AirAsia X orders more A330s

AirAsia X, the long haul low fare affiliate of the Malaysia-based AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for three
A330-200s. Scheduled for
delivery from 2014, the aircraft
will be operated on the carrier' s expanding network, offering low fare service to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The latest contract brings AirAsia X ' s total number of A330s ordered
to 28. AirAsia X has ordered the 238
tonne increased take-off weight
version of the A330-200, which
is capable of flying non-stop from Kuala Lumpur to Europe. The
airline will configure the aircraft
in a two class layout with a total
of 288 seats. " This order reflects our positive outlook for the long haul low
cost market out of Asia, " said Azran Osman Rani, Chief
Executive Officer, AirAsia X. " With its low fuel burn, spacious cabin
and extended range, the A330 is
the perfect aircraft for us to build
our business, enabling more
people to fly further at lower cost
than ever before." " This latest order from AirAsia X underscores the position of the
A330 as the most efficient aircraft
in its class flying today," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer
Customers, Airbus. " The A330 ′ s low operating costs, range capability and proven
reliability make it the clear winner
for airlines flying in the growing
long haul budget market. " AirAsia is the largest low cost
airline group in the Asia-Pacific
region and operates an all-Airbus
fleet. Altogether, the group has
now ordered over 200 aircraft
from Airbus, including 175 single aisle A320s, 28 A330s and 10
A350 XWBs. The twin engine A330 is one of
the most widely used widebody
aircraft in service today. To date,
Airbus has won more than 1,100
orders for the various versions of
the aircraft. Some 750 A330s have already been delivered and
the aircraft is currently flying with
90 operators worldwide in 50
countries.