AirAsia expands footprint in Northeast Asia

AirAsia continues its strategic expansion into the Northeast Asian market with the launch of three fifth-freedom routes connecting Taipei and Kaohsiung to Japan.

AirAsia X (flight code D7) will be operating the new route from Taipei to Tokyo (Narita) starting May 31, 2024, whereas Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) will connect Taipei to Okinawa commencing June 15, 2024 and Kaohsiung to Tokyo (Narita) on June 16, 2024.

AirAsia X will be operating the route from Taipei to Tokyo (Narita) using the Airbus A330 family wide-body aircrafts (including the A330 or A330-300) with a maximum of 377 seats, including 12 Premium Flatbed seats. Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia will be flying an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, including 42 Hot Seats.

The launch of these fifthfreedom routes aligns with the airline’s focus on Taiwan as a virtual hub, connecting guests to more destinations across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Asian region through its extensive network of 130 destinations.

AirAsia X chief executive orricer, Benyamin Ismail said: ”We are proud to launch our first fifth-freedom route this year from Taipei to Tokyo, highlighting the remarkable recovery for AirAsia X.

“Japan has always been the top destination for AirAsia X, and this launch stands as a strong testament to our commitment to the competitive market and to facilitating more convenient and affordable travel for our guests.

“Additionally, our guests between Taipei and Japan can enjoy an enhanced travel experience with our awardwinning Premium Flatbed onboard.

“We believe that the launch of this new route can boost tourism opportunities between Taipei and Japan, and we look forward to more route expansion in the future.”

According to statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization, the tourism industry in the region has recovered to 80% of prepandemic levels, with a total of 25 million foreign visitors to the country between last year.

Among the visitors, Taiwanese made up a total of 4.2 million visitors, showing Japan remains the top travel destination for Taiwan.

The AirAsia Group currently operates nine routes from Taiwan, including Taipei to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Manila, and Cebu, and Kaohsiung to Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Bangkok.

With the launch of these three new routes, AirAsia will offer 12 direct flights from Taiwan.

(From third left) Thair AirAsia chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya, Benyamin and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office director of the economic division Kashiwagi Aya during the launch of AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom Routes connecting Taipei and Kaohsiung to Japan.