TEHRAN, 14 MAY 2016 – Both AirAsia X Berhad (airline code D7) and Thai AirAsia X (airline code XJ) announced Tehran as their latest destination in the AirAsia X Group’s route network, connecting both Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok directly to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Direct flights to Tehran from Kuala Lumpur (klia2) and Bangkok (Don Mueang International Airport) will be operated three times (3x) weekly, with the commencement date set on 21 June 2016 and 22 June 2016 respectively.

A launch event followed by a media conference was held today hosted by Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X, accompanied by Benyamin Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Berhad and Nadda Buranasiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia X Co Ltd.

The AirAsia X Group is commemorating the launch of this brand new route by offering promotional all-in-fares from as low as RM299* one-way on economy seats and from as low as RM999* one-way on the award-winning Premium Flatbeds departing from Kuala Lumpur; while Thai AirAsia X offers all-in-fares from as low as THB2,990* one-way on economy seats and from as low as THB9,900* one-way on the Premium Flatbeds departing from Bangkok. These promotional fares are available for booking online at airasia.com from now until 29 May 2016 for the travel period from 21 June 2016 departing from Kuala Lumpur and 22 June 2016 departing from Bangkok respectively until 22 May 2017.

The AirAsia mobile app on the iPhone and Android devices as well as the mobile site mobile.airasia.com are also available as convenient ways to book these promotional flights.

Benyamin Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X said, “We are very happy to be in Tehran today to announce this new connectivity into our flight network connecting Asia and Australasia with the Middle East. Iran is a large and growing economy and Tehran is a brilliant business city. The recent lifting of sanctions opens up exciting new prospects for Iran as a tourist destination. We believe that the revival of direct flights to Tehran from Kuala Lumpur is timely and we foresee that our direct flights from both Asean cities of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok can improve bilateral relations while encouraging trade and tourism activities between the cities.”

Nadda Buranasiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia X said, “The launch of Tehran is a huge milestone for Thai AirAsia X as it marks the first direct low-cost airline to connect the Middle East and the people of Tehran to Bangkok and beyond. The direct flight will be available 3 days per week and allow travellers to conveniently travel to Bangkok at an affordable fare. Apart from Bangkok’s vibrant city, travellers can easily connect to world famous beaches in Phuket and Krabi or beautiful northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, among other destinations, with AirAsia’s connectivity. Likewise, we are also confident that Iran is a tourism destination of great potential for the Thai market and we look forward to promoting your beautiful country to the Thai people through our accessible and convenient flights.”

Guests travelling from various points throughout the rest of the AirAsia Group’s extensive flight network can also make use of the Fly-Thru option to connect seamlessly to Tehran from other domestic or international cities. The airline group has various transit hubs which makes connecting to Tehran from other cities just one-stop away and their baggage checked-through to the final destination without the hassle of immigration clearance at transit hubs.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Alborz mountain range, Tehran city is the capital of Iran and a bustling metropolis of 14 million people. This cosmopolitan city houses many great museums, parks and amazing local restaurants that will leave all visitors enchanted. As prominent fixtures of the Tehran skyline, the Milad Tower standing at 435 metre is the tallest tower in Iran, perfect for those hoping to catch an aerial view of the city; while the historical Azadi Tower built in 1971 will leave tourists in awe for its 8,000 marble blocks that will glow under special lighting at night and is one of the symbols of Tehran.

Another architecture marvel of the city not to be missed is the UNESCO World Heritage site Golestan Palace. It is part of a former royal complex from the Qajar era that includes palaces and museums, decorated with intricately carved marble and mirrored halls.

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia).