AirAsia X Places Order for 150 Airbus A220 Aircraft, Introduces 160-Seat Configuration

AirAsia X Expands Fleet Plans with Airbus A220 Agreement

AirAsia X Berhad (AAX/AirAsia Group) has signed a firm agreement with Airbus for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for an additional 150 aircraft. The agreement, valued at around USD19 billion at list prices, forms part of the airline group’s long-term fleet expansion plans.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, attended by Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Christine Frechette were also present at the event.

Under the agreement, AirAsia will become the launch customer for the new high-density 160-seat configuration of the Airbus A220. The aircraft is expected to support the group’s regional and medium-haul network strategy across Asia and the Asia Pacific region.

The Airbus A220 is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions compared to earlier-generation narrowbody aircraft. AirAsia said the aircraft would help improve operational efficiency while allowing the airline to increase flight frequencies on selected routes and support connectivity through its Fly-Thru network.

The aircraft’s range of up to 7 hours is also expected to help the airline explore additional regional and medium-haul destinations that may not have previously supported operations of larger aircraft.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Group, said the A220 would support the airline’s efforts to improve connectivity and align capacity with market demand. He added that the aircraft would provide flexibility to expand frequencies and develop additional routes across the region.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group, said the agreement reflects the company’s continued focus on operational efficiency and network development. He also noted that the order would support related aviation and travel businesses connected to the group’s wider ecosystem.

Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said the A220 would provide AirAsia with lower operating costs and flexibility to develop routes that were previously difficult to operate commercially.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028. The aircraft will primarily serve destinations across ASEAN and Asia Pacific markets, while larger Airbus A320, A321, and A330 aircraft are expected to be deployed on longer regional and international routes, including to Europe, Australia, and North America.

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