[December 16, 2008]

Low-cost airline AirAsia X is to run flights to Kuala Lumpur from Stansted airport from £99.

The service will start in March and tickets are already on sale, priced from £99 in economy and £549 in premium XL seats.

Flights will run five times a week initially, but the airline hopes it will soon become a daily service.

AirAsia group CEO Tony Fernandes said: "As time passes, there will be more promotions and the fare could well fall further.

"We always look to make the fare as low as possible."

AirAsia X's CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, added: "The London route allows those who have always wanted to travel between Europe and ASEAN [the Association of South East Asian Nations] to achieve their dream at an affordable price.

"We have always been enthusiastic about venturing into Europe since we launched, and the establishment of this route is a significant achievement for us."

AirAsia X is the low cost, long haul affiliate of AirAsia, which runs flights to more than 100 destinations throughout ASEAN, China and India.

AirAsia X covers destinations more than four hours' flight time from Kuala Lumpur, including the Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne in Australia, and Hangzhou in China.

Flights between Stansted and Kuala Lumpur will be on an Airbus A340 with 286 seats.

BAA Stansted's commercial and development director Nick Barton said: "We're delighted to have been selected as the UK gateway from which AirAsia X will launch this first low-cost, non-stop flight between London and Kuala Lumpur, which offers onward connections across Asia and to Australia.

"This announcement is not only exciting news for Stansted but a significant milestone for low-cost, long haul air travel around the world."

If you are flying long haul from Stansted - the Stansted airport Long Stay car park is a very convenient option - the car park is situated within the airport grounds and has a no hassle, quick transfer system to keep the stress levels, that can be associated with air travel, to the minimum.

Prices for Stansted Long Stay airport parking start at just £44.70

This price is correct for bookings searched on February 11, 2008. Prices are subject to change. Book your Stansted airport parking in advance to get the best prices and availability.

By Sarah Linney