AirAsia to announce Airbus A220 order at Paris Air Show?
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia will most likely make a major fleet announcement at the Paris Air Show as early as tomorrow (Wednesday) with industry sources indicating the low-cost carrier is likely to place an order for at least 100 Airbus A220 aircraft.
If finalised, the deal would make AirAsia the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the cutting-edge A220 and marks the airline's bold step towards its post-pandemic growth strategy.
The A220, a smaller narrow-body aircraft designed for shorter to medium-haul routes, is believed to be able to play a crucial role in expanding AirAsia's regional network, particularly to underserved and secondary cities across Southeast Asia.
Both AirAsia's co-founders, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamaruddin Meranun, are believed to be in Paris at the time of writing, fuelling speculation that the deal could be unveiled during the international aerospace event.
The Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget, is the world's oldest and largest air show and frequently serves as the platform for major aircraft purchase announcements.
Business Times has reached out to AirAsia's parent Capital A Bhd for comment.
Meanwhile, an Airbus spokesperson had on June 9 commented to Business Times that the European aircraft manufacturer does not comment on discussions they may or may not have with customers.
The aircraft is highly regarded for its fuel efficiency, cabin comfort and suitability for thinner routes.
The A220 seats between 100 to 150 passengers and is capable of flying up to 6700km.
Analysts said the aircraft is ideal for high-frequency regional routes and point-to-point domestic operations in key markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
AirAsia has long been a key Airbus customer, operating one of the largest all-Airbus A320 Family fleets in the world.
Airbus is also eyeing Malaysia as a strategic market for the A220, given the country's growing aviation footprint.
Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley said in a media event in Kuala Lumpur last month that the aircraft fits well with Malaysia's evolving role as a regional hub.
"Malaysia is already a great connector between China and India and Asean, and the A220 can cover this region perfectly for long, thin routes, but it can also cover the regional routes perfectly within Malaysia to create that feeder network," he said during a media briefing at Airbus' new office in Putrajaya.
While he confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Malaysian carriers, Stanley clarified at that time that no agreements have been finalised.
"We are still only in conversations, but we do hope that, even though I cannot comment on timing, that because of the inherent demand, and the nature of Malaysia as a strong hub, that we can see the A220 in Malaysia," he added.
Stanley described the A220 as a clean-sheet design aircraft that is unique in its category highlighting its exceptional fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort.
In Asia Pacific, existing A220 operators include Korean Air and Qantas, while Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea is set to join the list of operators soon.
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