Airbus Aims to Expand Its Presence in Malaysia with the A220
Airbus is in talks with Malaysian airlines to introduce its A220 model, according to a report by the state news agency Bernama, citing Anand Stanley, President of Airbus for the Asia-Pacific region. Although negotiations are still in the early stages, the European manufacturer has expressed strong interest in strengthening its presence in this Southeast Asian country.
A Market with High Growth Potential
Currently, around 150 Airbus commercial aircraft operate in Malaysia. Stanley noted that the company anticipates approximately 400 new orders in the future, a figure that underscores the expansion potential Airbus sees in this market.
“We see significant potential demand coming from Malaysia,” Stanley said. “Discussions are ongoing, and while I can’t comment on timelines, we hope to see the A220 in Malaysia soon.”
Malaysia ranks as the third most important market for Airbus in the Asia-Pacific region, behind only China and India. This strategic position reinforces the manufacturer’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the area.
Key Clients: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines
While the report does not specify which airlines Airbus is negotiating with, it highlights the importance of its current clients. AirAsia, one of the region’s leading low-cost carriers, is already a major operator of the A320 and A330 models. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines boasts a wide-body fleet composed of A330 and A350 aircraft, solidifying a strong commercial relationship with the European manufacturer.
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Fleet Renewal and Delivery Expectations
Last month, Malaysia Airlines’ parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group, announced plans to add 20 new Airbus A330neo aircraft by 2028. Two of these planes are already in service, with eight more expected to be delivered this year.
This renewal plan reinforces confidence in Airbus as a strategic supplier for Malaysia’s commercial aviation sector.
Global Production: Challenges and Goals
In terms of global production, Airbus reported this month that its year-to-date deliveries total 192 aircraft, marking a 5% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Despite engine delivery delays, the company remains committed to its target of 820 commercial deliveries by the end of 2025, a 7% increase over the previous year.
Airbus’s focus on Malaysia with the A220, coupled with local airlines’ commitment to renewing and expanding their fleets, suggests that Southeast Asia will continue to be a fertile ground for the European manufacturer’s growth.
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