AirAsia X to expand fleet with 31 Airbus A330-300 from 2015
Source:aircargoweek 2013-12-23 9:53:00
AirAsia X will start taking delivery in 2015 as it begins an expansion of its Asia-Pacific network. The order includes a number of extended range versions of the A330-300. But this order does not include the new lower weight, shorter range A330 Airbus announced in September. The carrier operates 16 A330-300s on services linking its Kuala Lumpur base to Asian, Middle East and Pacific destinations.Co-founder and director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri' Tony Fernandes, says: ""The aircraft orders would further cater to our expansion plans in Malaysia, and the proposed new Thai AirAsia X hub as well as other long-haul ventures planned across Asia."Fernandes adds that the orders will also help the company develop its presence in key markets in Asia and strengthen its connectivity between its long-haul and short haul, low cost, network.The contract for 25 A330s was signed in Paris by AirAsia X chief executive officer (CEO) Azran Osman-Rani, and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president and CEO. In total the AirAsia group has now ordered 536 aircraft from Airbus. It has ordered 475 A320 for AirAsia's short haul operations based out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. The 25 A330-300 purchase brings the airline's total number of this type on order to 51. In addition, AirAsia has ordered 10 Airbus A350-XWB.