Post by herrbert on Aug 16, 2007 15:39:51 GMT -5
I know it's not Europe, but still interesting news:
* source: bangkok post. (amongst others)
I also heared the rumour that it will not be London, that will have the first cheap flights to Asia (most probably Kuala Lumpur, but rather Manchester)
Branson commits to 20% in AirAsia X
Gold Coast will be first destination
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Putrajaya, Malaysia _ AirAsia X, Southeast Asia's first long-haul low-cost carrier, has received a major boost from the Virgin Group, which yesterday confirmed its intention to acquire a 20% stake in the company.
The confirmation came as Air Asia X announced a definite plan to begin flights from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast in Australia by the end of September or early October, probably four times a week. AirAsia X is owned by Fly Asian Express, or FAX, a small airline serving rural routes in Malaysia. FAX is 50% owned by tycoon Tony Fernandes, who founded and controls the region's biggest low-cost carrier, AirAsia.
The sale of a 20% stake to Virgin is seen as enabling the new carrier to obtain the funding needed to kick-start operations and partly pay for the 15 Airbus A330-300s it has ordered.
Sir Richard Branson and Mr Fernandes hold up logos of the two companies during a ceremony yesterday in Putrajaya. The value of the transaction was not disclosed. ''I'm not sure what the amount is,'' said Virgin's founder, the flamboyant entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.
''The sceptics may say that it is a relatively untested business model, but with the collective experience of Air Asia, Virgin, Tony Fernandes,and Sir Richard behind us, we believe that we are good for the money,'' said FAX chairman Kalimullah Hassan.
Air Asia X's immediate plan is to operate flights to Hangzhou in China and Avalon Airport near Melbourne, after the Gold Coast, according to Mr Fernandes.
The airline will start off with only one leased Airbus A330 and is looking to lease a second to support its initial flight expansion before the first of the 15 new A330-300 jets is delivered in the last quarter of next year, said Mr Fernandes.
He said Air Asia would provide its smaller A320 jets to Air Asia X if required by the long-haul carrier in the initial phase of operation.Sir Richard said that starting off with one plane should not a problem, noting that his Virgin Atlantic began with a single aircraft as well.
Sir Richard yesterday made it clear that Virgin did not intend to increase its stake in Air Asia X beyond 20% but said the British group was committed to contribute more capital to the airline. The FAX chairman said Virgin's involvement would provide Air Asia X with greater global credibility and visibility across its markets and would assist in the negotiations with various airports.
Over the next five years, AirAsia X aims to expand its fleet to 25 A330 planes and carry 7.5 million passengers during the period.
AirAsia X is reportedly planning to focus on Japan, Korea, China, India, Australia and the Middle East, with some routes in Europe, including London.
Gold Coast will be first destination
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Putrajaya, Malaysia _ AirAsia X, Southeast Asia's first long-haul low-cost carrier, has received a major boost from the Virgin Group, which yesterday confirmed its intention to acquire a 20% stake in the company.
The confirmation came as Air Asia X announced a definite plan to begin flights from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast in Australia by the end of September or early October, probably four times a week. AirAsia X is owned by Fly Asian Express, or FAX, a small airline serving rural routes in Malaysia. FAX is 50% owned by tycoon Tony Fernandes, who founded and controls the region's biggest low-cost carrier, AirAsia.
The sale of a 20% stake to Virgin is seen as enabling the new carrier to obtain the funding needed to kick-start operations and partly pay for the 15 Airbus A330-300s it has ordered.
Sir Richard Branson and Mr Fernandes hold up logos of the two companies during a ceremony yesterday in Putrajaya. The value of the transaction was not disclosed. ''I'm not sure what the amount is,'' said Virgin's founder, the flamboyant entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.
''The sceptics may say that it is a relatively untested business model, but with the collective experience of Air Asia, Virgin, Tony Fernandes,and Sir Richard behind us, we believe that we are good for the money,'' said FAX chairman Kalimullah Hassan.
Air Asia X's immediate plan is to operate flights to Hangzhou in China and Avalon Airport near Melbourne, after the Gold Coast, according to Mr Fernandes.
The airline will start off with only one leased Airbus A330 and is looking to lease a second to support its initial flight expansion before the first of the 15 new A330-300 jets is delivered in the last quarter of next year, said Mr Fernandes.
He said Air Asia would provide its smaller A320 jets to Air Asia X if required by the long-haul carrier in the initial phase of operation.Sir Richard said that starting off with one plane should not a problem, noting that his Virgin Atlantic began with a single aircraft as well.
Sir Richard yesterday made it clear that Virgin did not intend to increase its stake in Air Asia X beyond 20% but said the British group was committed to contribute more capital to the airline. The FAX chairman said Virgin's involvement would provide Air Asia X with greater global credibility and visibility across its markets and would assist in the negotiations with various airports.
Over the next five years, AirAsia X aims to expand its fleet to 25 A330 planes and carry 7.5 million passengers during the period.
AirAsia X is reportedly planning to focus on Japan, Korea, China, India, Australia and the Middle East, with some routes in Europe, including London.
* source: bangkok post. (amongst others)
I also heared the rumour that it will not be London, that will have the first cheap flights to Asia (most probably Kuala Lumpur, but rather Manchester)