SEPANG, 22 February 2024 – In a strategic move likely to reshape the aviation industry, AirAsia today announced its ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier, capitalising on its 22-year history of a multi-hub model across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and soon, Cambodia.
This pioneering initiative was unveiled at RedQ, AirAsia’s corporate headquarters in Malaysia, during a special welcoming event for Christian Scherer, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus. The event saw a remarkable turnout of hundreds of AirAsia employees, as well as CEOs and management staff, all eager to welcome the Airbus leader on his inaugural visit as CEO to the site, home to over 6,000 team members, known as Allstars.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia’s group of airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Airbus, attributing much of the airline’s success to this collaboration. He stated, “All of our achievements, including becoming one of the largest and most popular airlines in the world, have been possible with our great partnership with Airbus.” He lauded Airbus for its continuous development and enhancements to aircraft, which have significantly contributed to AirAsia’s network expansion plans through improved fuel efficiency, increased payload, and extended range capabilities.
Fernandes also highlighted plans for fleet expansion, with a focus on incorporating the A321XLR into their narrow-body fleet, while exploring opportunities with the A321LR. This move aims to replace the A320 models over the coming years, enhancing flexibility on existing short to medium-haul routes and enabling expansion into new markets. Furthermore, with the inclusion of Airbus A330neo into their wide-body fleet, AirAsia is set to broaden its medium to long-haul network to include destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America.
The day’s festivities not only celebrated the over two-decade-long partnership between Airbus and AirAsia but also marked the beginning of a new era in which AirAsia aspires to operate as the world’s principal low-cost network airline. Fernandes affirmed this commitment, acknowledging the unyielding support from Airbus, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic. He said, “Throughout all odds, we managed to survive and come back better, stronger than ever.”
Starting its journey with just two aircraft in 2001, AirAsia quickly transitioned to an all-Airbus fleet, a decision that facilitated over two decades of successful implementation of a unique multi-hub strategy across several Southeast Asian countries, with the latest addition, AirAsia Cambodia, poised to launch in the near future.
In line with anticipated demand, AirAsia is set to resume its Airbus A321neo deliveries this year, starting with the first delivery expected in June. The airline is on track to become one of the largest operators of the A321neo, a longer range, fuel-efficient, narrow-body new specification aircraft anticipated to revolutionize the aviation sector.
