government. We now await more details from the authorities.
AirAsia would like to thank the Prime Minister for championing our cause and for his faith in AirAsia. The approval of landing rights in Paris places AirAsia in a significant position, in line with the plans by AirAsia X to expand our operations in Europe (currently, AirAsia X flies seven times a week to London-Stansted, the airline’s sole destination in Europe). This breakthrough will greatly enhance our reach in the continent and further strengthen the position of Kuala Lumpur as Asia’s major aviation hub and the gateway to the ASEAN region.
We would also like to thank the French government for giving us the opportunity to enter the country’s airline market, and provide a low-fare option for French citizens and Europeans of other nationalities to travel to ASEAN while enjoying the premium services on board on the world’s Best Low-Cost Carrier (as voted by travelers in a survey conducted by London-based Skytrax earlier this year).
AirAsia X had initially considered launching a route from Kuala Lumpur to Nice, France, next year but with this latest news, will re-calibrate our strategy as we now have an opportunity to fly to Paris. We will work closely with the relevant authorities to make this flight a reality.
The date for the launch of our flights to Paris will be decided upon completion of further discussions with the relevant officials. We will provide more updates as further developments arise.
AirAsia X is the world's first truly low-cost long-haul airline and operates out of Kuala Lumpur. The airline extends AirAsia's short-haul success to the long-haul segment, offering sustainable and continued delivery of everyday low fares to current air travelers and those who have never ventured beyond their home shores.
London is the first European city in AirAsia X’s list of routes. AirAsia X also operates flights to cities in Australia and China as well as to Taipei, Taiwan. In November, the airline will operate its first route to the Middle East, with the inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi. AirAsia X’s flights link three continents – Australia, Asia and Europe – and its low fares provide an affordable and alternative option to legacy carriers.
