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Indonesia AirAsia Extra Launches First Route Melbourne to Bali

Indonesia AirAsia Extra (IAX) has launched its first route and brought some added competition to the skies with its first flight from Melbourne to Bali taking off on 26th December 2014*.

Indonesia AirAsia Extra (IAX) has launched its first route and brought some added competition to the skies with its first flight from Melbourne to Bali taking off on 26th December 2014*.

The inaugural route for the low cost carrier goes on sale tomorrow (12.01 am 28th October) until 2nd November 2014, or until sold out, with an incredible low fare available for a limited time only from $99* one-way. Bookings can be made at www.airasia.comAirAsia’s popular long-haul business class flat bed seats will also be on sale from $499* one-way.

Indonesia AirAsia Extra will commence services with five weekly flights between Melbourne and the popular Indonesian island getawayFlights will depart Melbourne to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a total flight time of 6 hours and 10 minutes.

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Representing IAX shareholders AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani announced the new service today during a special ceremony in Melbourne attended by Indonesia AirAsia Extra CFO Dendy Kurniawan and representatives from Melbourne Airport.

“We’re delighted to launch this service and have Melbourne as the first Australian port for Indonesia AirAsia Extra,” Mr Osman-Rani said.

“Melbourne has been one of our most successful markets with our current service to Kuala Lumpur and this is an important advancement in our multi-hub strategy. We have a great partnership with Melbourne Airport and have much confidence in the opportunities here. 

“With Thai AirAsia X already operating into north Asia we have Australia in our sights for further expansion and we all know how popular Bali is with Aussies.”

                   Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO

“Our launch will see capacity increase on this route grow by 28% and we’ll be providing about 22% of total available seats.”

Indonesia AirAsia Extra CEO Soeratman Doerachman said, “We are thrilled to be the first long-haul low-cost airline in Indonesia and are happy to provide more options for Australians to discover the beauty of Asia with a hassle-free connection from Bali to various destinations within the AirAsia Group.”

An Airbus A330-300 aircraft will operate the route with a seating capacity of 377 including 365 economy seats and 12 business class flat bed seats.

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AirAsia commercial manager Australia and New Zealand Stuart Myerscough said, “AirAsia already has an existing hub network from Bali to 16 direct onward destinations in Asia and Indonesia AirAsia Extra will further develop this with direct connections to North Asia over time.

“We’re looking forward to introducing our business class product onto this route, which will provide the best value in its class offering a full business class seat experience for up to half the cost of full service business class.

“Melbourne has been a strong market for us with proven connectivity to our other destinations onwards through Malaysia. We will be working hard also to open up connectivity though Bali to create more inbound passenger traffic and opportunities.”

“We are delighted that Indonesia AirAsia Extra has chosen Melbourne for its inaugural Australian service. Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Australians and from December, it will be more successful than ever with this new direct service.”

                    Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff

AirAsia X was the first low cost carrier in the world to introduce flat bed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.

They feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen.

Business Class guests also enjoy complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, Baggage Allowance, Flight Change, Combo Meal and Premium Pillow & Duvet.

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 100 destinations across 23 countries.

AirAsia X was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its sixth consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.

What impact do you think AirAsia’s new route will have on Australia’s low-cost carrier market?