SEPANG, 13 February 2015 – AirAsia X, the leading long-haul low-fare affiliate of AirAsia Group fortified its expansion plan into China with the maiden flight to its latest destination, Chongqing. Chongqing is the airline’s 6th destination to China after Hangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’An. The flight took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) with 4 weekly flights into Jiangbei International Airport, Chongqing today. AirAsia X will be the only airline servicing direct flights between the two cities.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, AirAsia X is offering promotional fare from Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing as low as all-in-fare MYR329* (CNY588*) on Economy. Guests can also experience AirAsia X business class flatbed seats from all-in-fares MYR999* (CNY1,788*). The fares are available for online bookings from now until 22 February 2015 for travel between 23 February and 30 June 2015.

Benyamin Ismail, acting Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X said, “We are proud to be the first and only airline to offer direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing, the gateway to the Yangtze River. AirAsia X carried a total of more than 3.6 million guests to date into/from various points in China, with an average passenger load of 82% and as a group we carried a total of more than 12.3 million guests. The addition of this latest route will enable us to further strengthen our network into China and boost passenger traffic growth as we link AirAsia’s robust network across ASEAN to China.”

“We will continue our strategy of dominating out core markets in North Asian, especially China. This is made possible with the continuous support rendered by China’s Airport authorities, regulators and relevant authorities,” added Benyamin.

Chongqing, one of the five national central cities in China after Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Tianjin offers remarkable attractions to visitors. Guest can experience the stunning Three Gorges, the ancient city of Ciqikou, and the fascinating Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site West of Chongqing that houses more than 50,000 Buddhist carvings, sculptures and statues. Chongqing is a notable city for history and culture in China, and serves as the economic centre of the upstream Yangtze River. It is the major manufacturing centre and transportation hub for Southwest China.

AirAsia X is the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Business Class Flatbed seats, with standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretches out to 77” in full recline position providing better comfort for guests.

The business class seat feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Business class seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 40kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal & Drinks and Pillow & Duvet.

AirAsia X was awarded the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Class titles for two consecutive years at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards which took place at the Farnborough International Airshow, London. The AirAsia Group was also awarded “World’s Best Low Cost Airline” and “Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline” for 6 consecutive years at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

For more information, please visit www.airasia.com