AirAsia X Berhad (AirAsia X) has kicked off 2024 with positive momentum. The low-cost long haul carrier recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic and network expansion in the first quarter (Q1).
Passenger Demand Soars
AirAsia X achieved a robust Passenger Load Factor (PLF) of 83% in Q1 2024, reflecting a healthy 3 percentage point rise year-over-year (YoY).
This impressive growth comes despite a substantial 74% YoY increase in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) to 5,039 million, achieved through the addition of more flights to their growing network.
Catering to Peak Demand
AirAsia X effectively met the surge in travel demand during peak seasons, including key holidays and school breaks. This resulted in a remarkable 90% YoY increase in passengers carried, reaching a total of 959,623 in Q1 2024.
Network Expansion Strengthens Connectivity
AirAsia X actively expanded its network throughout Q1 2024. Notably, AirAsia X Malaysia launched its inaugural flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
This marks their first entry into the Central Asia market with four weekly services. The airline also boosted frequencies on popular routes to China.
This now sees China service coverage including Chengdu (7 times weekly), Beijing (7 times weekly), and Shanghai (11 times weekly).
Additionally, flight frequency to Bali, Indonesia, was increased to 9 times weekly. These strategic network enhancements contributed to an 85% YoY jump in the company’s number of stages flown, reaching 3,184 during the quarter.
AirAsia X Thailand Maintains Positive Performance
The long haul carrier’s associate company, AirAsia X Thailand, also delivered a strong performance in Q1 2024. They maintained a healthy PLF of 89%, reflecting a slight 1 percentage point rise YoY.
This growth was driven by a significant 51% YoY increase in passengers carried, reaching 437,764 during the quarter.
The reactivation of one aircraft in their operational fleet further bolstered AirAsia X Thailand’s performance.
This resulted in a 50% YoY surge in the number of sectors flown (1,329) and a substantial 37% YoY increase in ASK capacity (2,199 million) for Q1 2024.
Maintaining Fleet Strength
AirAsia X concluded Q1 2024 with a total fleet size of 18 A330 aircraft. Out of these, 16 are currently active and operational. AirAsia X Thailand’s fleet remains at seven A330s, with six currently active.
AirAsia X is a Malaysian long-haul, low-cost airline. It’s the sister company to AirAsia, which is a budget airline focused on shorter routes.
The airline started flying in 2007 and has grown to serve destinations around Asia and Australia.
Here are some key things to know about AirAsia X:
- Low-cost focus: They offer cheaper fares compared to traditional airlines on similar routes, but with fewer frills included in the base ticket price.
- Long-haul routes: AirAsia X operates on routes that are typically longer than what standard AirAsia offers.
- Fleet: They operate a fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft.
- Network: The carrier has a growing network of destinations, including some recent additions in China and Central Asia.
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