AirAsia X Partners With Kazakhstan Tourism To Elevate Malaysia-Kazakhstan Economic Ties

On Friday, March 15, 2024, AirAsia X (AAX) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan Tourism. This strategic partnership aims to enhance commercial collaboration and promote tourism between Kazakhstan and Malaysia. The MoU outlines plans for joint sales and marketing campaigns, the development of new business opportunities, and efforts to boost the economies of both countries through tourism.

As part of this collaboration, AirAsia will facilitate travel for passengers from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries to Almaty. Additionally, it will offer connections from Almaty to 130 destinations across the region via Kuala Lumpur. The airline also plans to promote Malaysian and Kazakh tourism products through various regional events such as conferences and travel marts.

The MoU was officially signed by Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, and Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Tourism. The signing ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries including H.E Mohd Adli Bin Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to Kazakhstan; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; and Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X. Representatives from Almaty Airport, Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan, and other key industry stakeholders were also present.

Benyamin Ismail expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance travel experiences and stimulate economic growth in both nations. He noted the high load factor on the inaugural flights as a positive indicator of strong demand for the new route. This success is seen as a promising sign for future growth and expansion opportunities in Central Asia.

Kairat Sadvakassov welcomed AAX's entry into the Kazakh market, emphasizing its significance not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire Central Asian region. He expressed hope that the cooperation between AAX and Kazakhstan Tourism would lead to fruitful trade, commercial, cultural, and educational exchanges.

To promote tourism further, AAX has initiated flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty with a frequency of four times a week. These flights are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. In celebration of this new route, AAX is offering promotional fares for a limited time. For 24 hours only, flights from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur are available from just USD15 base fare one way. Additionally, promotional fares will continue until March 21, 2024, starting from RM599 or USD169 all-in one-way for travel between now and June 17, 2025.

The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty boasted a near 100 percent load factor, demonstrating the airline's successful entry into Central Asia. The return flight from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur also achieved a 100 percent load factor on the same day.

This strategic alliance between AirAsia X and Kazakhstan Tourism is poised to open up new avenues for travelers and contribute significantly to the economic growth of Malaysia and Kazakhstan.