AirAsia X (D7, Kuala Lumpur International) will launch a new 4x weekly service between Kuala Lumpur International and Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen on November 14 as a part of its strategy to eventually return to Europe and beyond. The route will be operated with A330-300 aircraft.
"This long-awaited route takes us one step closer to delivering longer connectivity across continents," said chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail. "This is a strategic decision that strengthens our network, creates more pathways for business collaboration, and enhances access to new experiences for travellers around the world."
The development marks AirAsia X's entry into the Turkish market, and Istanbul is set to become the westernmost destination in its network. AirAsia X previously served London and Paris Orly from Kuala Lumpur International, but the routes were scrapped in 2012 due to poor financial performance.
AirAsia X will not face direct competition on the route. However, ch-aviation data shows that Turkish Airlines currently operates an 18x weekly service between Istanbul Airport and Kuala Lumpur International.
Tony Fernandes, chief executive of AirAsia X's current parent Capital A, recently revealed plans to open "virtual hubs" in the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. He has also announced that AirAsia will order fifty A321-200NY(XLR)s as it looks to develop a long-haul network with narrowbody aircraft.
AirAsia X currently operates eighteen A330-300s, ch-aviation data reveals.
