SEPANG, Malaysia — Malaysia's fast-growing long-haul budget airline AirAsia X plans to extend its low-cost service to Japan, possibly by the second half of this year.

AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman Rani said six Japanese cabin crew members are already undergoing training at AirAsia Academy in Sepang, where the AirAsia group has its headquarters.

AirAsia X, launched in January 2007, is an affiliate of AirAsia, Southeast Asia's pioneer short-haul budget carrier, sharing common shareholders including founder and group CEO Tony Fernandes.