AirAsia China the “final piece”

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia is set to launch a new offshoot in China to be based in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province.

AirAsia Berhard revealed today it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Everbright and Henan Govt Working Group to establish AirAsia China, which will see the creation of a LCC terminal at Zhengzhou (CGO).

Group ceo Tony Fernandes said CGO was chosen as the hub for the new airline due to its strategic location and importance as a logistics hub.

“As China’s gateway to Europe, Zhengzhou sits at the centre of a vast rail, highway & air transport network that forms the linchpin in China’s development plans for its central and western regions,” Fernandes remarked.

“This Chinese venture represents the final piece of the AirAsia puzzle,” said President Xi Jinping.

“In just 16 years, we have successfully built a presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Japan, with China closing the loop on all major territories in Asia Pacific.”

MEANWHILE, Fernandes has confirmed the no-frills carrier is keen to introduce flights to the US West Coast, with Los Angeles on its radar.

The comments come after AirAsia confirmed plans last week to begin services to Honolulu, via Osaka Japan ( TD Thu).

“I had a fantastic trip to Los Angeles and I would imagine that’s not too far away as well,” Fernandes told CNBC.