AirAsia Inks Deal for 70 Airbus A321XLR Jets Worth US$12.25 Billion

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The low-cost airline AirAsia has inked a deal to purchase 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with a value of US$12.25 billion, which is aimed at boosting the airline's flight network and opening intercontinental connections outside ASEAN.

"AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world's first low-cost network carrier," said Capital A's CEO and AirAsia Group's Advisor & Steward, Tony Fernandes, during a statement observed via Zoom on Friday night, July 4, 2025.

Tony Fernandes made the statement after AirAsia Berhad, a subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, completed a landmark agreement with Airbus worth US$12.25 billion for the purchase of 50 A321XLR aircraft with an additional option for 20 units.

The signing of this agreement was directly witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Capital A's CEO Tony Fernandes, and Airbus Commercial Aircraft's CEO, Christian Scherer.

For AirAsia, this agreement is a big step toward realizing its vision as the world's first low-cost multi-network airline, with its reliable multi-hub strategy. "The new aircraft is scheduled to start delivery from 2028 to 2032," said Tony.

According to Tony, as a pioneer of budget travel in Asia, it is now time for AirAsia to move to the next level. AirAsia, said Tony, is transforming into the world's first low-cost multi-network airline. "This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic," said Tony Fernandes.

Long-Term Strategy

The latest generation A321XLR aircraft, according to Tony, will complement AirAsia's current Airbus fleet, which is dominated by the A320 and A330 families.

This step supports AirAsia's long-term strategy to deliver the best connectivity in Asia and its surroundings "while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency."

This new fleet also becomes the backbone of AirAsia's transformation. The multi-aircraft strategy enables AirAsia to adjust capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support sustainable and competitive growth in the global market.

"The Airbus A321XLR also offers up to 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency," said Tony Fernandes.

Editor’s Choice: AirAsia Launches Direct Bali-Adelaide Flights, Boosting Indonesia-Australia Connectivity

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Top 10 Highest-Paid Apprenticeship Programs in 2025

1 hari lalu

Indonesia's Sugiono Scheduled to Attend ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Malaysia

1 hari lalu

Indonesian Pilot Completes Test Flight of South Korea's KF-21 Fighter Aircraft

1 hari lalu

ASEAN to Discuss Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea Memberships in Malaysia Meetings

1 hari lalu

Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim Seeks Indonesia's Help in Myanmar Peace Mediation

7 hari lalu

Indonesia, Malaysia Reach Deal on Joint Management of Ambalat Block

7 hari lalu

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim to Hold Bilateral Talks with Prabowo in Jakarta

7 hari lalu

AirAsia Launches Direct Bali-Adelaide Flights, Boosting Indonesia-Australia Connectivity

8 hari lalu

Indonesia Proposes Nine Research Partnerships to ASEAN Countries

14 hari lalu

New Zealand Marks Matariki in Jakarta with Cultural Show and ASEAN Anniversary Tribute

16 hari lalu