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| (Image Source: iOrbit News/AirAsia Aviation Group) |
AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus valued at US$12.25B (12.25 billion US dollars) for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs. With this agreement, the airline takes a major step towards becoming the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, anchored by its multi-hub strategy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing 2028 through 2032. Witnessed by Malaysia's Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed today in Paris between Capital A CEO and AirAsia Group Advisor & Steward Tony Fernandes and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer.
Fernandes said, “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” Scherer said, “We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.” The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver unmatched connectivity across Asia and beyond while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception. The new fleet plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to match capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A321XLR also offers up to 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency.
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New Horizon Dawns Anew For AirAsia Philippines
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Aviation Group) |
In a powerful display of growth, optimism and commitment to World’s Best service, AirAsia Philippines marked a significant milestone as it officially unveiled its new headquarters in Pasay City. Dubbed as “The Red Horizon”, the new office will serve as the home of over 1,500 Filipino Allstars, reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to democratizing air travel by offering value-driven air transport in the Philippine market. The opening was graced by one of the topnotchers in the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections, Senator Erwin Tulfo, together with airport and aviation officials including Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines, and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla. Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes together with AirAsia Aviation Group Deputy Group CEO for Airline Operations Capt. Chester Voo, AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah and the AirAsia Philippines leadership team led the warm welcome among guests in the new office. Fernandes shares, “I think the resilience of Philippine AirAsia is something to marvel at. I’m someone who never gives up. I will fight to the end. But it’s tough fighting alone. And so it was amazing to see the energy. I will still remember coming to the old office and the greeting I got. The energy of this company is unbelievable. It is true, there is no AirAsia company like this. The great thing about this airline, we’ve gone from two planes to 255. We’ve been through COVID. We started with 200,000 passengers, and this year we’re carrying 90 million. We’re just short of carrying 1 billion people since we started this airline 23 years ago. But we’re all the same. We’re exactly the same. Everyone has maintained their humility, maintained their hard work, and most important about AirAsia is our passion to be the best.”
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Aviation Group) |
In his message, Senator Tulfo lauded AirAsia’s efforts in ensuring safe journeys among the Filipino people, “From its humble beginnings, AirAsia has become a pioneer in budget air travel — not just connecting destinations, but connecting dreams, families, businesses, and cultures. It brought the skies closer to millions of Filipinos and travelers around Asia by making flying affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. As a public servant, I deeply value how AirAsia plays a role in economic development, tourism, job creation, and nation-building. Your growth is the country’s gain. And rest assured, we will continue to support an environment where enterprises like AirAsia can soar even higher.” The new facility is a Filipino-inspired space that reflects modern values of inclusivity, collaboration, and national pride. Its key function rooms are named The Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which symbolize unity and regional representation. The headquarters also features dedicated prayer rooms to support spiritual inclusivity, a fully equipped gym to encourage health and wellness as well as People First Stop, a dedicated space that reflects our commitment to putting people first. It serves as a hub for support, connection, and care including a safe venue for mental health pep talks for those who need a moment to pause.
