BUSAN ― Asia’s largest budget carrier AirAsia on Monday said that its long-haul, low-cost carrier AirAsia X launched its first flight connecting Busan and Kuala Lumpur.

At the launching event held in Busan, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes ― who is also the chairman of English soccer club Queens Park Rangers ― invited the club’s Korean star and AirAsia celebrity representative Park Ji-sung to celebrate the occasion.

The new route between Gimhae International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport will be operated four times a week ― on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Since AirAsia launched its first flight service between Seoul and Kuala Lumpur in 2010, Korean tourists visiting Malaysia have increased from fewer than 40,000 to more than 230,000 a year, according to the company.

Trade between Korea and Malaysia in 2012 amounted to more than $16 billion, and is expected to soar in the coming years due to the increased connectivity, an AirAsia official said.

“South Korea is an important business partner for our company and for Malaysia,” said Fernandes.

“When I first came to this wonderful city of Busan, I was surprised that there was no direct flight coming here from Southeast Asia. Now I’m thrilled the new route has opened up between the wonderful city of Busan and Kuala Lumpur.”

From Kuala Lumpur, the world’s first long-haul, low-cost carrier currently operates flights to some 15 major cities in the Asia-Pacific region, including Tokyo, Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai and Beijing.

“As Busan has grown into a bigger city, by 2015, Gimhae International Airport will increase its capacity to service an increasing number of foreign passengers,” an official from the Korea Airport Corporation said.

The special fare between Busan and Kuala Lumpur is expected to be 80,000 won ($72) including taxes. AirAsia X will not charge a fuel surcharge for this special fare.

By Kwon Bum-joon (bjkwon@heraldcorp.com)