Airasia X Chairman To Help Airline Achieve Lofty Goal

SINGAPORE (Bernama) - Malaysia's AirAsia X is set to be a leader
in the global low-cost, long-haul airline industry, said its newly appointed
independent and non-executive chairman, Rafidah Aziz.

"I will try my best to help the Airasia X team realise the goal
and vision to be a global leader in the low-cost long-haul airline industry.

"The team has already achieved successes and can build on those as well as
expand the business further, particularly, in respect of new profitable routes,"
she told Bernama here Monday.

She also said that on her part, she would assist in resolving, whatever
issues that required the Malaysian or other governments to address.

According to an industry source, Rafidah's appointment is timely as it would
surely help in the future growth of AirAsia X, based on her economic background
and vast negotiating experience, from her days as the Minister of
International Trade and Industry.

"I am upbeat that she (Rafidah) will be able to bring the long-haul budget
carrier to greater heights," he added.

AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Asia's biggest budget carrier by
fleet, recently placed an order with Airbus for three A330-200 aircraft,
bringing the total to 28.

The order is towards efforts to service its expanding European routes

It now flies to China, Australia, Taiwan, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, New
Zealand, France and the United Kingdom.

The airline also announced that plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO)
this year, is on schedule, although it must first win approval for its
route expansion plans from the government.

AirAsia X founder, Tony Fernandes had earlier said that the company could be
dual-listed, possibly on a United State bourse as well as on Bursa Malaysia.

The airline also hopes to increase its revenue of RM1.3 billion last year to
RM2.0 billion in 2011.