AirAsia is to launch direct daily flights to Guangzhou via Baiyun airport from the LCC Terminal, Kuala Lumpur beginning 16 January, 2008. This will be the fourth destination to mainland China after Shenzhen, Xiamen and Macau within the group.

Guangzhou, is the capital and sub provincial city of Guangdong Province, located in the Southern part of China. With an approximate population of 9.5 million, it is the most populous city in the province. Guangzhou Baiyun International airport is regarded as the third largest and busiest international airport in China and is one of mainland China’s leading commercial and manufacturing regions.

Primed as one of the fastest economic development provinces and a major shopping and tourists’ attraction centre, Guangzhou is positioned as a gateway to Pearl River Delta; an ideal gateway to Hong Kong and Southern China. It is not only an attractive destination, but is also rich in heritage, a large city full of vigor and current fashion, and is well known for its Cantonese (Yue) cuisine.

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, “With 2008 Olympics around the corner and Guangzhou being a global manufacturing centre, we are confident there will be a robust demand for this route with our low fares and expansive route network. With globalization and rising economic power in Southern China, the mainland Chinese have the passion and desire to travel, be it for leisure or business, especially within the South East Asia region. We have seen growing trends among the younger generation and the growing middle class who have aspirations to see more of Asia and the world.”

Currently, AirAsia operates four direct flights to Shenzhen as a group with 2 daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, 1 daily flight from Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The airline also operates 4 daily flights to Macau from Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok and 1 daily flight from Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and 3 weekly flights from Kuching, Sarawak.

Between 19-26 December 2007 travellers can enjoy the special promotional fares of MYR88.88 or RMB188 (excluding all taxes, surcharges etc)  for the travel period from 16 January 2008 - 25th October 2008.
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