A return to Europe is the next big move for budget carrier AirAsia, group CEO Tony Fernandes says.
First up is a maiden flight to the US state of Hawaii and then the airline will look at resuming direct flights to Europe.
"Once we get new aircraft, which is very soon, we will go to Europe. It’s important for us," Fernandes said at the 17th World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit.
AirAsia discontinued firstly Paris and then its London flights several years ago amid high fuel prices.
However, this time round it may not be back to the UK capital.
"It doesn’t matter where we land because it doesn’t have to be a big hub. There are many interesting off-the-beaten-track points in Europe that offer three or four reasons for one to go. It may not be London, it may be like Manchester or Dublin," he said.
That could be in part due to the high fees at London airports but also AirAsia will likely want to steer clear of competition from low cost rival Norwegian Air which recently announced it would launch Singapore-London flights later in the year.
"We’re jealous of Norwegian," Fernandes quipped.
"They have the right aircraft, we don’t, but we want to go to Europe, we are desperate to go to Europe. We think it’s very important for our airline. It’s just a matter of time."
Fernandes said that will only happen if it is feasible to offer eye-catching low fares.
"It’s very important to get the pricing structure right, because if it’s not exciting then [AirAsia] might as well not be there. People might as well fly with Emirates or Etihad."
