AirAsia has placed a massive $19 BILLION order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking the largest single firm order ever for the A220 programme and pushing total global orders for the jet beyond 1,000 aircraft worldwide.
The deal also makes AirAsia the launch customer for a new high-density 160-seat A220 cabin configuration, adding extra capacity while keeping the jet’s long range and low fuel burn.
The airline says the aircraft will open new routes across ASEAN and Central Asia while freeing up larger aircraft for longer-haul flying.
Tony Fernandes called the move another “bold decision,” saying the airline wants to build the world’s first true low-cost network carrier.
The A220 is currently one of the most talked about aircraft in commercial aviation thanks to its quiet cabin, fuel efficiency and ability to operate thinner long-haul regional routes profitably.
Sources: Airbus, Reuters