KUALA LUMPUR - Asia's leading budget airlines AirAsia announced a new route to Shanghai from Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, a move that would further complement its flight network in the booming civil aviation market.

AirAsia X, AirAsia's long haul affiliate, said in a statement that it would commence six times weekly flights from the Malaysian capital to Shanghai Pudong International Airport from Feb 19, 2013, and the flights frequency will be increased to seven times weekly from May 1, 2013.

AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani said the low cost carrier foresees a strong demand for the route as Shanghai has a population of over 23 million.

"We are confident that this route will stimulate new travel demand and boost tourism and business potential of both countries, " he said.

AirAsia now operate flights that connect Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou, some 2-hour drive from Shanghai.

The company has been putting effort in completing its network in China, launching the Kuala Lumpur - Beijing route earlier this year. It also flies to other Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Guilin, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Kunming, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xi'an, ase well as Hong Kong and Macau.