Malaysia's long-haul budget carrier AirAsia X has announced that its first flight will take off on November 2 bound for Australia.

The airline said it would run four flights a week between Australia's eastern Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur.

Fares will start from US$88, inclusive of airport tax, fuel surcharge and administrative fees for one-way travel departing from the Gold Coast.

"Gold Coast is an ideal and exciting choice as (our) first destination as it is a popular destination amongst Asians," said Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X chief executive.

Strong domestic connections

"We are keen to position Gold Coast as the gateway to Australia as the airport also offers strong domestic connections for low cost travel to Sydney and Melbourne," he added.

The first flight, using the wide-bodied Airbus A330-300, is expected to carry 315 passengers.

AirAsia X will also fly to China before year-end and aims eventually to fly to Europe.

AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Blue, was launched in January 2007. AirAsia founder and chief Tony Fernandes is also a shareholder in AirAsia X.