Bangkok--19 Sep--Thai AirAsia AirAsia X, the world’s first truly long haul low cost airline, and an extension of AirAsia’s successful short haul low cost model in South East Asia, today welcomed its first leased long-haul Airbus A330-300 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carrier Terminal. The aircraft named ‘Semangat Sir Freddie’, in tribute to the pioneer of the low cost model, the late Sir Freddie Laker, was welcomed in a ceremony graced by YB Dato’ Dr. Awang Adek Hussin, Deputy Minister of Finance II. Also present were AirAsia X Chairman, Dato’ Seri Kalimullah Hassan, AirAsia X Founder Director, Dato’ Tony Fernandes and AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Azran Osman-Rani. The Airbus A330-300 is already the aircraft of choice for 60 operators around the world. This model has a range of up to 10,500km/5,650nm (approximately nine-hours flight time) and has been flown for more than five million operational hours. It offers excellent flexibility for a wide range of route structures, and a proven record of superior passenger comfort. It will enable AirAsia X to successfully deliver low fares and a comfortable customer experience over long distances. This first aircraft was delivered to AirAsia X from Ansett Worldwide Services (AWAS), a leading international aircraft leasing company, on a six-year lease. It complements AirAsia X’s purchase of fifteen (15) new Airbus A330s announced earlier. Those planes will be delivered over five years starting from September 2008. Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X’s CEO said “AirAsia X aims to build on AirAsia’s tradition of innovating the short haul, low-cost carrier model by introducing a number of features unique to the long-haul service. These include a target seat configuration of over 390 seats — more than 100 more than traditional users of the A330-300 — while maintaining a comfortable seat pitch of 31” and a recline similar to that offered by international legacy carriers” He added, “AirAsia X will also be introducing 28 premium seats offering the spaciousness and comfort equivalent to the legacy carriers’ business class seat, but at a fare equivalent to a full-fare economy ticket on other carriers”. Additional new features to be introduced on AirAsia X include assigned seating for passengers, and the convenience of pre-selecting one’s own seat during the booking process. Passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase additional products and services such as hot meals, amenity kits, and eventually in-flight entertainment, on an “a la carte” basis. “For the in-flight experience, my commitment to passengers is that they will enjoy an experience that is purpose-built for medium to long haul travel. In addition, regardless of whether bookings were made at the time of ticket purchase for the various in-flight products and services, these will also be available to be purchased on-board, providing further flexibility for passengers.” Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Founder Director of AirAsia X and Group CEO of AirAsia, said, “This is an important day for both AirAsia X and AirAsia. AirAsia is delighted to have finalised its 20% investment in AirAsia X, and is determined to work with AirAsia X to realise the mutual synergies that exist between both companies, including realising the joint benefits from feeding into and out of each other’s network. Similar to AirAsia, AirAsia X offers a fundamentally different product to full service carriers. The low cost model has proven that it grows the overall market and I believe the low fares offered by AirAsia X will help fulfil the untapped demand within Southeast Asia for affordable long haul international travel.” Dato’ Seri Kalimullah Hassan, Chairman of AirAsia X said,”I am delighted to welcome the arrival of our first aircraft into our fleet today, marking another important milestone in AirAsia X’s journey to become the world’s first and most successful long haul low cost carrier. We believe this venture will be important for Malaysia as we will strive together with AirAsia to develop Kuala Lumpur into the region’s leading hub for low-cost carriers, which will help boost the Malaysian economy” About AirAsia X AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Group, is the new long haul, low cost airline launched in January 2007. Having franchised the AirAsia brand from AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X’s long haul low cost business model is built on sustainable and continued delivery of everyday low fares. It aims to cover destinations which are more than four hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur, complementing the existing AirAsia network. For further information, MEDIA please contact : AIRASIA PUBLICITY TEAM Sherliza Zaharudin My Office No : +603 8660 4264 My Email : [email protected] Janet Leow My Office No : +603 8660 4265 My Email : [email protected] Andrea Liong My Office No : +603 8660 4287 My Email : [email protected] Mazlan Rasheed My Office No : +603 8660 4263 My Email : [email protected]