AirAsia opens first daily direct flight from Kuala Lumper to Tiruchi

The largest and leading low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia today announces that it will commence its daily direct flight to Tiruchirappli, India from Kuala Lumpur, beginning 1st December 2008 with its brand new Airbus A320 fleet. Trichy is the first route launched by AirAsia in India.  

To celebrate this new service, AirAsia is offering unbeatable low fare from Rs. 699* (RM49*) one-way. This offer is available exclusively via online at AirAsia’s website, www.airasia.com for the booking period from 30 October 2008 – 9 November 2008 for the travel period of 1st December –31 July 2009.

With AirAsia’s extensive route network encompassing over 108 routes in Asia, including the ones served by AirAsia X, its long-haul affiliate to Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Australia and Hangzhou, China, the Malaysian based carrier has finally conquered its last frontier to fly to Thiruchi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. AirAsia boasts the most extensive route network in the region compared to other budget carriers hence guests who travel with the award-winning airline could benefit from using LCC Terminal in Kuala Lumpur to get to other regional ASEAN cities or connect to the long haul sectors serviced by AirAsia X.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad commented “AirAsia’s low-cost model, with its ultra low fares and modern fleet of comfortable and spacious aircraft, is an attractive customer proposition which is strong enough to compete with premium airlines. Besides our brand new modern fleet fitted with leather seats and spacious cabin, an array of hot delicious meals to choose from, high quality service, fun and friendly cabin crew, largest number of destinations,  highest flight frequencies topped with an unrivalled On Time Guarantee, we are indeed the airline to travel with,”

“Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolitan full of excitement and the center and symbol of Malaysia's rapid rise as an economic powerhouse. From the modern buildings of the Golden Triangle to massive shopping malls, rocket-like Petronas towers which soars above the city right to driverless trains that glide across the city. Yet nestled amid the high-rises, it still offers a glimpse of its colorful heritage and a taste of traditional, exotic Asia. From our unique cultures, a great variety of food and places of attractions such as KLCC Twin Towers, Genting City of Entertainment often frequented by families, Sunway Lagoon water park, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls located in the Langkawi islands and Taman Negara National Park, a major wildlife reserve and exploring tropical rainforests or indulging in a shopping fandango, Kuala Lumpur will not disappoint. Meanwhile, Thiruchi, famous for its fusion architecture and monuments, will be our first destination before we embark on nine other locations in India within the next one-and-a-half years. Other routes include Madras, Cochin, Madurai and Kovaibutore while for AirAsia X, we are looking at New Delhi, Mumbai and Hydrabad.” concluded Tony

* All fares quoted are excluding airport taxes, fuel surcharges and fees, and are applicable for one-way travel only.

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – TIRUCHIRAPPLI

About AirAsia and AirAsia X

The leading, and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia has carried over 55 million passengers to date, grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 70 today and now, has the most extensive low cost route network in the region of over 100 routes – all within the grasp of six years in operation. The airline today is proud to be a truly ASEAN airline. AirAsia was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company Magazine, the winner of the prestigious Airline Strategy Award 2008 in the Finance Category and voted as the Best Budget Airline in Asia by SmartTravelAsia.com for 3 consecutive years since 2006. 

AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia with shareholders including Virgin Group is the new long haul low cost airline launched in January 2007. The airline launched its first global destination to the Gold Coast, Australia on 2nd November 2007 and to Hangzhou, China on 4th February, 2008. The airline will serve Perth and Melbourne; Australia in November, 2008. Having franchised the AirAsia brand from AirAsia, AirAsia X’s business model is built on sustainable and continued delivery of everyday low fares, covering destinations that are more than four hours in flight duration, which will soon offer daily point-to-point frequencies to popular destinations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe.

For more information, please log onto www.airasia.com

For any further information, MEDIA please contact:

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Tejaswi Gupte/Ameya Bundellu

+91-22- 98204 10881/ 98204 93003

tejaswi.gupte@ogilvy.com/ameya.bundellu@ogilvy.com

AirAsia Commercial PR Team:

Sherliza Zaharudin

Office No           : +603 8660 4294

HP                    : +6013 621 2411 or +6019 282 5887

E-mail               : sherlizazaharudin@airasia.com

Mazlan Rasheed

Office No           : +603 8660 4263

HP                    : +6012 273 9097

Email                : mazlanrasheed@airasia.com

Linda Foo

My Office No    : +603 8660 4272

My Mobile No   : +6012 351 3372                                                          

My Email          : fooyanyan@airasia.com