AirAsia X has officially entered the Central Asian market with the launch of a direct service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Almaty International Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan.
The inaugural flight D7601 departed from ALA on March 14, 2024, and flew 285 passengers which filled 100% of the flight’s load, the airline said.
The flight also saw Air Asia become the first Malaysian carrier to fly direct to Kazakhstan’s capital.
“The launch of our direct flights from Almaty today with an impressive 100 percent load factor marks a significant leap forward for AirAsia X as we venture into the heart of Central Asia. This strategic move underscores our continued commitment to expanding our global footprint and reconnecting travelers with the world’s most captivating destinations,” AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said in a statement.
“We are confident that our entry into the Kazakh market will not only enhance tourism between both countries but also foster closer ties regionally as we can connect the people in the largest country in Central Asia to 130 destinations from Kuala Lumpur. As we continue to expand our increasing network across the region and presence in Central Asia, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the airline,” Ismail added.
Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said the airline’s flight to Almaty marked a “significant milestone” for Malaysia.
Sing added: “Malaysia is a country rich in diverse cultures and natural beauty, and we are excited to extend our Malaysian hospitality to our Kazakh friends. Our aim for 2024 is to welcome over 27.3 million tourists, and we are confident that our Kazakh visitors will contribute significantly to this goal. Selamat Datang ke Malaysia!”