Asia's largest low-cost carrier intends to open direct flights to Kazakhstan
As part of the order of the President of Kazakhstan to expand international routes and attract new foreign airlines on October 22, 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia, the delegation consisting of representatives of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan, airports of the cities of Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Karaganda held negotiations with co-owner and founder of the “AirAsia” group of companies Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Executive Director of the “AirAsia” airline Benyamin Ismail, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of opening a direct flight connection by “AirAsia” between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
In order to develop the Astana International Financial Center and the country's tourism potential, the Malaysian side was offered the opportunity to fly through Kazakhstan to the world's largest financial centers with the 5th freedom of the air at the airports of Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Karaganda and others.
In addition, representatives of Kazakhstan’s airports proposed various mechanisms to stimulate the opening of regular flights.
In turn, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun expressed interest in launching direct flights to Almaty with the 5th freedom of the air for flights to European cities and New York (USA).
During the visit, a meeting was also held with Under Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport of Malaysia, Mohamad Radzuan Mazlan. The parties considered the issues of expanding air traffic by Malaysian airlines, including “AirAsia”. The Malaysian aviation authorities expressed full support for Kazakhstan’s initiative to open new flights between the two countries.
For reference: “AirAsia” is the largest low-cost airline in Asia and the 13th in the world. It operates flights to 152 destinations in 22 countries of the world. The aircraft fleet consists of 265 aircraft. The main transit hub of the airline is Kuala Lumpur International Airport. At the end of 2018, the airline transported 44.3 million passengers, which is 14% more compared to the previous year.
