Budget Flights to Kuala Lumpur

Air Asia is to start selling £99 fares from London to Kuala Lumpur today for travel from March 2009. The airline, backed by Virgin boss Richard Branson, will fly five times a week direct from Stansted to the Malaysian capital.

Tony Fernandes, boss of the parent company, Air Asia Group said that about 30 to 40 per cent of the seats will cost £99 one way and the rest will range in prices up to £250 and averaging out at £150.00.

Although Air Asia has been running a no-frills service for the last 7 years, this is the first time it has delved into Europe.

When told that passengers would not tolerate the discomfort of a no frills flight for such a long trip, Mr Fernandes countered that the airline's current eight-hour service from Malaysia to Australia has already proved popular with 90 per cent of seats taken up.

The new route will be serviced by an Airbus A340 aircraft with a 286 passenger capacity including 30 premium XL seats.

On board meals cost around £7, entertainment another £5 each way and passengers will have to pay around £10 for lugguage weighing 20kg.

There is also an option to pay for a bed from £150 each way.

Booking is open on Air Asia’s website from midday for the five direct flights per week beginning in March 2009 between Stansted and Kuala Lumpur for the travel period of 11 March 2009 – 24 October 2009.

Did you get a £99 flight? Or is it a marketing gimmick? Let us know on the comments form below

25 November 2008