The low-cost carrier explains that the order will “support the short-term growth and expansion requirements” in 2018 and 2018 in its key markets of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and India. The jets will also be used for its upcoming Japan operations.
Air Asia says these markets are experiencing “better than expected performance, favourable market demand and [a] low fuel price environment”, but that the carrier is currently facing a shortage of aircraft for expansion.
The deal takes the number of A320-family jets ordered by AirAsia to 592. The group has 171 A320s and eight of the re-engined aircraft in service.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that the carrier is scheduled to take delivery of 10 A320neos later this year, 38 units in 2018 and another 42 in 2019.
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