The contract was announced at a ceremony at the Airbus facility in Mirabel attended by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group and Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. The event took place in the presence of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec.

The purchase agreement makes AirAsia a new customer for the A220. The airline also becomes the launch customer for the aircraft’s new cabin configuration of 160 seats. The increase in capacity, adding 10 seats, is made possible by the addition of an extra overwing exit on each side of the aircraft. 

The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the Group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes.

“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world’s first true low-cost network carrier,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to Air Asia Group. “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.” 

“The A220  will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”

Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and widest cabin in its class, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030. 

Credits: Air-Asia

The post AirAsia places landmark order for 150 A220s first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said AirAsia’s low-cost offering coupled with the carrier’s onward connections will make it an attractive offering. “Bali is the destination of choice for Victorians, but there’s more to Indonesia than just Bali and AirAsia’s extensive network will allow travellers to explore beyond Bali,” he said. “Even though it’s such a popular market we are still seeing passenger numbers between Melbourne and Bali increase by more than 13 per cent year-on-year, which highlights the appetite for new services. The beauty of Bali lies in the fact it’s a six-hour flight from Melbourne that often costs less to get to than domestic destinations such as Perth, making it a really attractive offering for budget conscious travellers and families. We’re seeing the benefits of more competition in these international markets flowing through to travellers in the way of cheaper airfares and more choice, which is a great outcome for everyone.”

Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman, General Manager of Indonesia AirAsia, said the launch reflects strong demand for Bali and reiterated the airline’s commitment to Australia, and bringing affordable travel options for Australians. “Bali continues to be the most popular international holiday destination for Australians, and we’re excited to give Victorians another great value option when planning their next escape,” he said. “This new service marks Indonesia AirAsia’s first entry into Melbourne and supports our goal of providing greater, more affordable and flexible access between Indonesia and Australia. It also strengthens social and economic ties between our two countries, supports tourism growth, and creates more opportunities for travellers to experience the rich culture, cuisine and natural beauty of both destinations.”

Credits: Air Asia

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