Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur – AirAsia X has moved one step closer to establishing its first international hub outside Kuala Lumpur after authorities in Thailand approved an Air Operator Licence (AOL).

The carrier said approval was “a significant milestone” and would allow AirAsia X to operate its first international hub outside Kuala Lumpur, starting in the first quarter of 2014.

The launch of Thai AirAsia X will see the airline emerge as the first long-haul, low cost carrier based in Bangkok.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, said: “With its 10-year track record, Thai AirAsia has built a strong domestic and international short-haul network that can provide feeder traffic to Thai AirAsia X, which also plans to be based at Don Muang Airport.”

Thai AirAsia X will also focus on flying to long-haul destinations in North Asia and Australia.

Final approval of the Air Operators Certificate is expected by end of 2013. Source: TravelMole