KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd said the long-haul low-cost carrier has received clearance from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to fly to the country.

In a statement yesterday, AirAsia X said it is the first Asian low-cost carrier to secure approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to the US. The approval allows the AirAsia sister airline to operate services to any destination within the US.

AirAsia X said it is currently considering flights to several US states, including Hawaii, as part of its route expansion plans. 

AirAsia X chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the approval is a major milestone for the airline.

“Our expansion up until now has concentrated on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. We are excited about our first foray into an entirely new market as we look beyond Asia Pacific,” he said.

“I’m confident [that] travellers will respond well to our award-winning service and the kind of connectivity we can offer with our Fly-Thru product. As part of our expansion plans, we are also looking to resume our very popular London route, and are working towards securing the necessary approvals.

“None of this would be possible without our ‘Allstars’ [team], especially group chief operating officer Anaz Ahmad Tajuddin who, sadly, passed away two weeks ago.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today if he had not laid the foundations with his blood, sweat and tears, and his bravery in the face of cancer showed us the true meaning of strength. This is for you, Anaz.”

AirAsia X is part of the AirAsia Group, which has an extensive route network to over 120 destinations in Asia-Pacific, including some 60 routes within the Asean region.