AirAsia X (AAX) has resumed services to Melbourne, as one of its first key destinations to return post-pandemic. The airline reported a strong passenger load on its inaugural flight signaling a sharp rebound in demand for low-cost, mid-range air travel. This is a welcome boost for both the Australian and Malaysian air travel and tourism industry, the airline said.
Prior to the pandemic, AAX operated 92 flights to four destinations in Australia with a market share of 45%. Following the recent restart of operations to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, AAX will operate 24 weekly flights. AAX also plans to recover over 50% against its pre-pandemic flight frequency to Australia by the third quarter of 2023.
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AAX said: “Australia was our very first destination to fly to, back in November 2007 when we commenced operations. It has always been one of our core destinations with strong demand for two-way travel which is historically proven.
“Our recently resumed Sydney services are already proving very popular and we are thrilled to now return to Melbourne as one of our top priority markets to return to first post-Covid alongside two more services down under commencing this week to Auckland and Perth, thanks to popular demand.”
Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport said: “We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia X back to the Melbourne Airport family today. Malaysia is an important market for Victoria for business, leisure, and education travel. We know that our customers are happy to have the airline back here, offering even more choices for getting to Asia and beyond and driving competition.”
Until March 2020, the airline carried 12.7 million guests between Malaysia and Australia with almost four million guests arriving in Melbourne alone. With the new route, the Asian travellers will benefit from more value and choice with convenient and affordable access to Australia, the airline said.