In a groundbreaking aviation achievement, AirAsia X (AAX) announced its plan to commence the first-ever direct flight from Malaysia to Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting on 14 March 2024. This pioneering initiative by the Malaysian medium-haul carrier marks a significant advancement in global air travel, particularly for Australian and New Zealander travellers with affordable access to this exciting new destination through Kuala Lumpur.
Almaty, the vibrant heart of Kazakhstan, stands as a beacon of culture and history, merging traditional charm with modern lifestyle nuances. This city, known for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage, is not just Kazakhstan’s commercial hub but also a gateway to the vast expanses of one of the world’s largest countries. With this new route, AAX is all set to offer a unique and cost-effective travel experience for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and culinary explorers seeking to indulge in the allure of Central Asia.
His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, hailed the AAX’s venture into Kazakhstan as a landmark event in the nation’s bilateral relations. “This strategic move transcends beyond just travel,” he said. “It’s about knitting closer cultural and economic ties, offering an affordable window to the splendour of Almaty and beyond. With its digital competitiveness, Kazakhstan, the world’s 9th largest country, stands poised to benefit immensely from this direct connectivity, fostering tourism and trade between our nations.”
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail expressed excitement about the new venture, emphasizing its strategic significance. “Entering the Kazakh market is a testament to our vision and commitment to exploring new territories, bringing parts of the world closer to Southeast Asia,” he remarked. “This new route is set to boost significant trade, commerce, and educational exchanges, considering Kazakhstan’s prominence as the wealthiest country in Central Asia.”
Celebrating 16 years of connecting people, the airline continues its mission to offer unmatched connectivity with the best value fares. “With this new route, we’re not just enhancing travel opportunities between these two vibrant destinations; we’re also strengthening socio-economic bonds between Kazakhstan and Malaysia,” Benyamin Ismail added.
For travellers eager to experience the magic of Almaty, where history blends with innovation, AAX has announced promotional fares. These include economy seats starting from RM1,499 (under AUD500/around NZD530) and premium flatbeds from RM3,399 (around AUD/NZD1200 or less) one-way. This offer is a boon for budget-conscious travellers, making exploring Almaty’s enchanting cityscape and Kazakhstan’s awe-inspiring landscapes more accessible.
These special fares are available for booking on the airasia Superapp or the website until 30 November 2023 for travel between 14 March and 26 October 2024. This move by AirAsia X is not just a leap in aviation; it is a bridge connecting cultures, economies, and people, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to making the world more accessible to everyone.
As AirAsia X gears up to launch this historic flight, it’s clear that the skies are not just for travel but for making connections that transcend boundaries and foster mutual understanding and growth. This pioneering flight to Almaty is more than a route on a map; it’s a passage to discoveries, experiences, and opportunities, further solidifying AirAsia X’s position as a leader in affordable, long-haul travel.
Written by: My Thanh Pham