AirAsia has signed a deal with Airbus to buy 150 A220-300 aircraft in an agreement valued at about $19 billion at list prices. The airline also has the option to increase the order to 300 aircraft in the future, making it the largest single firm order globally for the A220 model.
The order marks a major shift in AirAsia’s fleet strategy, with the group focusing on fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and stronger profitability amid rising fuel prices and market uncertainty.
AirAsia Group CEO Bo Lingam said the new aircraft would help the airline expand its network with more frequent flights and open routes that were previously not viable. He added that the A220’s range of up to seven hours would support AirAsia’s goal of making air travel more accessible across Asia and beyond.
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said the aircraft would improve fuel efficiency and reduce trip costs, helping the airline remain resilient during volatile market conditions. He described the order as part of AirAsia’s long-term growth strategy and ambition to build a global low-cost network carrier.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner said the A220 would help AirAsia lower operating costs while opening new routes across Asia.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028. The aircraft will mainly serve routes within Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, while larger A320 and A321 aircraft will be redeployed to mid-haul services and A330 aircraft to long-haul destinations including Europe, Australia, and North America.
