Sarkozy approves Air Asia's desire for Paris

Air Asia may soon be flying to Paris after French President Nicolas Sarkozy told the Malaysian Prime Minister he would consider the application.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the New Strait Times on Wednesday that relations between the French President and himself were ?extremely good" during his visit to the presidential residence, Palais de l'Elysee.

"What is important is that the President had agreed to a request that I raised during our meeting? he said.

Najib said further details on Air Asia flying to Paris would be discussed at the officers' level.

Earlier in the week Najib had met with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon and raised Air Asia's application for landing rights at Orly Airport in Paris.

He told Fillon that AirAsia was the Airbus A320s biggest customer in the world.

"It is therefore most appropriate that Air Asia's application be given consideration? Najib said.

AirAsia has since thanked the Prime Minister for his support.

?We would like to thank the Prime Minister for championing our cause in securing landing rights in Paris and for his faith in AirAsia? said AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani

?The French government?s approval places AirAsia in a significant position, in line with the plans by AirAsia X to expand our operations in Europe?

?AirAsia X had initially considered launching a route from Kuala Lumpur to Nice, France, next year but with this latest news, the airline will re-calibrate its strategy as we now have an opportunity to fly to Paris.

?We will work closely with the relevant authorities to make this flight a reality.?

The date for the launch of Air Asia flights to Paris will be decided upon completion of further discussions with the relevant officials according to Azran.

Sourced = The e Travel Blackboard