Abu Dhabi has emerged as a front runner to be the Middle Eastern hub for Air Asia X. Group chief executive for Air Asia said Air Asia X will be located in the UAE capital. Air Asia X is a popular long haul budget carrier based in Kuala Lumpur. Abu Dhabi executives said they still have not received an official letter of intent from the airline.
Air Asia X said they plan to open the base initially with a ‘virtual hub’ next year. Aircraft will not be based there but will instead use the airport to refuel, pick up additional passengers, and continue to other destinations. The carrier first offers flight services between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur, then expand services to Morroco, Turkey, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Abu Dhabi Airport Company Vice President for Airline Marketing “We are very happy to hear they made this announcement” and “we are awaiting their official confirmation”.
