Budget airline to serve Japan

Emerging low-cost carrier AirAsia Berhad plans to fly to Japan from as early as March 2009, with airfares at prices half those offered by major airlines.

The Malaysia-based group, which carries 15 million passengers a year--mainly between Kuala Lumpur and destinations in Indonesia and Thailand--is considering Shizuoka, Chubu, Fukuoka and New Chitose airports as a base for its AirAsia X long-haul service.(IHT/Asahi: July 8,2008)