AirAsia X, the Malaysian-based long-haul, low-fare airline has announced its latest international route from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, New Zealand; the fifteenth destination for the airline after destinations in Australia, India, Taiwan, China, the UK, Korea, Japan, Tehran and soon to be launched France. Guests flying on this new route will experience the new ‘Premium FlatBed seats’ on A330 aircraft. The seats feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen.

According to the company release, AirAsia X will extend its network into the southern hemisphere with four non-stop weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch from April 1, 2011. Christchurch will be the tourism gateway to New Zealand’s South Island and Kuala Lumpur will be the tourism gateway to South East Asia and beyond. Air Asia X currently operates flights to Kuala Lumpur from nine cities in India, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Tiruchirapalli and Thiruvananthapuram.

Tourism New Zealand welcomed AirAsia X’s announcement at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur in the presence of David Kersey, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia; Tony Fernandes, Founder and Group CEO of AirAsia and delegates from the trade industry, media, hoteliers and tourism authorities. Mark Frood, General Manager Asian Markets, Tourism New Zealand was also present during the event.

Kevin Bowler, CEO, Tourism New Zealand said, “AirAsia X flights will open up routes and connectivity to New Zealand not just from Malaysia, but from India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, China and London via AirAsia X’s Kuala Lumpur hub.”

Fernandes said “We are pleased with this achievement. 2010 has been a busy year for AirAsia X with the launch of six new destinations in India, Korea, Japan, Tehran and France. AirAsia X’s commencement of four weekly services to Christchurch, New Zealand from Kuala Lumpur is a new addition to our long haul network and will be the sixth destination announced this year. We are pleased that we have finally announced this route and Christchurch, as the South Island’s largest city, is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations.”