AirAsia X has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to fly to any destination in the the US, making its foray into an entirely new market as it looks beyond the Asia Pacific.
“The airline is the first Asian low-cost carrier to secure approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to the US,” it said on Tuesday.
AirAsia X is considering flights to several US states including Hawaii as part of its route expansion plans.
Its group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said this was a major milestone for AirAsia X.
“Our expansion up until now has concentrated on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, and we are excited about our first foray into an entirely new market as we look beyond Asia Pacific.
“I’m confident travellers will respond well to our award-winning service and the kind of connectivity we can offer with our Fly-Thru product. As part of our expansion plans, we are also looking to resume our very popular London route, and are working towards securing the necessary approvals.”
Kamarudin said none of this would be possible without its Allstars, especially group chief operating officer Anaz Ahmad Tajuddin, who passed away two weeks ago.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today if he chad not laid the foundations with his blood, sweat and tears, and his bravery in the face of cancer showed us the true meaning of strength. This is for you, Anaz.”
Fly-Thru allows guests to seamlessly connect to anywhere within AirAsia’s wide network with just one stop at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Asia’s No. 1 low-cost carrier hub – and other convenient transit hubs in Thailand and Indonesia, without having to pass through immigration and with their baggage checked through to the final destination.