AirAsia X partners with Kazakhstan Tourism to boost regional connectivity

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – Following its successful inaugural flight celebration to Almaty, Kazakhstan, AirAsia X (AAX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan Tourism for strategic collaboration.

The MOU encompasses greater commercial collaboration and partnerships between the airline and the organization in promoting tourism between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, creating new business opportunities, developing joint sales and marketing campaigns, as well as boosting both countries’ economies through tourism.

As a strategic partner, AirAsia will not only fly travellers from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries to Almaty but also connect travellers from Almaty to 130 destinations across the region via Kuala Lumpur. The airline is also looking to extend both Malaysian and Kazakh tourism product promotion across the region through conferences, travel marts, and other exciting events.

The MoU was signed by Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, and Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Tourism, witnessed by 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. Also in attendance were representatives from Almaty Airport, Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan, and other key industry players.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: “This strategic alliance is a significant leap for both Malaysia and Kazakhstan. It is not just about enhancing travel experiences, but also about bolstering our economies. This partnership opens up more opportunities for travellers, leading to growth for both nations. Our competitive fares stimulate air travel wherever we fly, contributing to the tourism sector, a major engine for job creation and a driving force for economic growth.

“Moreover, the high load factor on both legs of our inaugural flights indicates strong demand for the route and reflects positively on our capability to penetrate new markets. This bodes well for future growth and expansion opportunities in the region, boosting not only our opportunities in various sectors between Malaysia and Kazakhstan but also the Southeast Asian region. We are excited to see the positive changes it brings for Malaysia and Kazakhstan in the future.”

Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Tourism said: “We are pleased to welcome AAX to our country. The entry of AirAsia into our market is important not only for Kazakhstan but also for the entire Central Asian region. Kazakhstan, like the gates and the Heart of Central Asia, provides access to numerous attractions in our region. 

“We hope that cooperation with AAX will be fruitful and contribute to significant trade, commercial, cultural, and educational exchanges. Additionally, we believe that cooperation between our countries will create new job opportunities and play a significant role in the economic growth of our nations. 

“Striving to promote tourism in both directions, AAX has launched flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, as well as Almaty and Kuala Lumpur, with a frequency of 4 times a week. The planes will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

AAX’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty landed on 14 March 2024 with a load factor close to 100 percent, signifying a leap forward for the airline as it ventures into the heart of Central Asia. The airline also carried a 100 percent load from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur on the same day, marking a successful start to its operations in the region.