AirAsia signed a landmark US$12.25 billion agreement with Airbus for 70 A321XLR aircraft (50 firm orders plus 20 conversion rights), witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and signed by Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer in Paris.
The deal positions AirAsia to become the world's first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, with the A321XLR enabling longer-range routes to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through its multi-hub strategy centered on Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million passengers annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception, with aircraft deliveries scheduled from 2028 through 2032.
The A321XLR offers up to 20% lower fuel burn per seat compared to the A321neo, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency while supporting AirAsia's sustainable growth model.
Tony Fernandes emphasized that this transformative deal will enable AirAsia to expand beyond ASEAN connectivity, stating the airline wants "the world to see ASEAN, and ASEAN to see the world" through more democratic air travel access.
