AirAsia X and Christchurch ink deal for NZ flights

AirAsia X has talked for over a year about establishing a virtual hub in Australia and New Zealand, and earlier this year flagged its interest to fly from Australia to New Zealand.

Now that interest is firm with an agreement Christchurch International Airport has reached with AirAsia X to have the Malaysian low-cost carrier start services from its Kuala Lumpur hub to the South Island's gateway airport. The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur this evening with Tony Fernandes, whose AirAsia is a shareholder in the sister carrier. Fernandes, through his Aero Ventures firm with Robert Milton, is also a shareholder.

Christchurch chief executive Jim Boult reveals his airport was "developing this opportunity over the past two years" and extensively lobbied AirAsia X for the service. Expect AirAsia X to receive very nice airport fees. 

KUL-CHC, at 4,692 nm on AirAsia X's high-density Airbus A330-300s begins to push the aircraft's range. While AirAsia X has two longer-range A340-300s, they are used primarily for flights to London.

Osman-Rani said on Twitter that there were "no details yet" of the route. Christchurch says details "will be released in the coming weeks."

Christchurch did however disclose that the agreement with AirAsia X will see up to 70,000 more visitors per annum. AirAsia X's A330s have 377 seats, suggesting the route will be operated 3-4 times weekly.

Update: Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is quoted saying the flights will be four weekly and commence next March. Parker also says the flights will be direct from KUL, which raises the operational question of the A330-300's performance on the route. Or are more A340s in AirAsia X's future, perhaps to coincide with the mulled Paris route?

Air New Zealand does not serve Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Airlines' sole New Zealand destination is a direct flight to Auckland. While AirAsia X and Malaysia Airlines are not direct competitors, the Malaysian government has blocked AirAsia X's expansion plans, notably to Sydney.

Last month AirAsia X adorned its latest A330 with the slogan "Liberate Sydney. End the monopoly." The Christchurch services could be an indicator of better relations with the Malaysian government, although the definitive litmus test lies with Sydney.

Trans-Tasman fifth-freedom operators Aerolineas Argentinas, Emirates and LAN do not fly to the Gold Coast. Only Air New Zealand and Jetstar operate direct flights from the Gold Coast to Christchurch. AirAsia X did not comment on the proposed Air NZ-Virgin Blue Trans-Tasman JV.