Airasia X halts Christchurch route

AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-fare unit of AirAsia, will be suspending its Kuala Lumpur-Christchurch-KL route as part of the realignment of its network to focus on its core market.

In a statement today, AirAsia X said the current four times weekly
KL-Christchurch flights will be suspended with the last flight on May 30 (from
Kuala Lumpur) and May 31 (from Christchurch).

AirAsia X said it will offer guests with bookings after these dates an
option of full refund, a re-route to another AirAsia X destination such as
Australia to Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur to North Asia, or a re-book of a
return flight prior to May 31.

"All changes will be made at no additional cost to mitigate the
inconvenience caused as a result of withdrawal and affected guests will receive
an e-mail stating the available options," it said.

Its chief executive officer, Azran Osman-Rani, said the decision to withdraw
from Christchurch was made taking into account the strategic focus in
consolidating network on markets AirAsia X has built stable and profitable
routes.

He said the route has performed strongly in terms of demand since its launch
in April 2011, recording close to 80 per cent loads in 2011.

"However, the route has been impacted by the spiralling cost of jet fuel.
The fuel prices have increased in excess of 30 per cent and are currently still
at very high levels," he said.

Azran said the high cost of fuel has compromised their ability to offer
AirAsia X renowned low fares. -- Bernama