Although Malaysian carriers AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines are officially still working as potential future business partners, there are serious suggestions that the two carriers will go their separate ways and develop exclusively independent network strategies. Recent developments on the Kuala Lumpur – Kathmandu route would seem to support this, as AirAsia X responds to the news that Malaysia Airlines is to start flying the route from September, by increasing its own capacity.
AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-cost venture of AirAsia Group, launched flights to the Nepalese capital on July 3, 2012 initially offering two Airbus A330-300 flights per week on a scheduled charter basis in partnership with six Malaysian tour operators and a single Nepalese travel agency. AirAsia X now confirms that a third weekly flight is due to be added from September 15, 2012 now reservations have opened to the general public. The airline says the network growth is in response to encouraging demand from South East Asia and beyond.
“Since we launched sales, demand has been positive and the added frequency would only provide our guests better travel and flight options. Guests from the surrounding region may now explore Kathmandu’s heritage and natural attractions. Similarly, guests from Nepal will have a better travel option to travel to our strong network across South East Asia and beyond,” said Azran Osman-Rani, CEO, AirAsia X.
Kathmandu, Nepal is a land of history, artistry and religion which is filled with its historical temples, buildings and art galleries. It is a popular leisure destination that offers the thrills and spills for those more adventurous travelers as well as a habitat of natural beauty for those looking for a more tranquil break.
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will introduce its own three times weekly offering on the route from September 1, 2012, bur rather than complement it will compete with AirAsia X’s service with both airlines providing flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the MAS Boeing 737-800 operating just three hours ahead of the AirAsia X A330-300.
In 2011 an estimated 190,000 O&D passengers flew between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu, a route that is also served by Nepal Airlines. In recent years Air Nepal International and Yeti Airlines have flown between the two cities, while Air Arabia, Qatar Airways have flown the sector as part of their schedules from/to the Middle East.
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