AIRASIA X Celebrates 1st flight into Christchurch

AIRASIA X PLEDGES RM500,000 (NZD220,000) TO EARTHQUAKE HERITAGE RESTORATION: Celebrates 1st flight into Christchurch with more low fare offers!
CHRISTCHURCH, 2 April 2011- AirAsia X, the Malaysian based long-haul low fare affiliate of AirAsia celebrates the first flight into Christchurch at a ceremony held at the Westfield Mall in the city today. Following the arrival of its inaugural flight, D7 2754 with over 85% passenger load to New Zealand last night on the A330 aircraft, AirAsia announced it will donate a percentage of each ticket purchased by every passenger travelling to and from New Zealand to help fund the restoration of some of the Christchurch’s most iconic buildings.“We’ve set a target of raising RM500,000 (NZD220,000) and expect to reach the target within 12 months,” says AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani.“We thank our guests for all the support and hope this financial gesture will assist in some way to restore Christchurch’s heritage icons.”

Famous for being the world’s fastest growing low-cost airline, the AirAsia group continues to buck global airline trends and in 2010 reported a RM 1 billion (NZD 434 million) profit.Late last year Christchurch International Airport announced the airline was adding Christchurch to its 150-destination network, a move that AirAsia and Tourism New Zealand estimate will introduce 70,000 new visitors to New Zealand in the first year of operation – nearly half that which will be achieved by the Rugby World Cup.Azran said “ the airline’s shareholders and management were united in their desire to contribute in some way to the Christchurch’s recovery initiatives as well as offer New Zealander’s low fares to the destinations it flies to and use Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to South East Asia and beyond.”

“It made sense to contribute to preserving some of the things that almost every traveler to the South Island takes a photo of. The image presented by the Arts Centre, the Cathedral and other beautiful historic buildings is not only central to the city’s tourism image, when fully restored they will become an enduring reminder of the community’s remarkable resilience.” Severely damaged by the 22 February earthquake, Christchurch’s Anglican Cathedral alone is estimated to cost tens of millions to strengthen and reconstruct.The mayor of Christchurch, Mr. Bob Parker said, “We are very pleased to have AirAsia X begin flights to Christchurch and delighted that they have made this financial commitment to assist with the earthquake heritage restoration. We are very much looking forward to working closely alongside the airline as a tourism partner and as a newly arrived member of the Christchurch community.”Says Azran: “We believe every traveler arriving in Christchurch will be proud to have helped in some small way in Christchurch’s recovery and, in turn, this is linked to our commitment to the city.
“Contributing to putting up some bricks and mortar is something tactile and real. All AirAsia visitors will know they have left behind something that is special and long-lasting.”To mark the arrival of the first flight, AirAsia X is offering an unbelievable promotional all-in Economy fare from as low as RM*499 (NZD279*) one way and all-in Premium fare from as low as RM1799 (NZD799) one way from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch for the booking period from 1 to 5 April, 2011 for the travel period from 11 November 2010 to 29 February, 2011.

“Fly Thru” connecting low fares are also available for guests departing Christchurch to popular AirAsia X destinations to India (Delhi, Mumbai), China (Chengdu), France (Paris), Uk (Stansted), and Taiwan (Taipei) from as low as RM1030* (NZD429*) one way for the same booking and travel period.And to top the icing on the cake, the airline is offering a 24hour sale of 15% off on all seats, all flights to all AirAsia X destinations for guests only departing from Christchurch to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), India (Delhi, Mumbai), China (Chengdu), Taiwan (Taipei), France (Paris), and UK (Stansted). The 24 hours sale is available online from 4th (0000 NZDT) to 5th (0000NDZT) April, 2011 for travel between 1 August 2011 to 29 February 2012. This 24 Hour sale is not applicable for the RM 499* (NZD279*) and “Fly Thru” connecting promotion.

Promotional seats are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively available online via www.airasia.com.