Malaysia's AirAsia X eyes Japan after Tokyo relaxes tough visa rule
KUALA LUMPUR —
Long-haul budget airline AirAsia X has announced it hopes to launch flights to at least three destinations in Japan by year-end after Tokyo relaxed its tough visa requirements for Malaysians. “With our new A330-300 being delivered, I hope to mount flights by end of the year to at least three destination in Japan,” chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said.
Azran said since October, Japanese officials had dropped the requirement for Malaysian travelers to show a confirmed ticket and accommodation before a visa was issued.
“We explained to the Japanese authorities how our ticket booking model works and they accepted it,” he said.
Azran last July said AirAsia had to delay flying to Japan due to the tough visa rules. AirAsia was concerned over what would happen if a passenger bought a ticket online but was then refused a visa. The three destinations are to the north (Hokkaido), Osaka and Fukuoka, he said.
An affiliate of regional low-cost carrier AirAsia and Virgin Group, AirAsia X was launched in January 2007. AirAsia and AirAsia X have common shareholders, including AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes.
Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has taken a 20% stake in the airline and the British billionaire has vowed to ensure that the project turns a profit.
Wire reports
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rajakumar
Malaysia 2nd biggest airlines Air asia to link its routes with Osaka,Fukuoka and Hokkaido.
Goodnews for japan travellers and also travellers from asean-asia to japan. There is even more choice and lower travel costs for travellers.
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ilcub76
Since Bangkok Airways dropped the Fukuoka-Bangkok route, there is no low-cost way to travel to SE Asia. I hope this deal comes through so I can visit Malaysia without paying an arm and a leg.
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