AirAsia X orders 42 new long-haul Airbus jets
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AirAsia X, the long-haul part of the AirAsia Group, has now finalized a major order with Airbus for 12 more A330-900 and 30 A321XLR aircraft.
The contract was signed today by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, chairman of AirAsia X, along with Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, in KL, in the presence of Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian PM.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of the AirAsia Group, says the two aircraft are the perfect equipment for long-haul, low-cost operations.
“This order reaffirms our selection of the A330neo as the most efficient choice for our future wide-body fleet. In addition, the A321XLR offers the longest flying range of any single aisle aircraft and will enable us to introduce services to new destinations.”
Aziz says the order showed the airlines’ commitment to long haul air travel.
“This will move our long-haul service sectors up to a higher level and allow AirAsia X to look at expanding beyond the eight-hour flight radius, such as to Europe for example.”
The new contract increases the number of A330neo (new engine option) aircraft ordered by AirAsia X to 78, reaffirming the carrier’s status as the largest airline customer for the type. Meanwhile, the A321XLR (long range) order sees the wider AirAsia Group strengthen its position as the world’s largest airline customer for the A320 “family”, having now ordered a total of 622 aircraft.
AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 36 A330-300s on services to points within the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. In addition, in August the first A330neo joined the fleet of AirAsia’s Bangkok-based long haul affiliate, AirAsia X Thailand. The aircraft is the first of two leased A330neos joining the airline’s Thai affiliate by the end of the year.
Questions & Answers
Q.What types of aircraft did AirAsia X order from Airbus in this new contract?
What types of aircraft did AirAsia X order from Airbus in this new contract?
AirAsia X finalised an order for 12 A330-900 aircraft and 30 A321XLR aircraft. These are intended for long-haul, low-cost operations, with the A321XLR offering the longest range for a single-aisle plane.
Q.How many A330neo aircraft has AirAsia X now ordered in total?
How many A330neo aircraft has AirAsia X now ordered in total?
The new contract increases AirAsia X's total order for the A330neo aircraft to 78. This order solidifies its position as the largest airline customer for this specific type of aircraft.
Q.What does AirAsia X hope to achieve by adding the A321XLR to its fleet?
What does AirAsia X hope to achieve by adding the A321XLR to its fleet?
AirAsia X aims to expand its services to new destinations, specifically beyond the current eight-hour flight radius. The A321XLR's long flying range, the longest of any single-aisle aircraft, makes this possible, potentially allowing routes to Europe.
Q.Which AirAsia affiliate recently received its first A330neo aircraft?
Which AirAsia affiliate recently received its first A330neo aircraft?
AirAsia X Thailand, the Bangkok-based long-haul affiliate of AirAsia, received its first A330neo in August. This aircraft is one of two leased A330neos scheduled to join the Thai affiliate's fleet by the end of the year.
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