AirAsia X starting Ktm flights from July 3

KATHMANDU, June 24: Targeting growing number of Malaysia-bound Nepali migrant workers, AirAsia X is starting scheduled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu starting July 3.



AirAsia X - the long-haul operation brand of Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia - recently opened booking, offering tickets starting Rs 11,000 (taxes extra) for one way trip.[break]



The cheaper airfare is certain to cherish Nepali migrant workers, who are paying a minimum of Rs 23,800 for one way trip, so far. About 350 workers leave for the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) every day. Currently, more than 500,000 Nepalis are working Malaysia.



Once into operation, AirAsia X will end the monopoly of national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) in the sector. But as NAC alone cannot cater to such a huge traffic, many passengers have been flying to the Malaysian capital via Dhaka or New Delhi, which is costlier and time consuming.



Officials of Incentive Tours and Travels, the general sales agent of AirAsia X in Nepal, said initial booking figures were overwhelming. Hari Man Lama, executive chairman of ITT, said AirAsia X will initially fly between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu two times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.



“We will add two more flights a week, probably from September,” Lama said, adding that the airline will serve in-flight food. Drinks, however, will be available for purchase.



Along with serving the migrant workers, Lama said airline will play a key role in bringing tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, China and other countries as well.

AirAsia at present is selling tickets through point of sales only. “Global booking will open only after a month,” he said.



Air Service Agreement (ASA) between Nepal and Malaysia allows Malaysian carriers to operate up to 21 flights a week. AirAsia, however, has permission to operate up to seven flights a week.



The airline will be using 370-seater Airbus A330-300 on the route.



Malaysian national carrier Malaysia Airlines and Kathmandu-based BB Airways have already unveiled their plan to launch scheduled flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur from September.

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