A320neo_Air_Asia

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has placed a $9.4bn firm order with Airbus for 64 A320neo and 36 A320ceo aircraft as a part of its efforts to further expand its network of international routes.

The deal was signed by AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier at the aircraft manufacturer’s wing manufacturing facility in Broughton, UK.

Fernandes said that the addition of new aircraft was in accordance with its strategy to expand its network through new routes and added frequencies, allowing AirAsia to maintain its market leadership.

The low-cost carrier sees potential to achieve between 60 million and 70 million passengers from the current 36 million.

With the latest order, the carrier’s total orders for Airbus single aisle aircraft reaches 475, which include 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo.

"The repeated confidence the airline places in the A320 is a clear endorsement of the reliability, efficiency and unbeatable operating economics offered by the world’s most modern single aisle product line."

Of the total aircraft ordered, 100 have already been delivered and are flying from its hubs in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.

"The repeated confidence the airline places in the A320 is a clear endorsement of the reliability, efficiency and unbeatable operating economics offered by the world’s most modern single aisle product line," Brégier said.

AirAsia currently operates its all-A320 fleet to 70 destinations spanning 20 countries across Asia. Its affiliate AirAsia X flies widebodied A330-300s on long-haul routes from Kuala Lumpur to Northern Asia and Australia.

Featuring fly-by-wire flight controls, with optimised fuselage, A320 aircraft can accommodate up to 150 passengers in a typical two-class arrangement, and about 180 people with high-density seating.

As of November, Airbus has received 5,963 firm orders for A320 aeroplanes, with 3,162 having been delivered and 3,013 in operation.

Image: The new A320 aeroplanes will allow AirAsia to expand its network of routes worldwide. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS 2012.