AirAsia Malaysia makes Australia debut; Taiwanese operators ramp up network

AirAsia Malaysia has begun flying from its Kuala Lumpur hub to Perth, marking the first time the carrier has operated direct flights to Australia. The daily flights utilise the longer range of its Airbus A321neos and are in addition to the existing service of sister medium-haul unit AirAsia X, which it flies daily using A330s to the Western Australia city. AirAsia Aviation chief Bo Lingam says: “Thanks to the addition of the new model A321neo aircraft with longer range capabilities spanning over five hours and numerous operational efficiencies, we are able to make these new services a reality on a narrowbody aircraft from Kuala Lumpur so that more of our guests can travel to Australia affordably.” The airline is also set to resume operations to Pattaya in Thailand, with thrice-weekly flights to commence 17 June. The route is AirAsia’s seventh link between Thailand and Malaysia, with other points including Bangkok Don Mueang, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai. Separately, Taiwan’s two largest carriers have also disclosed plans to expand their networks. China Airlines will start flights to Seattle from 14 July, with five weekly flights operated by A350-900s. Seattle is the SkyTeam carrier’s sixth North American point. It serves New York, Los Angeles, Ontario and San Francisco in the USA, and Vancouver in Canada. China Airlines’ launch of direct flights between Taipei and Seattle means the route will be operated by all three Taiwanese carriers. EVA Air already flies daily between the two cities, while Starlux Airlines is looking to launch flights in August. <br/>