AirAsia X looks at London Stansted as its UK base

Malaysian low-cost carrier, AirAsia X, has indicated that it would prefer London Stansted as the base for its UK operations when it commences scheduled services in November this year. It is currently undertaking an appraisal of the airport.

AirAsia chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said: "We hope to announce this year the start of sales for the flight to London."

Osman-Rani said the current economic downturn had not adversely affected the business. "Operationally, things are going well," he said.

When it commences operations AirAsia X will become the first budget airline to serve the route, which is currently served only by full service providers.

Though launched only in November 2007, AirAsia X has already been named as the World's Best New Airline 2008 at the Budgies World Low Cost Airline Awards.