AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated the return of services from Sydney and welcomed flight D7220 to Kuala Lumpur with 61% load factor on Friday. The receiving event marks the official recommencement of its commercial services to/from Australia after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.

CEO of AirAsia X, Benyamin Ismail said: “Australia is one of our key markets and we are pleased to return our service to the country and reconnect our guests between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur with great value fares. We are also excited to welcome 230 guests to Malaysia from Sydney and connect them to the wider AirAsia’s network such as India and Indonesia among others.

“We would also like to applaud the Australian government for accelerating the visa process for tourists to strengthen the travel and tourism industry and thank the Malaysian government for reopening the border without restrictions, which will provide a welcome boost to the nation’s economic recovery.

“As we return to the skies, we will continue to review our network and cater to the increasing demand in our core markets with additional new season services added to the schedule in the near future. We hope this resumption of service will not only benefit our guests but both countries’ tourism industry as a whole.”

Executive general manager aviation of Sydney Airport, Rob Wood said: “It is great to see AirAsia X resuming their popular Sydney to Kuala Lumpur service as we cater to the increasing demand for travel throughout Malaysia. “After a two-year absence caused by COVID, we are sure this service will be welcomed by travellers seeking great value fares to one of Malaysia’s most in-demand cities.”

The twice-weekly service will also connect to Auckland, New Zealand starting 7 November this year and with plans to gradually increase the service to daily by the first quarter of next year to meet strong pent-up demand. AirAsia X is also resuming direct services to Melbourne and Perth commencing early November.

In celebration of the service, AirAsia is offering great value fares from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur or Fly-Thru to other cities from AUD239 on Economy seats or guests can choose to experience the Premium Flatbed from AUD899 all-in* one way.

The new service to/from Sydney is available for booking through the ‘Flights’ icon on the airasia Super App or via the website. The latest sale is for the travel period between now and 28 October 2022.

Australia remains a key market for the AirAsia X Group. Thai AirAsia X, the affiliate long haul sister airline of AirAsia X, has also recently announced new direct services from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Melbourne and Sydney for the very first time, commencing 1 and 2 December 2022.