Summary
- Nonstop flights are becoming more popular as airlines opt for direct point-to-point services over hub-and-spoke models.
- AirAsia X launched a new service from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty, becoming the first Southeast Asian airline to offer a nonstop flight.
- The airline’s expansion into Central Asia highlights its commitment to connecting travelers with emerging markets and providing affordable travel options between regions.
It was not that long ago when the hub-and-spoke model was seen as the way forward for commercial aviation, with airlines feeding passengers into mega hubs to connect with onward flights to their destinations.
First flight into Kazakhstan
While that is still the case in many regions, it seems the trend has swung back to nonstop flights, with more and more airlines opting to extend their flights to deliver direct point-to-point services. The trend continued yesterday when AirAsia X launched its new service from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Almaty in Kazakhstan, becoming the first airline in Southeast Asia to connect the cities with a nonstop flight.
Photo: axell.rf | Shutterstock.
On March 14, AirAsia X flight D7600 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 13:12 and, after a 7:25 hour flight, landed in Kazakhstan at Almaty International Airport (ALA) at 17:37. The flight was operated with a 2015 Airbus A330-300, registration 9M-XBH and MSN 1609, that has recently been flying from KUL to international ports including Seoul Incheon (ICN) Jeddah King Abdulaziz (JED) and Amritsar International (ATQ), as well as domestically to Kota Kinabalu (BKI).
The AirAsia X A330 was scheduled to depart Almaty at 18:05 but was delayed by more than six hours to eventually take off at 00:39, with an expected arrival in Kuala Lumpur at 11:06 on Friday. This was the first time AirAsia X (AAX) has operated to Central Asia, and the airline said it highlights its commitment to expanding its network strategically and providing convenient access to emerging markets.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
AAX added that it is catering to the growing demand for seamless and affordable travel between Southeast and Central Asia. CEO Benyamin Ismail says the move underscores AAX’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reconnecting travelers with the world’s most activating destinations.
“The launch of our direct flights to Almaty today with an impressive almost 100% load factor marks a significant leap forward for AirAsia X as we venture into the heart of Central Asia. We are confident our entry into the Kazakh market will not only enhance tourism but also foster closer ties regionally as we can connect the people in the largest country in Central Asia to 130 destinations from Kuala Lumpur.”
The A330 fleet is back in business
The route will offer flights four times weekly, with departures from Kuala Lumpur at 12:50 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and returns leaving Almaty at 19:05 to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 06:05 the following day. AirAsia X has a fleet of 18 A330-300s, with 16 activated and operational, while its affiliate AirAsia X Thailand has eight, with seven of those in active service.
Photo: Airbus
In 2023, AirAsia X carried 2.822 million passengers on 9,799 stages with an average length of 4,410 kilometers (2,740 miles) and an 80% load factor. That compares to the 2022 performance of 417,195 passengers on 1,443 stages with an average length of 3,870 kilometers (2,400 miles) and an average load factor of 78%.
Last year, AirAsia Thailand carried 1.33 million passengers on 4,299 stages with an average length of 4,528 (2,814 miles) compared to 2022 returns of 293,163 cutomers on 980 stages of 4,439 kilometers (2,758 miles), with load factors of 83% and 87%, respectively.
Have you flown on an AirAsia X A330 recently? Let us know in the comments.
