Low-cost long-haul carrier AirAsia X saw third quarter passenger numbers rise by 35% to 1.22 million.
The airline’s operating performance “exceeded expectations” as carryings exceeded a 29% year-on-year increase in capacity.
Although no new routes were added, frequencies were raised on routes between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast of Australia, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai and Osaka to meet increasing demand.
But its Indonesian arm temporarily suspended flights to Sydney and Melbourne on September 1 as part of a network restructuring aimed at improving “operational efficiencies”.
The Malaysia-based group said: “Overall performance signifies marked improvements in all areas compared to the same period last year despite huge capacity added.
“The company remains cautiously optimistic to ensure sustainable growth and strengthen our position in core markets where we can build up our market leadership position going into 4Q16 as well as 2017.
“The double digit growth of passengers carried was partly attributed to the strong demand for travel observed from North Asia and amongst Malaysians during double Eid celebrations in July and September as well as Malaysia Day long weekend.”
No financial figures were disclosed in the quarterly update.