A while back, AirAsia X announced its intentions to begin flights to the U.S. At the time the airline really only found success on short and medium haul routes in the Asia-Pacific Region. But about two weeks ago, the airline received approval to begin flights to the U.S. And then a couple days ago the airline made its first U.S. route announcement: AirAsia X to launch Hawaii service.
According to Airways Mag, AirAsia X will enter the U.S. market with flights to Hawaii. The flight will be operated as a fifth freedom flight originating in Kuala Lumpur, then stopping in Osaka before continuing onto Honolulu. Tentatively flights will commence on June 28, 2017, and will be operated on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays.
What is AirAsia X?
AirAsia is Malaysia’s largest airline, and the largest low-cost carrier in Asia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the airline currently serves 165 destinations across 25 countries, mostly around Asia.
AirAsia X is AirAsia’s long-haul focused sister airline, and is also operates its main hub out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It currently operates a fleet of 22 Airbus A330-300 to 22 destinations around the world. The airline also has 66 A330-900neos and 10 A350-900s on order.
In-Flight Experience
True to its low-cost carrier, AirAsia X’s services are unbundled. Yes, this means no complimentary meals, entertainment, etc. Even though flights between Honolulu and Osaka Kansai International will be in the 9-hour range, no complimentary meal services will be offered. This isn’t too different from what Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, already offers on flights between Hawaii and Australia, though.
Like Jetstar, AirAsia X does offer a premium cabin. But where business class on Jetstar offers US Domestic first class style seats, AirAsia X’s premium flatbed class are angled lie-flat seats. Each of the airline’s A330-300s features 377 seats, including the 12 premium flatbed seats and 365 standard seats.
AirAsia X Hawaii Final Thoughts
I’m not sure I’d fly a low-cost carrier on such long routes, but additional options are always welcomed. Jetstar seems to be doing well on its routes to Hawaii after all. That being said, routes between Hawaii and Japan are highly competitive. Between Osaka and Honolulu alone you have direct flights operated by Hawaiian, Japan Air, and Delta. With competition as fierce as it is, AirAsia X has its work cutout for it. The Kuala Lumpur to Osaka segment is already profitable, however, so we’ll see how the Osaka to Honolulu segment performs.