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AirAsia X will axe its Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route to redeploy capacity elsewhere in Australia.
The low-cost carrier has cited “increased cost pressures, softer demand and the need to strategically align the airline’s network and fleet” in its decision to suspend the A330 flights between Sydney and the Malaysian capital, with Melbourne and Perth to see increased services instead.
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The move will leave Malaysia Airlines almost unchallenged on the Sydney-KL corridor, with Turkish Airlines to switch its Sydney-Istanbul layover from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore in October; Batik Air is the only other carrier flying between Sydney and KL.
“As part of a broader strategy across the AirAsia Group, the airline is fast-tracking its long-term aircraft strategy and accelerating the return of older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft, including those used on this route,” said AirAsia.
“The suspension of the Sydney service will enable AirAsia to focus its available fleet and resources on destinations where it can operate sustainably and efficiently, while ensuring its network and market demand align.
“This decision was reached in a spirit of transparency and mutual respect, and AirAsia remains open to returning to Sydney should market conditions change, and aircraft strategy allows.”
Perth-Kuala Lumpur will increase to 14 flights per week and Melbourne-KL to daily services from December, with Perth–Denpasar services to increase to 35 flights per week.
Benyamin Ismail, general manager of AirAsia X, acknowledged that Sydney-KL is “key to supporting Fly-Thru and serves customers who travel to visit friends and family across ASEAN”.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, and one that has not been taken lightly. Sydney, which was launched back in 2012, has played an important role in our history and in connecting Australians with Malaysia and the wider region,” he said.
“The current operating environment requires us to make some tough choices. By accelerating the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft and adjusting our network, we are taking the necessary steps to build a more resilient and commercially sustainable operation for the future.”
“We understand how disappointing this will be for our guests, particularly those who have travelled with us over many years, and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and support. Australia remains a critically important market for AirAsia.
“We are increasing our presence in other Australian ports where demand is strong, and we will continue to identify opportunities to keep strengthening our connectivity across the country, when conditions allow.”
The group axed its Darwin services in April, with Melbourne-Denpasar and Adelaide-Denpasar also getting the chop in June.
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