Malaysian low-fare airline AirAsia has ordered 150 latest-generation A220-300 aircraft, Airbus has announced.
This is the largest single firm order placed for the A220, the company says, propelling the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.
The contract with AirAsia, a new customer for the A220, was announced at the Airbus facility ceremony in Mirabel attended by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group and Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world’s first true low-cost network carrier,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to Air Asia Group.
“Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”
The order results in AirAsia becoming the launch customer for the aircraft’s new cabin configuration of 160 seats. The configuration adds 10 seats and is made possible by adding an extra overwing exit on each side of the aircraft.
“The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
“Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”
