AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes described the carrier’s order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft as a strategic move to secure future growth, rather than a response to short-term market conditions.
In a statement following the signing ceremony in Mirabel, Canada, Fernandes said the deal — which includes options for another 150 aircraft — will support the airline’s plan to build a global narrowbody network.
“AirAsia grew by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment,” Fernandes said. “This order reflects long-term discipline, not short-term sentiment.”
The aircraft will be delivered from 2028 and will feature a 160-seat layout, a higher-density configuration enabled by an additional overwing exit. The setup is intended to support the airline’s low-cost model while expanding into new markets.
Fernandes said the timing of the order was driven by a combination of aircraft pricing, technology maturity and the airline’s cost structure. “What we see is an opportunity to lock in strategic capacity on terms that will be very hard to replicate later,” he said.
The CEO also pointed to sustained demand across Asia as a key factor behind the decision. “The fundamentals of travel in Asia remain incredibly strong. This order is about positioning AirAsia to meet that demand with the most efficient fleet in the region.”
AirAsia plans to use the A220 to open new routes and increase connectivity across Southeast Asia and beyond, while maintaining a fleet centered on single-aisle aircraft.
Fernandes also highlighted the role of Airbus’ Canadian workforce in the program, noting that the agreement was signed in Montreal as a gesture of recognition. The deal, valued at around $19 billion and potentially rising to $38 billion with options, represents one of the largest aircraft orders placed by a low-cost carrier.
