AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes has finally got his wish for a Chinese low cost carrier affiliate.
The airline has signed a memorandum of understanding with Everbright and Henan Government Working Group for the formation of AirAsia (China).
The aviation joint venture will be based in Zhengzhou, Henan province.
"We chose Zhengzhou as our base due to its strategic location and importance as a logistics hub. As China’s gateway to Europe, Zhengzhou sits at the centre of a vast rail, highway and air transport network that forms the linchpin of China’s development plans for its central and western regions," Fernandes said.
Under the ternms of the JV AirAsia will build a dedicated LCC terminal, pilot academy and maintenance facility at Zhengzhou airport.
"This Chinese venture represents the final piece of the AirAsia puzzle. In just 16 years, we have successfully built a presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Japan, with China closing the loop on all major territories in Asia Pacific. AirAsia can now live up to its name as the only airline that connects travellers across Asia Pacific," Fernandes added.
AirAsia first began flying to China in 2005 and now flies to 15 cities in the country.
