Malaysia’s AirAsia X gets FAA clearance to fly to the US
Airline becomes the first Asian low-cost carrier approved to operate scheduled passenger flights to the US
AirAsia X has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to fly to any destination in the US, making its foray into an entirely new market as it looks beyond the Asia Pacific.
“The airline is the first Asian low-cost carrier to secure approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to the US,” it said on Tuesday.
AirAsia X is considering flights to several US states including Hawaii as part of its route expansion plans.
Its group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said this was a major milestone for AirAsia X.
“Our expansion up until now has concentrated on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, and we are excited about our first foray into an entirely new market as we look beyond Asia Pacific.
“I’m confident travellers will respond well to our award-winning service and the kind of connectivity we can offer with our Fly-Thru product. As part of our expansion plans, we are also looking to resume our very popular London route, and are working towards securing the necessary approvals.”