After a more than 2 and half year hiatus in just another of a long line of back to the future moments of late for Asia-Pacific carriers Air Asia X have announced the return of a thrice weekly service between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast from the 15th February 2023.
The route which has always hold a significant part of Air Asia X’s history as the first ever route launched by the airline in November 2007 will now become the airline’s fourth destination in Australia and will follow the return of services to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth this year which has already carrier over 300,000 guests between Australia and Malaysia from April through to November.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said noted there has been overwhelming demand for the airline’s return to the ‘Gem of Queensland’ highlighting how the Gold Coast is a key leisure destination in its own right and gateway to Australia offering strong domestic connections to Queensland and beyond.
The CEO added “We are thrilled to be coming back to the stunning Gold Coast as the first and only low cost carrier flying direct! As our first ever route which launched in November 2007, this is an incredibly special announcement for AAX”.
“Fifteen years ago the Gold Coast was the catalyst for the birth of AirAsia X and our Australia expansion, which quickly became one of our most popular core markets.
“Through Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X will connect visitors to more than 130 destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, South Korea and many more.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “AirAsia X services from Kuala Lumpur had been secured by the Queensland Government’s AUD200 million aviation attraction war chest, in partnership with Queensland’s four international airports.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said: “The team is excited to see the return of AirAsia X which has a long-standing history with Gold Coast Airport since its maiden flight into the region in November 2007.
“Since AirAsia X last landed at Gold Coast Airport, we’ve opened our brand-new International Terminal and we look forward to welcoming the AirAsia X team and passengers back, this time through our impressive new building.
The new services will operate 3 times a week on their Airbus A330 aircraft with day time departures out of the Gold coast departing at 10.50am for a 5.25pm or 5.15pm arrival into KL and late evening departures at either 11.10pm or 11.20pm out of KL for either a 9.35am or 9.25am the following day.
To celebrate the flight relaunch the airlines is offering sale fares between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast from just RM799 (under AUD299) all-in one way for economy and RM3,999 (under AUD1,999) one way for their Premium Flatbed product.
