On April 29, AirAsia X, the pioneer Malaysia-based long-haul low-cost airline celebrated 100 days since commencing to the international route from Kuala Lumpur with a big celebration in Hangzhou. AirAsia X was the first ASEAN airline to commence direct services to the route from Kuala Lumpur with five weekly flights from February 4, 2008.

To commemorate the 100 days celebration, AirAsia X is offering promotional fares starting from 100 yuan* (approximately MYR45). Available online, guests can book through www.airasia.com and the booking period to enjoy this special fare is open from April 29 to May 3, 2008, for travel between June 11 to September 25, 2008. AirAsia X guests in China may also book online via Chinese domestic debit cards and Chinese credit cards. The online payment service is provided by BilltoBill.

This celebration is to rejoice the airline's 100th day to the city as there was great demand for the route with over 70,000 bookings to date and 35,000 guests carried from Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou, China, and vice versa. AirAsia X have provided greater access to a large market of business and leisure travelers from China as more people are expected to travel with the amazing low fares offered. Guests may now connect to other international destinations served by AirAsia and AirAsia X through Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is expected to become the region's leading low-cost aviation hub connecting to exciting destinations such as Bali in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong as well as Gold Coast in Australia.

Mr. Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X and Ms Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Group represented AirAsia X at the momentous ceremony and press conference. Present at the function were Consulate General of Malaysia in Shanghai, Encik Azmil Zabidi, several Hangzhou airport and government representatives, and some 100 local and foreign media members.

The Malaysian cultural dance performance was the prelude to the celebration, followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the VIPs. The guests were also entertained by a Chinese dance troupe from Hangzhou, adding both Malaysia and China cultural elements to the event.

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Group, said "We see Hangzhou as a strategic gateway to Yangtze River Delta, with direct access to about 15% of the population and 26% of the GDP of mainland China. We look forward to draw more international and regional guests to China using Kuala Lumpur as its connecting gateway. As a truly low-cost long-haul low fares airline, AirAsia X will progressively increase inbound and outbound traffic and boost tourism in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas like Shanghai, to Malaysia and vice versa. The 100 days celebration of the Kuala Lumpur - Hangzhou route along side with our super low fares, is testament to AirAsia X's goal to make international travel accessible and a reality for all travellers."

"We have been promoting Hangzhou heavily to Malaysians and across the ASEAN region with our marketing campaigns. AirAsia X is thrilled with the 100 days performance of its first China route and has recorded growth of 82% load since the airline commenced services. With our continuous efforts and amazing low fares, we are sure to stimulate passenger traffic both ways. With this promotional fare of 100 yuan* one-way, people from China may enjoy the scenic view of Malaysia and its unique Malaysian culture. They can also enjoy AirAsia X's only direct link from Kuala Lumpur to travel to 53 destinations and 101 routes across Asia." added Kathleen.

The Malaysian Consul General to Shanghai, Mr. Azmil Zabidi said, "These ties will be important as Malaysia, having enjoyed long and friendly relations with China for nearly 34 years, gears ourselves to further enhance the political, trade and economic cooperation with China. As Malaysia's 4th largest trade partner, we are very keen to expand cooperation with China in such diverse fields as tourism, education and agriculture. And AirAsia X's efforts to promote ease of travel to China can only help in the process. The increased accessibility to China, coupled with low fares, will definitely stimulate the interest of small businesses in both countries to venture into the other. We hope with AirAsia X, we can accelerate tourism, attracting more visitors to our country with its diversified culture, unique heritage, wide rainforest, beautiful beaches, busy metropolitan, and an array of shopping and good food as Malaysia has some entertaining and modern cities. AirAsia X's decision to open this new route also meets the Malaysia Government's efforts to make Malaysia the low cost carrier hub for Asia."

* Applicable for one way travel only.

(Information contributed by AirAsia Group)