AirAsia has placed an order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, confirming a long-anticipated deal and marking the largest single firm order for the type to date.
The agreement, announced at Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada, makes AirAsia a new customer for the A220 and pushes the programme past 1,000 firm orders. It also introduces a new high-density cabin configuration with 160 seats, enabled by the addition of an extra overwing exit.
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“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,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and advisor to AirAsia Group. “The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world's first true low-cost network carrier.”
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AirAsia plans to deploy the aircraft across Southeast Asia and into Central Asia, using the A220 to develop thinner routes while freeing up larger Airbus jets for higher-demand or longer-haul operations.
“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 of commercial aircraft at Airbus.
The A220-300 typically seats between 100 and 160 passengers and offers a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles. Airbus had delivered just over 500 aircraft of the type to 25 operators worldwide by the end of March.
AirAsia’s move adds a new aircraft category to a fleet historically centered on the A320 family, giving the airline a platform to expand into markets that are not viable with larger narrowbody jets.
