From left to right : **H.E.Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Tassapon Bijleveld, Acting CEO of Thai AirAsia X**, witnessed the launch of Thai AirAsia X’es direct flights from Bangkok to Melbourne and Sydney, Australia..

BANGKOK, 29 August 2022 - Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) continues its network expansion with direct flights to the two largest cities in Australia, flying direct from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Melbourne and Sydney for the very first time, commencing 1 and 2 December 2022.

Four weekly flights direct to Sydney Airport on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) three times a week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are on sale from today starting from just 5,990 THB one way!

Served by the spacious 377-seat Airbus A330 aircraft with 12 upfront business-class reclining seats for extra comfort and 365 economy seats, including a quiet zone from rows 7 - 14, both routes present convenient, economical and affordable travel between Australia and Thailand whether for leisure, visiting friends and family or international studies.

Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, Acting CEO of Thai AirAsia X said:“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.

“Thai AirAsia X is very excited to be adding Sydney and Melbourne as two key destinations in Australia this year, with a priority on these two cities as amongst the most popular routes. Having recently resumed services to South Korea and Japan, we are thrilled that we are now expanding to Sydney and Melbourne as our next key growth markets. As Australia’s largest cities, they both have much to offer in terms of strong economy, tourism and education, making them prime additions to Thai AirAsia X’s growing network.

“Both Thailand and Australia have strong characteristics that mutually attract travellers from both sides of the hemisphere. . Thai AirAsia X is fully ready to serve these direct flights between Bangkok and Australia, be it for leisure, business or education.

“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 hub for Australian travellers to have a world of destinations to fly to from there throughout AirAsia's vast network which they can connect to through Bangkok to many more leisure favourite destinations including Phuket and the whole of Asean” Mr Tassapon said.

Greg Botham, Chief Commercial Officer Sydney Airport, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Thai AirAsia X as our newest international carrier as we continue to support the recovery of our international network.

“Bangkok is a fantastic city with great connectivity to the regions of Thailand and is an incredibly popular destination for Australian leisure and business travellers.

“This service will provide a great, low-cost option for Australians looking to secure travel over the busy end of year holidays to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations.”

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos added that the new service provides travellers with more options and, as of December, increases the total number of return services between Melbourne and Asian cities to more than 420 each week.

“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,” he said.

“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 marks the introduction of its two new routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Sydney and Melbourne with its ‘Take a Fun Trip’ to Australia promotion. Members can book both routes from only 5,990 THB this 29 August-4 September, 2022 for travel from 1 December 2022 - 25 March 2023 via the airasia Super App.

Australia remains a key market for the AirAsia brand. Malaysian-based AirAsia X, the affiliate long haul sister airline of Thai AirAsia X, has also recently announced new services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney commencing 9 September and to Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (via Sydney) which commence in November this year.

Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House, standing as a landmark by Sydney Harbour Bridge, the city is also blessed by the stunning Bondi Beach, welcomes patrons with its Museum of Contemporary Art and Art Gallery of New South Wales and entertains its many students from Thailand with Taronga Zoo.

The capital of Victoria, Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and has been chosen as the world’s most livable city for seven years running. Featuring multicultural street art, Melbourne is another major destination for Thai students, many of whom head there to learn not only education, but also the art of coffee brewing from its world-renowned baristas. Visitors to the city will find globally ranked coastal routes, the 12 Apostles limestone stacks, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Luna Park, the National Gallery of Victoria, Flinders Street Railway Station and much more.

About Thai AirAsia X

Thai AirAsia X (TAAX, flight code: XJ), is Thailand’s first low-cost, medium to long haul carrier. Established in 2014 with the motto “Now Everyone Can Fly Extra Long”, the airline has recently launched direct flights from Bangkok to Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT), Sapporo (CTS), Osaka (KIX),Sydney (SYD), and Melbourne (MEL). Thai AirAsia X operates a fleet of 6 Airbus A330-300 aircraft, each with a seat configuration of 12 Premium Flatbed and 365 Economy seats (a total of 377 seats). As an affiliate carrier of the AirAsia Aviation Group, the airline’s vision is to solidify their position as the national and global leader in low-cost, long-haul aviation and to build a strong network that will contribute to the connectivity offered in AirAsia’s multiple hubs.

Thai AirAsia X spreads its wings to Australia Launches 2 routes to Sydney and Melbourne for the very first time Direct flights on sale today from only 5,990 THB one way starting in December!