STANSTED Airport has announced the first budget flights to Asia and Australia.

James Hore

STANSTED Airport has announced the first budget flights to Asia and Australia.

Staff have been celebrating after the airport was chosen by AirAsia X as the UK gateway from which the airline will launch the first low-cost, non-stop flights between London and Kuala Lumpur next year.

The company hopes the new service will revolutionise long-haul travel through the first low-cost air link to Australia from the UK too.

However, the flights to Australia are not direct with passengers picking up connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital,

Nick Barton, commercial and development director at the airport said: “This is not only exciting news for Stansted but a significant milestone for low-cost, long-haul air travel around the world.

“Stansted is firmly established as the major hub for short-haul European travel, so we're delighted AirAsia X recognises the growth potential here and selected Stansted as the UK gateway from which they will launch this very exciting long-haul link.

“The new non-stop service from London to Kuala Lumpur, with low-cost connections across Asia and to Australia, is certain to be extremely popular with business and leisure passengers seeking affordable long-haul travel options and we're looking forward to supporting AirAsia X as they develop their services here at Stansted.”

Details of the new routes were unveiled at London's County Hall yesterday. The prices for the trips start at £99 each way.

Azran Osman Rani, chief executive of AirAsia X said: “The London route is a significant achievement for us, allowing those who have always wanted to travel between Europe and ASEAN to achieve their dream, at an affordable price.

“We are looking to expand from five flights per week to a daily service in the near future.”

The new AirAsia X services will be launched from Stansted on March 11.