AirAsia Prepares an Order for at Least 100 Airbus A220 Aircraft

AirAsia, the Malaysia-based low-cost airline, is in advanced negotiations to acquire at least 100 Airbus A220 aircraft. According to industry sources, the announcement could be finalized at the upcoming Paris Air Show next week. If the deal is completed, it would mark the first addition of the A220 model to its fleet, which currently consists exclusively of aircraft from the European manufacturer.

This move aligns with AirAsia’s goal of strengthening its presence on regional routes by introducing smaller, more efficient aircraft. The A220 fits the operational profile the airline is seeking to serve short- and medium-haul markets with high demand.

A Strong Relationship with Airbus

AirAsia is one of Airbus’s top global customers. The company already has several hundred aircraft on order from the European manufacturer, though it has not placed new orders since before the pandemic. In recent years, deliveries have been limited, and the airline has been restructuring its order portfolio as part of a strategy to stabilize its finances.

Air Niugini Strengthens Its Fleet: Acquires Two Additional Airbus A220

Recovery After the COVID-19 Crisis

The pandemic hit AirAsia hard, as it did many airlines in the region. Global air travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in activity, prompting the company to be classified as financially distressed by the Malaysian stock exchange in 2022.

Despite this, the airline has taken steps to turn the situation around. AirAsia expects to exit this classification by mid-year, which would mark a significant milestone in its recovery process.

Corporate Reorganization: Unifying Operations

As part of its consolidation plan, Capital A, AirAsia’s parent company, intends to sell its aviation unit to its long-haul subsidiary, AirAsia X. The goal is to integrate short- and long-haul operations under a single AirAsia brand, simplifying the operational structure and strengthening its corporate identity.

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