Budget airline launches £99 London-Malaysia flights

A low-fare airline today launched London-Kuala Lumpur services starting at £99 (€116) one-way.

AirAsia X will start the five-a-week flights between Stansted and the Malaysian capital in March 2009 and will use Airbus A340 aircraft which carry 286 passengers.

Company chief executive Tony Fernandes said: “This route is the realisation of a long-held ambition to open up affordable access between Malaysia and Europe for both Asean (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and European communities.

“We have an incredible route network and, at £99, the opportunity for Londoners and Europeans to explore the Asean region has never been greater.”

Stansted’s commercial and development director, Nick Barton, said: “This is not only exciting news for Stansted but a significant milestone for low-cost, long-haul air travel around the world.”