AirAsia looks to Gulf with new A321XLR order
KUALA LUMPUR-BASED AirAsia has ordered an additional 50 Airbus A321XLRs in a deal worth $12.2bn. This is in addition to the group’s existing commitments for 20 A321XLRs. The new agreement also allows the airline to convert up to 20 of its existing A321neo orders to the XLR variant. The first A321XLR for the AirAsia Group is expected to be delivered in 2028, while the first of 26 A321LRs is due next year. It plans to use the type to build a global network of long-haul services, which raises questions about its outstanding order for 15 Airbus A330-900s. Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia’s parent, Capital A, said the order was still under discussion with the European manufacturer. It currently operates 27 A330-300s on its AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X AOCs, and no decision has been made regarding the retirement of these airframes. Fernandes also confirmed the airline was in discussions with two manufacturers over a further order of up to 150 aircraft – Embraer and its E2 family, as well as Airbus’ A220 – adding that the group is also in talks with Chinese plane maker COMAC. The AirAsia Group has units in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and will open a new hub in the Gulf region later this year, with new routes to European destinations, including London/Gatwick and Dublin. The news follows the company’s recent announcement of new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Riyadh and Dammam, as well as an increase in its services to Jeddah. It plans to carry 150 million passengers annually by 2030.