AirAsiaX is affiliated to the successful Malaysian low-fares airline AirAsia, whose strategy has been strongly influenced by nonexecutive director Conor McCarthy, Ryanair's former director of operations. He told the Sunday Tribune that AirAsiaX, which will inaugurate long-haul flights this summer with cut-price fares to destinations such as London, is already examining the possibility of flying to Dublin and that a decision is likely next year.

He stressed Dublin is not a 'wishlist' destination and is under serious consideration. Discussions with the Dublin Aiport Authority have not begun but a bilateral agreement exists between Ireland and Malaysia to allow intercountry flights.

AirAsiaX will use an initial fleet of 20 aircraft.

Flights to Europe are likely to use a Middle East ern airport in Dubai or Abu Dhabi as a stopover point. McCarthy holds a 5% stake in Fly Asia Xpress, the parent firm of AirAsiaX. Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of AirAsia, owns 50% of Fly Asia Xpress.

Last week AirAsia placed a firm order for 50 Airbus A320s and took an additional 50 options.

This year it expects to carry 16 million passengers.