AirAsia X Eyes Russia Flights

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd's long-haul low-cost unit, AirAsia X Bhd, has added Russia in its route prospects. AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tony Fernandes, said he met Russian Federation Council Chairman, Valentina Matvienko, at an interactive meeting and business luncheon here. In his Twitter account, the aviation tycoon said: "Now meeting Russia Number 2 strong lady. Airasia X will be flying to Russia soon." On the timeline, Fernandes, in a short text message, replied: "Wait and see". The meeting Tuesday was organised by Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), Russian Embassy in Malaysia and Business Council For Cooperation with Malaysia. Also present were Malaysian Second International Trade and Industry Ong Ka Chuan, ASLI CEO Dr Michael Yeoh and Business Council for Cooperation with Malaysia Chairman Dr Vladimir Sautov. AirAsia X seems to be going all out adding new destinations this year, in line with its turnaround plan. Earlier this year, AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail, was reported as saying the airline was also looking at restoring flights to Tehran given that Iran would offer a huge potential, while adding that London and Paris remained under its radar. As at 3 pm, AirAsia and AirAsia X were the top two most-actively trade stocks on Bursa Malaysia (Malaysia's Stock Exchange). AirAsia rose seven sen to RM1.78 with 44.98 million shares traded and AirAsia X gained half-a-sen to 30 sen with 34.56 million shares transacted. (US$1=RM4.13) -- BERNAMA