AirAsia X has announced that it will stop flying to Christchurch from the end of May.
The pull-out forms part of the airline’s network realignment plan, which is aiming to focus on its core Asia Pacific markets including Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Iran. The long-haul low-cost carrier has already announced that it will pull out of India and Europe.
The current four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch will be suspended from 31 May 2012. Passengers booked on flights after this date will have the option of a full refund, rebooking on another AirAsia X route or changing travel dates to before 31 May 2012.
“The decision to withdraw from Christchurch was a difficult one, but was made taking into account our strategic focus in consolidating our network on markets where we have built up stable, profitable routes. We have, since the suspension of our flights to Europe and India, increased flight frequencies to Tokyo, and opened up a new route to Sydney, Australia. AirAsia X will continue to further expand in its core markets and add frequencies on existing routes,” said Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X.
“Our Kuala Lumpur-Christchurch route has performed strongly in terms of demand since our launch in April 2011, recording close to 80% loads in 2011. However, the Christchurch route has been impacted by the spiralling cost of jet fuel. Since the launch of the route, jet fuel prices have increased in excess of 30%, and are currently still at very high levels. The high cost of fuel has compromised our ability to offer our renowned low fares.
“We have been very grateful for the huge support rendered by Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City Council and Tourism New Zealand, and would like to put on record our appreciation for all the cooperation that has been given to us,” he added.
