AirAsia X Becomes First Southeast Asian Airline To Fly Direct To Almaty, Kazakhstan
Fares start from RM599 all-in, for one-way travel!
AirAsia X (AAX) made its first foray into Central Asia with the launch of its direct flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan yesterday, 14 March
(From left to right) Karen Chan, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia; Dato' Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia; Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, Anthony Loke, Minister of Transportation of Malaysia; and His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia at the send-off ceremony for the inaugural flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2).
Image via AirAsia (Provided to SAYS)
This milestone marks AAX as the first Southeast Asian airline to establish a direct air link to Almaty, Kazakhstan's vibrant commercial and cultural epicentre.
The introduction of this route highlights AAX's commitment to expanding its network strategically and providing convenient access to emerging markets, while catering to the growing demand for seamless and affordable travel between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
All 283 passengers were celebrated with a festive ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2), where they were and sent off by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev, Executive Chairman of Capital A Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail, as well as other dignitaries and industry partners.
"As we celebrate AirAsia X's inaugural flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan, we mark a significant milestone in Malaysian aviation," said Loke
"This new route not only enhances connectivity but also emphasises our commitment to a world-class air transport system. It symbolises our dedication to becoming a global aviation hub and strengthens cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
"Congratulations to AirAsia X on this milestone, and as we look to the future, we anticipate a more pronounced recovery in passenger traffic for 2024, with passenger numbers ranging from 93.9 million to 107.1 million. Let us continue striving for excellence in our aviation sector," the minister added.
Image via AirAsia (Provided to SAYS)
Meanwhile, Kamarudin said AAX's new route marked a pivotal moment in the airline's commitment to fostering economic and diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
"With bilateral trade reaching tens of millions of USD between the two countries, the potential for further collaboration in various sectors including tourism is vast. Looking ahead, we anticipate AAX's flights to Almaty will serve as a conduit for business opportunities, facilitating trade exchanges and fostering growth in both nations," Kamarudin said.
Image via AirAsia (Provided to SAYS)
Benyamin echoed similar sentiments, saying that the airline is confident their entry into the Kazakh market will enhance tourism between the two countries and foster closer regional ties.
AAX operates four weekly flights to Almaty, offering more than 95,000 seats annually with fares starting from RM599 all-in*, for one-way travel
The promotional fares are available for booking from 15 until 21 March 2024 for the travel period between now and 17 June 2025 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, previously known as 'airasia Superapp'.
*The promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel inclusive of taxes, fuel surcharge, and other relevant fees. Other terms and conditions apply.
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