Air Asia in long haul move

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The low-cost airline model which has revolutionised travel in Europe, the US and lately Asia may be about to go global.

 

The biggest no-frills carrier in the East - Air Asia - has announced the launch of a sister company to ferry travellers between its hubs in South East Asia and Europe, primarily the UK.

 

"We're going to really bring down costs on the long-haul product [in a way] that was never deemed feasible," Air Asia's chief executive Tony Fernandes told the BBC.

 

"I think that will allow us to offer fares to London from $80 to $450 (£41 to £231) return," he said.

 

'One class product'

 

Mr Fernandes announced on Friday that the carrier, which expects to carry some 18 million passengers around South-East Asia this year, would launch a new airline under its banner to do what many believe is unfeasible.

 

"It's going to be a one class product," explained Mr Fernandes.

 

"It may have some rows of seats that are nice but you pay for that."

 

"We're not going to have business class lounges and separate check-in counters, but some people may be prepared to pay a little more for extra legroom."

 

The first route is likely to be between Malaysia's under-utilised air hub outside Kuala Lumpur and the UK.

 

 

Full article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6232101.stm