Thai AirAsia X to Launch Flights to Melbourne and Sydney, Australia

(30 August 2022, 10:50 +07)  Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) has unveiled plans to launch direct flights from Bangkok (BKK) to both Melbourne and Sydney for the first time, effective 1 and 2 December 2022, respectively.

The airline will operate four flights per week to Sydney (SYD) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The thrice weekly flights to Melbourne (MEL) will take off on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Thai AirAsia X will operate the flights with 377-seat Airbus A330 aircraft with 12 Business Class seats and 365 seats in Economy Class, including a quiet zone from rows 7 - 14.

Wing tip of a Thai AirAsia X A330. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

“Thailand and Australia have maintained strong relations for over 70 years, and Australia is among the top three educational destinations for Thai students as well as a leading travel destination for Thai tourists,” said Tassapon Bijleveld, Acting CEO of Thai AirAsia X. “Both Thailand and Australia have strong characteristics that mutually attract travellers from both sides of the hemisphere. Bangkok is a one stop shop for nightlife, culture, shopping and local Thai cuisine for international travellers. Not only that but it's a key transit hub for Australian travellers.”

Australia is a key market for the AirAsia brand. Malaysian-based AirAsia X, the affiliate long haul sister airline of Thai AirAsia X, will launch services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney on 9 September and to Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (via Sydney) in November.

The number of return services between Melbourne and Asian cities is expected to be more than 420 each week in December.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thai AirAsia X to the Melbourne Airport family. Thailand is a favourite destination of Australians, and we expect these new direct services will be popular, particularly among leisure travellers keen to get back to Southeast Asia to experience the country’s incredible food, beaches and culture,” said Jim Parashos, Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation. “This new route will also drive tourism into Victoria and support a growing Thai international student market. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was one of the state’s top 10 international student source markets and an important part of our economy. This new route will also drive tourism into Victoria and support a growing Thai international student market. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was one of the state’s top 10 international student source markets and an important part of our economy.”

Thai AirAsia X BKK-SYD and BKK-MEL Schedule

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