AirAsia to launch new Chinese low cost carrier

AirAsia signed a joint venture agreement with China on Sunday to establish a low cost carrier, with a base in the east-central city of Zhengzhou. AirAsia (China) is a joint venture between AirAsia, Everbright Group and Henan Government Working Group, the airline said. AirAsia (China) will also invest in aviation infrastructure, including a dedicated LCC terminal at Zhengzhou airport and an aviation academy to train pilots, crew and engineers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities to service aircraft, the statement said. No further details of the LCC were provided. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is on a visit to China, witnessed the signing of the joint venture agreement. "This Chinese venture represents the final piece of the AirAsia puzzle," said AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.<br/>