AirAsia set to become largest A320 operator, orders 50 more

 

Asia's largest and most successful low-cost airline appears set to become the largest A320 operator in the world as well.

AirAsia yesterday placed an order for 25 firm A320s plus 25 options, bringing the commitment of the group (Malaysia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia) to 175 firm aircraft and 50 options. The contract was signed at the Langkawi Airshow by AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and Airbus COO-Customers John Leahy.

The carrier placed its original A320 order for 60 aircraft in March 2005 (ATWOnline, March, 28, 2005), with an additional 40-aircraft buy announced at the 2006 Farnborough Airshow (ATWOnline, July 20, 2006) and another 50 announced last January (ATWOnline, Jan. 9).

The first aircraft was delivered to the LCC in December 2005. Currently it operates 31 A320s on a rapidly expanding domestic and regional network. During 2008 AirAsia Group will become an A320-only operator as the 737 Classics used in Thailand and Indonesia are retired.

Fernandes told media: "This purchase is an important step for us at AirAsia, as it signifies our future aggressive route expansion plans in tandem to our expected traffic growth over the next decade."

Leahy added: "We have been extremely proud to be part of AirAsia's outstanding success and delighted that the confidence in the A320 has resulted in the airline now becoming the largest airline customer for this aircraft in the world." He also said he expects an A380 order from Malaysia Airlines to be finalized in the next 30-60 days, Reuters reported.

by Geoffrey Thomas