Update AirAsia places firm order for 200 A320 Airbus aircraft

KUALA LUMPUR: AIRASIA BHD [] placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft, which is the largest order for the aircraft manufacturer.

Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service on the carrier's fast-growing pan-Asian network. In addition, the carrier's long haul affiliate AirAsia X is also an all-Airbus customer having placed orders for 38 widebody aircraft.

The order for the 200 aircraft makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. Its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said on Thursday, June 23 with this historic deal, AirAsia had secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market.

“Our decision to be one of the launch customers for the A320neo will ensure that we remain at the forefront of our business, with one of the world's youngest and most modern fleets," he said at the Paris Air Show.

The A320neo, which incorporated new engines and large wing tip devices called sharklets, will ensure fuel savings of 15% and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles (950 km), or the ability to carry two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less tonnes carbon dioxide per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the existing models, enabling it to fit seamlessly into existing A320 Family fleets.

Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and almost 5,000 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.