Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) welcomed AirAsia X's imminent arrival in the UAE capital, as the world's leading long haul low fare airline announced its new Kuala Lumpur - Abu Dhabi route. Following industry rumors and press speculation surrounding AirAsia X's first destination in the Middle East, the carrier confirmed its commitment to Abu Dhabi at a press conference in the UAE capital. The inaugural flight will touch down in Abu Dhabi Nov. 23, 2009 at 01:30, and depart for the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur again at 02:55 the same day. The new route will enhance Abu Dhabi's already strong connectivity to South East Asia - one of the Emirate's largest markets- and beyond, with five flights per week. There is currently a Malaysian population of 3,200 in the UAE, and wider South East Asian and Oceanian population of 566,700, according to national embassies in the UAE. As expatriate residents in UAE are entitled to at least one return ticket to their country of origin, and many travel more frequently, there is a strong market for the low cost carrier. Abu Dhabi is the airline's eighth long haul destination and its first destination in the Middle East. The route will be served by an Airbus A340-300 configured for 256 seats in economy cabin and 30 Premium seats on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This new route, which is due to begin in mid-November this year, will help to enhance the Emirate's connectivity to the Far East and beyond.
