An Asian aviation industry veteran revealed yesterday that 25,000 tickets have so far been sold since AirAsia X (AAX) announced the launch of a new long-haul service.
The airline officially designated Bahrain as its inaugural global strategic hub outside of Southeast Asia, with its new Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick route starting on June 26.
Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A and adviser to AAX, yesterday posted on his LinkedIn profile his Bahrain connection and highly praised the vision and efforts of Team Bahrain.
“Under the dynamic leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and his incredible Cabinet, we found something rare: humble giants.
“Leaders who listen, leaders who act, and leaders who have the courage to make the ‘big’ decisions that move nations.”
“In just one week, we have sold 25,000 tickets.
“This isn’t just growth; this is a Blue Ocean shift.”
The Blue Ocean strategy in airlines involves creating new, uncontested market space by offering low costs rather than competing in overcrowded markets.
Mr Fernandes added that by leveraging the Airbus A321LR and A321XLR, they were ‘transforming Bahrain into the world’s premier low-cost, short-haul hub’, he posted.
“This isn’t just about volume – this will be the most margin-accretive growth in our history.”
Mr Fernandes, who was in Bahrain earlier this month, met HRH Prince Salman and announced the AAX regional hub with a staggering $10 billion investment pledge.
The aviation project, which aims at creating 100,000 jobs over the next decade, will transform Bahrain into a strategic ‘bridge’ connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and Australia.
Under an ambitious 10-year roadmap, the low-cost giant plans to funnel 100 million passengers through Bahrain International Airport, linking the kingdom directly to 20 new global cities.
Mr Fernandes also shared his personal story in the post, in which he recalls being a nervous 13-year-old boy flying alone to boarding school in London nearly five decades ago.
“My first stop was Bahrain,” said Mr Fernandes.
“I was nervous, lonely, and far from home – but the airport staff in Bahrain wrapped me in warmth and kindness. They made me feel safe.
“It has taken me 50 years to repay that kindness.”
He also mentioned meeting Ishaq from the Bahrain Economic Development Board on a street in Davos that paved the way for the billion dollars of investment and a full-circle moment.
“What sets Bahrain apart isn’t just policy – it’s ownership.
“In so many places, the agenda is driven by ‘hired hands’ – short-term thinkers on short-term assignments,” he said.
“In Bahrain, the vision is driven by locals who possess an unwavering love for their soil.
“My goal is clear: to build the most profitable airline in the world.”
By establishing this hub, AirAsia X continues to build on its extensive network of more than 150 destinations worldwide.
The service will provide seamless and affordable transit options for travellers from key markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, further cementing Bahrain’s status as a premier regional and global connectivity centre.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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