AirAsia places landmark order for 150 A220s

Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft. The purchase agreement is the largest single firm order placed for the A220 and propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone, underscoring the aircraft’s global market appeal. The contract was announced at a ceremony at the Airbus facility in Mirabel attended by Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group and Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. The event took place in the presence of Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec. (PHOTO: AirAsia) The purchase agreement makes AirAsia a new customer for the A220. The airline also becomes the launch customer for the aircraft’s new cabin configuration of 160 seats. The increase in capacity, adding 10 seats, is made possible by the addition of an extra overwing exit on each side of the aircraft. The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes. Tony Fernandes. (PHOTO: Shutterstock) “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 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.” AirAsia’s new planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, with the first of these aircraft to be delivered starting in 2028. Pratt & Whitney will also provide AirAsia with engine maintenance through a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement. “Today marks an important milestone as we welcome AirAsia as the newest customer to the GTF family,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “This order reflects the airline’s confidence in the GTF engine and its unmatched fuel efficiency and smaller noise footprint. It establishes a strong foundation for a partnership that will support AirAsia’s growth for the years ahead.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]