TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Budget airline AirAsia signed a deal with Airbus to buy 100 units of A321neo. At the Farnborough Airshow, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier made the announcement Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
The purchase agreement is AirAsia's first order for the biggest, best-selling type of aircraft in the A320 category. Fernandes said the A321neo will help AirAsia meet the demand for competition whilst crunching down its cost per available seat mile (CASM), which would lead to cheaper ticket prices.
Fernandes said AirAsia flies nearly 1,000 flights daily to more than 120 destinations in 24 countries.
The deal also raised the number of AirAsia's A320 fleet to 575 units. Fernandes said it strengthens AirAsia position as Airbus' top customer for the narrow body aircraft category.
He added that the A321neos will serve popular routes, particularly in airports with infrastructure limitations.
Fabrice Brégier said he is happy with AirAsia's order. "We can't wait to see the A321neo flying in AirAsia's color and contribute to the company's continuous success in being one of the world's best budget airliner."