AirAsia

Long-haul airline AirAsia X has placed a firm order worth $6bn for 25 more Airbus A330-300 aircraft, the largest A330 order in a single purchase agreement.

The order increases the carrier’s Airbus order to 51, and an additional six A330-300s leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) brings the airline’s total confirmed aircraft deliveries to 57 by 2019.

Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia X currently operates 16 A330-300s on routes to destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.

AirAsia X co-founder and director Tony Fernandes said: "Our commitment would allow us to remain as the youngest wide-body fleet age in the region at under five years throughout 2019, with corresponding competitive fuel efficiency, reliability and cabin comfort benefits."

The new deliveries will begin in 2015 when AirAsia plans to embark on a major network expansion across Asia-Pacific.

Airbus will supply also the new extended range variants of the A330-300 aircraft under the contract, for AirAsia X to fly them on non-stop services to destinations in Europe or to the US.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "AirAsia X has proven that it is possible to build a highly successful low-cost long haul business.

"The A330 is the perfect platform for such operations, with the lowest operating costs, true long range flying capability and a proven track record of exceptional technical reliability."

Image: The latest order increases AirAsia X’s Airbus order to 51. Photo courtesy of Airbus SAS.

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