AirAsia Orders 200 Airbus A320neos and Options 100 More

AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in the Asia-Pacific region, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neos, and according to reports has optioned 100 more.

The contract, announced at the Paris Airshow on June 23, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 family and makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single-aisle product line worldwide.

AirAsia announced that all of its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X1A engine. The airline’s 100 optioned A320neos will also be powered by the CFM LEAP-X1A engine.

Plenty of AirAsia flight attendants are present at the Paris Airshow on June 23, 2011 as the airline's founder and CEO Tony Fernandes announces AirAsia's order for 200 Airbus A320neos, along with options for 100 more

Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 Airbus 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.

Air Asia also confirmed on June 23 that it would still take the remaining 86 standard-model A320s from its initial orders for 175.

“With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market,” says Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, group chief executive officer, AirAsia. “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.”

“Thanks to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of Tony Fernandes and the energy of his team, Air Asia has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, most innovative and respected airlines in the business,” says Tom Enders, president and chief executive officer of Airbus. “This landmark deal is the strongest endorsement yet of our decision to invest in the development of the A320neo and further consolidates the market-leading position of the Airbus single-aisle product line.”