AirAsia to become the largest A320 airline operator in the world
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(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Premium: AirAsia has placed the largest order of a total of 225 A320s, making it the biggest operator for the aircraft in the world. The latest contract for an additional 25 A320s, together with a further 25 A320s options, brings AirAsia Group's (Malaysia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia) total orders to 175 firm orders and 50 purchase options.
AirAsia placed its original order for 60 A320s in Mar-05, with re-orders for an additional 40 aircraft announced at the Farnborough Airshow in Jul-06 and another 50 aircraft in Jan-07. The first aircraft was delivered to AirAsia in Dec-05 and currently AirAsia is operating with 31 A320s on a rapidly expanding domestic and regional network.
It is noteworthy to highlight that AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur hub is 100% operating with A320s and a combined fleet size of 64 aircraft. The new order is expected to completely replace Thai AirAsia’s and Indonesia AirAsia’s current fleet of B737s by 2008. Thai AirAsia has recently added two new A320s, the first one received on 21-Oct-07 and the second on 10-Nov-07.
“This purchase is an important step for us at AirAsia as it signifies our future aggressive route expansion plans in tandem to our expected traffic growth over the next decade. As the Winner of CAPA Airline of the Year 2007, we are proud of this purchase as it further demonstrates our commitment to enhance AirAsia’s position on our networks by incorporating the most modern and efficient aircraft in the market. The addition of the aircrafts will be used to add frequency across the route network, introduce new routes and gradually replace the current fleet of B737s in Thailand and Indonesia. Reputed for its high reliability and low operating costs, the inception of A320s has indeed enhanced our efficiency level to greater heights. This is evident as on time performance has improved tremendously to an average of 85% from the Kuala Lumpur hub this year. AirAsia’s introduction to the aviation industry as an innovator has grown to the extent it is now a leader that sets the benchmark to others,” said Mr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia.
"We have been extremely proud to be part of AirAsia’s outstanding success and delighted that the confidence in the A320 has resulted in the airline now becoming the largest airline customer for this aircraft in the world. With its unbeatable economics and enormous passenger appeal, I am confident that the large A320 fleet is destined to propel AirAsia to the forefront of industry in the years ahead,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers.
Date posted: 06-Dec-07
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AirAsia to become the largest A320 airline operator in the world 
