AirAsia X has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Authority to fly to the US.

The airline is the first Asian low-cost carrier to secure approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to the country.

The approval allows AirAsia’s long-haul, low-cost sister airline to operate services to any destination within the US. AirAsia X is currently considering flights to several US states, including Hawaii, as part of its route expansion plans.

“This is a major milestone for AirAsia X. Our expansion until now has concentrated on Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, and we are excited about our first foray into an entirely new market as we look beyond Asia Pacific," AirAsia X CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said.

"As part of our expansion plans, we are also looking to resume our very popular London route and are working towards securing the necessary approvals," he said.

A pioneer in travel and technology, AirAsia offers a wide range of innovative products, such as mobile app, extensive self-service options, in-flight Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment, as well as online duty-free shopping, Premium Flex and Fly-Thru.

Fly-Thru allows guests to seamlessly connect to anywhere within AirAsia’s wide network with just one stop at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Asia’s No 1 low-cost carrier hub -- and other convenient transit hubs in Thailand and Indonesia without having to pass through immigration and with their baggage checked through to the final destination.

AirAsia Group boasts an extensive route network to over 120 destinations in Asia Pacific, including some 60 unique routes within the Asean region, and unmatched flight frequencies. AirAsia X, its low-cost affiliate, currently serves 22 destinations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East. — VNS