TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The low-cost airline AirAsia has inked a deal to purchase 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with a value of US$12.25 billion, which is aimed at boosting the airline's flight network and opening intercontinental connections outside ASEAN.
"AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world's first low-cost network carrier," said Capital A's CEO and AirAsia Group's Advisor & Steward, Tony Fernandes, during a statement observed via Zoom on Friday night, July 4, 2025.
Tony Fernandes made the statement after AirAsia Berhad, a subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, completed a landmark agreement with Airbus worth US$12.25 billion for the purchase of 50 A321XLR aircraft with an additional option for 20 units.
The signing of this agreement was directly witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Capital A's CEO Tony Fernandes, and Airbus Commercial Aircraft's CEO, Christian Scherer.
For AirAsia, this agreement is a big step toward realizing its vision as the world's first low-cost multi-network airline, with its reliable multi-hub strategy. "The new aircraft is scheduled to start delivery from 2028 to 2032," said Tony.
According to Tony, as a pioneer of budget travel in Asia, it is now time for AirAsia to move to the next level. AirAsia, said Tony, is transforming into the world's first low-cost multi-network airline. "This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic," said Tony Fernandes.
Long-Term Strategy
The latest generation A321XLR aircraft, according to Tony, will complement AirAsia's current Airbus fleet, which is dominated by the A320 and A330 families.
This step supports AirAsia's long-term strategy to deliver the best connectivity in Asia and its surroundings "while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency."
This new fleet also becomes the backbone of AirAsia's transformation. The multi-aircraft strategy enables AirAsia to adjust capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support sustainable and competitive growth in the global market.
"The Airbus A321XLR also offers up to 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency," said Tony Fernandes.
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