AirAsia places world’s largest aircraft order
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AirAsia has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show today, is the largest order ever placed for a single commercial aircraft model, and makes the Malaysian low-cost carrier the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. AirAsia’s A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.
Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service. In addition, the carrier’s long haul affiliate AirAsia X operates an all-Airbus fleet, and has outstanding orders for 38 wide-body aircraft.
“With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market,” said Dr Tony Fernandes (pictured), Group Chief Executive Officer of 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,” said Tom Enders, President & Chief Executive Officer for 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.”
Incorporating new engines and large wing tip devices called ‘sharklets’, Airbus states that the A320neo will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles (950 km). The fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.
AirAsia’s order will enable it to significantly increase the route network of its existing regional carriers based in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as bolstering its start-up operations in the Philippines and Vietnam. While it is the largest aircraft order in history in terms of unit numbers, its total estimated value of US$20 billion (at list prices) still falls well short of the huge US$43 billion order placed by Etihad Airways in 2008.
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