AirAsia X began operating five weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday, after completing the maiden voyage.

According to the carrier, planes will take off from KL at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, and depart Taiwan at 3:55 p.m.

AirAsia X is the long-haul brand of AirAsia, a seven-year old operator with hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok targeting "frequent independent travelers," said an AirAsia statement.

Amidst economic downturn, "Taiwan has been waiting for the addition of AirAsia service to boost tourism to and from Malaysia," said Director General Janice Lai of Tourism Bureau.

During the current promotional period that ends on July 5, one-way fare from Taiwan to Kuala Lumpur starts at NT$1,888 including taxes for travel between October 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010, said in an AirAsia statement.

Travelers are only required to pay for their plane ticket and taxes as the operator was the first airline in the world to cancel fuel surcharges in last November, said the statement.

The operator's competitiveness is sustained in part by its philosophy to offer "necessary" services to all passengers, while charging extra fees for what it considers "added amenities," continued the statement.

According to a company spokesperson, passengers are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage weighing seven kilograms or less for free. Fees start at NT$210 for bags checked-in.

The airline does not provide free food or drinks. Hot meals can be purchased starting at NT$155, while water is NT$60 per bottle, continued the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that passengers can enjoy a variety of in-flight entertainment for a flat fee of NT$299, while blankets and pillows will start at NT$260.

"Amenities as well as fares are discounted when purchased through the company's Web site in advance. Travelers are encouraged to sign up for pre-sales e-mail notifications and to make purchases early over the Internet for the lowest fares," said the spokesperson.

"Tickets can usually be purchased six to eight months in advance. Currently, tickets can be purchased for travel until next April," added the spokesperson.