Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, who officiated at the handing-over ceremony Friday, was confident AirAsia X will be a global leader in pioneering an innovative and revolutionary low-cost long-haul business model.
He also hoped AirAsia X's point-to-point business model, offering a wider choice of destination and fares, will support the government's vision to make the KL International Airport (KLIA) the leading low-cost hub in the region.
"I am happy to note that some 50 percent of AirAsia's passenger traffic has been foreign nationals which is in line with the government's vision of driving tourism in Malaysia.
"Low-cost travel has also been proven to grow the overall market and hence the multiplier benefits on the economy as a whole," he said.
AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani, in his speech, noted that on the average, only about 20 percent of AirAsia X's in-bound guests to Malaysia stayed in Kuala Lumpur while the rest will go to other AirAsia's destinations, both in Kuala Lumpur and the region.
AirAsia operates over 100 routes, covering more than 60 destinations in Southeast Asia and China. It will start flying to Tiruchirapalli, south India, from Dec 1 this year.
"The brand new A330 will enable us to dramatically reduce operating costs, enabling savings made on fuel consumption to be passed on to our guests through low fares," he said.
The Airbus A330, powered by Rolls Royce trent 700 engines, boasts enhanced flexibility and comfort for passengers. The cabin has 383 seats, with optional premium Xl seats for extra leg room, as well as the latest in-flight entertainment systems.
The A330-300 can accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650nm/10,500km with a full passenger load.
Also present were AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia X chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan and Airbus president/CEO Tom Enders and President of Civil Aerospace of Rolls Royce, Mark King.
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