25 FEBRUARY 2011

AirAsia X is coming to the aid of Cantabrians struck by a second devastating earthquake this week with some of its cheapest airfares to Asia and Europe.

With the New Zealand Needs a Holiday campaign, Cantabrians and New Zealanders will be able to fly to Kuala Lumpur from just $199 or to Paris or London from only $459.

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani says while AirAsia X had yet to touchdown in Christchurch – the first flight being on 1 April – the airline was deeply saddened by the catastrophic earthquake which has hit Christchurch this week.

“There will be no change in our plans to begin operations in Christchurch. AirAsia is not an airline that will abandon a country in times of crisis. We were there for Thailand. We were there for Bali. We are there for the people of New Zealand.

“The city is mourning and grief stricken by its second destructive earthquake in just over five months. There is much residents need to do in the short term to rebuild their lives and the city. AirAsia X wants to help by ensuring residents have access to affordable airfares which will enable them to take a break later this year, after they have started this work,” Azran says.

“We also want to play a role in helping to stimulate the economy by bringing visitors and tourists to the city. Christchurch will always be a beautiful city and many Asians will still want to visit it.”

Airfares, as part of the New Zealand Needs a Holiday campaign, go on sale next Tuesday, 1 March for one week. The flights are for the period 13 September 2011 to 29 February 2012.

New Zealanders can fly from Christchurch to Singapore from just $219, Medan (Indonesia) from $259, Bali and Bangkok from $279, to Jakarta from $289, and Mumbai, New Delhi and Taipei from $309.

From Kuala Lumpur, New Zealanders can fly on to China from just $69 to Chengdu, from $92 to Hangzhou or Tianjin or from $115 to Seoul.

“These fares are so affordable Cantabrians need to be quick as they could sell out within a couple of days,” Azran says.

AirAsia X, the long-haul affiliate airline of AirAsia, the world’s leading and largest long-haul low-cost airline, which will begin flying out of Christchurch direct to Kuala Lumpur four times weekly from 1 April.

For travelers from New Zealand wanting greater comfort, AirAsia X is offering its premium seats for only NZ$890 from Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur during the sale. Premium seat guests enjoy complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, Baggage Allowance, a delicious Combo Meal and Comfort Kit with pillow and blanket.

Premium seats are available on a range of flights, from as low as $334 from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei to $1510 from KL to London.

For more information visit www.airasia.com or follow us on facebook.com/AirAsiaNewZealand or twitter.com/AirAsia.

ENDS

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