Malaysia-based AirAsia X has received FAA approval to fly to
the U.S.
"This is a major milestone for AirAsia X," CEO
Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said. "Our expansion up until now has concentrated
on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, and we are excited about our foray
into an entirely new market as we look beyond the Asia Pacific."
AirAsia X said it is considering flights to several U.S.
states, but only specifically named Hawaii.
The carrier is the long-haul, low-cost affiliate of AirAsia
Group, whose nine airlines fly to more than 120 destinations worldwide.
AirAsia X operates a fleet of 30 Airbus A330-300 aircraft
with a standard two-class configuration of 12 flatbeds and 365 economy seats.
AirAsia X flies to 23 destinations with a hub in Kuala Lumpur.
The introduction of low-cost Asian service could prove to be
a significant disruption in the U.S. marketplace. In the transatlantic market, low-cost
airlines Norwegian and Wow have played a large role in lowering prices.