AirAsia X's First Flight to Osaka, Japan, commenced on the 30th of November 2011 and took off from the LCCT in Sepang, Malaysia.
As Japan's second-largest city, this is also the second destination after Haneda, Tokyo, for AirAsiaX. The ceremony started at about 12 noon at the entrance of the international departures hall, where a Japanese drum ceremony took place every half an hour.
Eventually, CEO Azran Osman-Rani appeared in a traditional red Japanese outfit with a Japanese-styled hairdo! Even I could not recognize him.
AirAsia X Inaugural Flight to Osaka
As Japan's second-largest city, this is also the second destination after Haneda, Tokyo, for AirAsiaX. The ceremony started at about 12 noon at the entrance of the international departures hall, where a Japanese drum ceremony took place every half an hour.
Eventually, CEO Azran Osman-Rani appeared in a traditional red Japanese outfit with a Japanese-styled hairdo! Even I could not recognize him.
AirAsia X Inaugural Flight to Osaka
Azran Osman-Rani in a Japanese outfit and wig pose with flight attendants at LCCT.
Our flight was scheduled to take off at 2.00 pm; therefore, we were at the departure lounge at around 1.00 pm to witness CEO Azran and the AirAsia X flight attendants give out souvenirs to the first passengers flying to Osaka, Japan.
Because this was massive news in Malaysia, many travellers took advantage of the promotional priced flight tickets of RM199.00 (US$50) one way.
Because this was massive news in Malaysia, many travellers took advantage of the promotional priced flight tickets of RM199.00 (US$50) one way.
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| The inaugural AirAsia X flight to Osaka. |
Azran Osman-Rani and flight attendants handing out souvenirs at the departure gate.
Many passengers were unaware that they would receive souvenirs in the form of specially made AirAsiaX Scarves, Osaka guide booklet and a souvenir from Universal Studios Japan.
As the happy passengers walked through the boarding gate, everyone was handed the items, which put a massive smile on many of them, including the children.
As the happy passengers walked through the boarding gate, everyone was handed the items, which put a massive smile on many of them, including the children.
Check out the massive legroom for the economy seats on AirAsiaX planes.
Once everyone was comfortably seated in the Airbus A330-300 plane, announcements were made in Malay, English and Japanese.
Even CEO Azran made a short announcement to everyone mentioning thanks for the support as we were en route to AirAsia X's 16th international destination.
As most of us were all buckled up and ready, the announcement from Captain Azhanudin was heard, and the flight was about to taxi for take off.
The seats were comfortable, as the legroom was beyond my expectations for a plane that could seat 377 passengers. Just take a look at the picture above.
AirAsia X Japan In-flight Meals
Even CEO Azran made a short announcement to everyone mentioning thanks for the support as we were en route to AirAsia X's 16th international destination.
As most of us were all buckled up and ready, the announcement from Captain Azhanudin was heard, and the flight was about to taxi for take off.
The seats were comfortable, as the legroom was beyond my expectations for a plane that could seat 377 passengers. Just take a look at the picture above.
AirAsia X Japan In-flight Meals
Air Asia X Flight Attendants serving in-flight meals on the Osaka Flight.
After a smooth take-off, we were served food and drinks by the lovely flight attendants who sported beautiful Japanese-styled hairdos and make-up for this special flight.
They all had Japanese Chopsticks set into their hairstyles, while some even had huge lovely artificial flowers blended with their hairdos.
They all had Japanese Chopsticks set into their hairstyles, while some even had huge lovely artificial flowers blended with their hairdos.
AirAsia X inflight food menu for Japan Flights.
My AirAsiaX Japanese Bento Set meal.
While meals are sold on board the flights, you have a good selection ranging from Japanese, Western and Malaysian.
There are also sandwiches which are all reasonably priced to suit your budget. Note that if you pre-book your meals, you get them slightly cheaper.
Special items like Japanese Asahi Beer and Sake are also sold on board for Japan routes.
Japanese Visa for Malaysians
There are also sandwiches which are all reasonably priced to suit your budget. Note that if you pre-book your meals, you get them slightly cheaper.
Special items like Japanese Asahi Beer and Sake are also sold on board for Japan routes.
Japanese Visa for Malaysians
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| Japanese immigration form. |
Japanese immigration forms were handed out shortly after the take-off for you to fill, and you have to read them carefully before you fill them in, especially on the rear portion of the form.
Ensure you have your visa before booking your tickets to Japan too. It takes about 3 working days to get your Japan Visa done in Malaysia, and it would be a single-entry visa.
In-Flight Entertainment on AirAsia X Japan
Ensure you have your visa before booking your tickets to Japan too. It takes about 3 working days to get your Japan Visa done in Malaysia, and it would be a single-entry visa.
In-Flight Entertainment on AirAsia X Japan
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| The On Board Entertainment. |
And how can you not have in-flight entertainment on board when you fly long-haul to Japan? The crew will announce this, and those wanting the entertainment can simply hail one of the flight attendants.
The cost for the on board entertainment is RM35.00 (US$10) if you pay for it on board, while it is only RM30.00 if you book ahead online.
The cost for the on board entertainment is RM35.00 (US$10) if you pay for it on board, while it is only RM30.00 if you book ahead online.
Azran Osman-Rani with Flight Attendants welcoming the Japanese passengers in Osaka.
Air Asia X Inaugural Flight Lands in Osaka, Japan
Finally, after five and a half hours, flight D7 536 landed at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. The captain announced that we landed 20 minutes earlier than scheduled due to aiding winds.
As we made out way out from the plane, we were warmly welcomed by Japanese officials at Kansai Airport. Next, we headed to the departure section to flag off the First Osaka-Kuala Lumpur flight for the Japanese passengers.
Flight D7 537 was the inaugural flight from Kansai (KIX) to KUL, and many awaiting reporters from Osaka were ready to interview CEO Azran.
As we made out way out from the plane, we were warmly welcomed by Japanese officials at Kansai Airport. Next, we headed to the departure section to flag off the First Osaka-Kuala Lumpur flight for the Japanese passengers.
Flight D7 537 was the inaugural flight from Kansai (KIX) to KUL, and many awaiting reporters from Osaka were ready to interview CEO Azran.
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| Azran Osman-Rani is being interviewed. |
Like a mob, the Japanese reporters, cameramen and photographers swarmed Azran for his speech and together with him was the Osaka Station Manager helping with translation.
They then moved on to have the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the departure gate. What surprised me was the Japanese media were so professional and non-rowdy. So much space was given for this auspicious moment.
They then moved on to have the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the departure gate. What surprised me was the Japanese media were so professional and non-rowdy. So much space was given for this auspicious moment.
Japanese Media patiently awaits the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Osaka Airport.
Official ribbon cutting ceremony just before the Osaka-Kuala Lumpur Inaugural flight in Japan.
After the official ribbon ceremony, AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani welcomed the first passenger, a middle-aged Japanese man and checked his boarding pass.
This was followed by other priority passengers, and soon everyone boarded the first flight from Osaka to KL.
This was followed by other priority passengers, and soon everyone boarded the first flight from Osaka to KL.
The Japanese people seemed very happy about this, and some Japanese kids even came prepared with the scribbling of "I love AirAsia" and approached the local flight attendants to take a picture.
Honestly, this is the first time I did not see anyone using the 'peace' sign when getting their photo taken. A proud moment indeed for everyone there.
Honestly, this is the first time I did not see anyone using the 'peace' sign when getting their photo taken. A proud moment indeed for everyone there.
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| Azran checks the first Japanese traveller's boarding pass to Kuala Lumpur. |
Finally, as we made out way to the arrival area, we chanced upon a group of Japanese passengers wearing the AirAsia X Scarf given away in LCCT.
They even asked if we could take their picture since about four of us were holding cameras. A bunch of happy customers said the flight was smooth and comfortable and was pleased with the overall service.
My honest opinion? The five-and-a-half-hour flight was excellent. I had space to move around, and the seats were decently comfortable.
I slept like a baby for a few hours while the flight attendants were pleasing and accommodating. Check out my Facebook album for profile pictures of the Beautiful Air Asia X flight attendants.
AirAsia X flies to Osaka, Japan, four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights depart at 2.00 pm on Wednesday only at 8.20 pm for the other three days.
My next task is to try and book one of those Premium Flat Bed Seats for another long-haul flight during one of the sales periods, where you can get them at RM599 one way.
They even asked if we could take their picture since about four of us were holding cameras. A bunch of happy customers said the flight was smooth and comfortable and was pleased with the overall service.
My honest opinion? The five-and-a-half-hour flight was excellent. I had space to move around, and the seats were decently comfortable.
I slept like a baby for a few hours while the flight attendants were pleasing and accommodating. Check out my Facebook album for profile pictures of the Beautiful Air Asia X flight attendants.
AirAsia X flies to Osaka, Japan, four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights depart at 2.00 pm on Wednesday only at 8.20 pm for the other three days.
My next task is to try and book one of those Premium Flat Bed Seats for another long-haul flight during one of the sales periods, where you can get them at RM599 one way.
Conclusion
I had an excellent experience on board the inaugural AirAsia X Flight to Osaka, Japan, and I will do it again. AirAsia has several flights to Osaka and other cities in Japan.
I had an excellent experience on board the inaugural AirAsia X Flight to Osaka, Japan, and I will do it again. AirAsia has several flights to Osaka and other cities in Japan.