KUALA LUMPUR, Bernama-- AirAsia today launched its direct daily flights to Guangzhou via Baiyun International Airport from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal Kuala Lumpur.

This marked the airline's fourth destination to China after Shenzhen, Xiamen and Macau.

AirAsia said in a statement that the Guangzhou launch was part of its strategic move in responding to strong consumer demand from the southern China region for low-cost travel.

Its regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan, said the move to expand will also encourage the Malaysian business community to strengthen their investments in China and vice versa.

"We believe our low fares will grant more Chinese and Malaysians the freedom to fly and further complement tourism and economic growth of both countries to greater heights," she said.

With a population of about 9.5 million, Guangzhou is known as one of China's leading commercial and manufacturing regions.