Manama, Bahrain – Berhad AirAsia X (AAX) has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious journey towards global market growth, with the development of its plans to expand its medium-haul flights outside of Asia, making Bahrain a key strategic hub to enhance air connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.

This follows the signing of a Letter of Intent on November 3, 2025, between Capital A Berhad and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as a regional hub for the company in the Middle East. This development reflects AAX ’s aspirations to build a more interconnected long-haul network in global markets, based on strategic hubs outside Southeast Asia. Bahrain’s strategic location and the strength of the Kingdom’s aviation sector contributed to its selection as a key part of AAX’s plan to facilitate the flow of passengers, trade, and tourism across the region.

On this occasion, Mr. Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia X Group, said: “This significant step reflects AAX ’s major transformation towards strengthening its position as a global network airline. We have successfully navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history and emerged from the global pandemic stronger and more focused. Now, we are rebuilding our company, supported by guaranteed bookings for 374 aircraft with further expansion planned, as well as a five-year growth plan that will see us consolidate our presence across the region. Bahrain plays a pivotal role in our long-term network plan to connect ASEAN and Asia to the world. We continue to focus on expanding our fleet, strengthening our base hubs, enhancing support services, and driving digital growth, ensuring that each new market contributes to strengthening our overall network. In doing so, we are helping to create sustainable value for our group of companies while continuing to make long-haul travel more accessible.”

Mr. Tony Fernandez, CEO of Capital A and advisor to AAX, added: “This is a pivotal moment in the next phase of AAX’s growth. Bahrain is our strategic hub, connecting Asia with the Middle East and Europe, and creating a network that can be expanded in the future. Furthermore, this partnership contributes to a broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A’s cargo, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to expand alongside AAX’s operations. Today, Teleport achieves a significant milestone with the arrival of its inaugural flight to Bahrain, following its recent $50 million capital increase, a move that will further solidify the Kingdom’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders to generate further demand. We aim to build a growth engine that balances air connectivity, commercial performance, and operational flexibility, while maintaining our commitment to providing affordable long-haul flights.”

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, said: “This agreement with AirAsia X is a significant strategic decision that reflects Bahrain’s strength as a reliable economic partner, as well as the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global air connectivity hub. This investment will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing Bahrain’s position as a key gateway connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while achieving tangible economic benefits, including the creation of direct job opportunities in the aviation sector and the unlocking of numerous opportunities in the tourism, logistics, and related services sectors. Equally important, this partnership will help develop skills and create long-term career opportunities for Bahraini citizens in a global industry that continues to grow and evolve. We are delighted to welcome AirAsia X to TeamBahrain .”

As part of its growth strategy, AirAsia X will continue to expand its long-haul flights and enhance connectivity through ongoing fleet modernization, digital initiatives, and strategic partnerships. The airline will also remain committed to providing high-value travel experiences, further strengthening its role as a link between key global regions through its unique "hubs-and-networks" model.

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