KUALA LUMPUR: Long haul budget carrier AirAsia X Bhd 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 organisation to promote tourism between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, create new business opportunities, develop joint sales and marketing campaigns, and boost 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 Malaysian and Kazakh tourism product promotion across the region through conferences, travel marts, and other exciting events.
The MoU was signed by AirAsia X chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail and Kazakhstan Tourism chairman Kairat Sadvakassov and witnessed by the ambassador of Malaysia to Kazakhstan Mohd Adli Abdullah and Capital A executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
Representatives from Almaty Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan, and other key industry players were also in attendance.
“This strategic alliance is a significant leap for Malaysia and Kazakhstan. It is about enhancing travel experiences and 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,” Benyamin said in a statement.
He said the high load factor on both legs of AirAsia X’s inaugural flights indicates strong demand for the route and reflects positively on its capability to penetrate new markets.
“This bodes well for future growth and expansion opportunities in the region, boosting our opportunities in various sectors between Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and the Southeast Asian region. We are excited to see the positive changes it will bring to Malaysia and Kazakhstan,” he said.
Sadvakassov said AirAsia’s entry into the Kazakhstan market is important for the country and the entire Central Asian region.
He said Kazakhstan, like the gates and the Heart of Central Asia, provides access to numerous attractions in our region.
“We hope the cooperation with AirAsia X 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 our nation’s economic growth,” he said.
Striving to promote tourism in both directions, AirAsia X 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.
