AirAsia X takes delivery of first A330

AirAsia X has taken delivery of its first new A330-300. The aircraft was handed over at a special ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse in the presence of the Malaysian Minister of Transport, Dato’ Ong Tee Keat.

 

The new aircraft is the first of 25 A330-300s ordered by AirAsia X for the development of its long haul operation, linking Kuala Lumpur with destinations in Australia, North Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the carrier’s new A330 offers accommodation for 383 passengers in a two-class layout, with 355 seats in Economy and 28 in the airline’s new XL premium class.

Azran Osman Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X said, “The A330 is the perfect aircraft to enable the AirAsia Group to extend its winning low cost model to the long haul market. With its incredibly low fuel burn, the clean and green A330 will enable us to improve cost efficiency and grow the overall air travel market by tapping a new segment of passengers through the offering of the best possible fares”.
 
Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer said, “The delivery of the first A330 for AirAsia X marks another milestone in the close partnership between Airbus and the AirAsia Group. Combining proven passenger appeal with the lowest operating costs of any mid-size widebody aircraft in service today, the A330 is uniquely placed to allow AirAsia X set a new standard in long haul low cost travel”.
 
In total, the AirAsia Group has placed firm orders with Airbus for 200 aircraft, comprising 25 A330s for AirAsia X and 175 single aisle A320s for the short haul operation.
 

 

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 03-Nov-08

For in-depth analysis of the low cost airline sector worldwide, subscribe now to the peerless Peanuts! Weekly