AirAsia Bhd is reportedly close to finalising a significant aircraft deal with Airbus SE, potentially announcing the agreement during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to France this week, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
The low-cost airline is said to be in advanced discussions to purchase dozens of extra-long-range narrowbody jets from Airbus, which already supplies the entirety of AirAsia’s fleet. While negotiations remain ongoing, sources cautioned that a final agreement has yet to be signed and could still fall through.
AirAsia currently operates a fleet of 240 aircraft mostly from the A320 family, with more than 350 jets still pending delivery. The company is also weighing an order for up to 100 Airbus’ smaller A220 aircraft as part of its long-term fleet strategy.
Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, declined to comment on the development, while Airbus similarly refrained from confirming any talks with the airline.
Capital A Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes previously revealed during last month’s Paris Air Show that the carrier was exploring a potential order of 50 to 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, citing the model’s extended range and fuel efficiency as key advantages for AirAsia’s regional network ambitions.
