AirAsia X to launch Coast to NZ route

[Jarden S]

From the Gold Coast Bulletin:

AirAsia X to launch Coast to NZ route | January 26th, 2010

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia X wants to start flying direct from the Gold Coast to New Zealand this year, further cementing the Coast's position as an international hub.

The Kuala Lumpur carrier's chief executive Azran Osman-Rani -- in Australia for the official opening of the Gold Coast Airport yesterday -- said one of the company's 2010 objectives was to start flights to Christchurch.

From KL, AirAsia X's parent company AirAsia flies to about 60 destinations.

AirAsia X flies to China, London and the Middle East.

Already there are 18 flights to Auckland from the Gold Coast weekly and three to Christchurch from airlines including Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand.

Mr Osman-Rani said the upgraded airport now provided more scope for the international carrier, which flies seven days a week to KL, to increase its presence here.

"We have a lot more growth plans in this area," said Mr Osman-Rani.

"The Gold Coast works as an effective gateway and international hub," he said.

"We want to look at getting people flying here and then on to New Zealand.

[Andre H]

Could this be part of the new cooperation Air Asia X / Jetstar ? Jetstar could be the feeder OOL-NewZealand-OOL.

[Rhys Xanthis]

pretty sure that deal was just for grouping aircraft and maintenance buys for better prices, nothing to do with routes.

[Jarden S]

I reckon they will run the A330 on the route all the way to CHC

[Andre H]

I heard Air Asia X get 4 more A333 this year, one for every new rotation ?
1x KUL-BOM-KUL
1x KUL-DEL-KUL
1x KUL-SYD-KUL with A333 ?
1x and one more for KUL-OOL-KUL due to 7h later arrival back to KUL

[Tony C]

I'm hoping that if they really do get to fly OOL-CHC, the fares would be dirt cheap given the A333's capacity.

[Andre H]

AirAsia X reportedly plans to launch services to New Zealand in 2H2010, according to Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) CEO, Jim Boult (The Dominion Post/The Press, 28-Jan-2010). AirAsia X reportedly recently met with both CIAL and Auckland Airport regarding the possibility of launching routes from the airports, including services direct to Kuala Lumpur or via the Gold Coast. AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, stated earlier this week that Gold Coast Airport’s redeveloped terminal would provide more scope for the LCC, including opportunities to launch services to New Zealand.

Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation - email Newsletter 28JAN

Sounds like more than just CHC... or nothing via Australia... or a new subsidiary in NZ ????