Budget Malaysian carrier AirAsia is expected to start its first route to Japan before end of 2010.

Operated by AirAsia X, AirAsia's long-distance affiliate, the flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport will begin at a pace of three times per week.

Currently, flag carrier Malaysian Airlines operate flights to Tokyo via Narita International Airport.

In comparison, Haneda is 14km south of Tokyo Station whereas Narita is 58km east of the same rail terminal.

AirAsia X is also tipped to receive the rights to fly to Seoul and other cities soon. It will officially start flying to Mumbai in May and New Delhi in August.

Meanwhile, short-haul affiliate AirAsia recently announced the establishment of a budget carrier in Vietnam.