A LOW-cost long-haul service out of Stansted, which has opened the gateway to budget travel across Asia and onwards to Australia, is to be expanded to operate daily.

A LOW-cost long-haul service out of Stansted, which has opened the gateway to budget travel across Asia and onwards to Australia, is to be expanded to operate daily.

Just six weeks after launching its Stansted-Kuala Lumpur route, AirAsia X yesterday confirmed that the service will become daily from July 1.

“The new service between Stansted and Kuala Lumpur was always set to revolutionise long-haul travel, and we're delighted that just six weeks into operation the airline is expanding with a move to daily flights from July,” said Nick Barton, Stansted's commercial and development director.

“Advanced bookings indicated how popular the route would be especially as it links Stansted, Europe's point-to-point airport of choice for low-cost travel, to AirAsia's Kuala Lumpur hub and onward low-cost connections to Australia, China and India.

“Over 10,000 passengers have flown so far and with AirAsia X's ambition to continue growing frequency, this route is fast establishing itself as a leading player for flight connections between the UK, Asia and beyond,” said Mr Barton.

“AirAsia X's aspiration is to make the world smaller and cheaper for everyone and we're truly delighted to be at the forefront of this exciting revolution in affordable low-cost, long-haul travel.”

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani added: “Our aim has always been to open up travel for all. The popularity of the London-KL route is further testament to the pent-up demand for long-haul travel, provided the fares are low and the quality is high.

“That is the combination that we at AirAsia X are offering our guests. We are also offering an affordable and alternative version of the 'Kangaroo Route' - all the way from London via KL to Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast in Australia.

“We knew this service would be popular but to increase the frequency so soon is beyond our expectations. The best part is that these super low fares are even applicable during the peak July-August summer season. Business travellers, students and families are all taking advantage of our low fares even in these challenging economic times.”