AirAsia X Signs MOU for 50 Airbus A330neo Aircraft

AirAsia X has signed a Memorandum of Understand for 50 A330neo plus an additional 50 purchase rights with Airbus.

The deal, signed at the Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday, is the world’s first airline commitment for the new version of the A330 launched by Airbus this week.

The deal is valued at US$13.8 billion at catalogue prices and deliveries will take place between 2018 and 2024.

“We have been encouraging Airbus to launch this new version of the A330 for some time now,” said Tan Sri’ Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X. ”I am pleased that they are offering this choice and bringing us the aircraft we truly need to develop further our low cost long haul model. We are 100% sure that the A330neo will be quite unbeatable in its size category and we look forward to enabling more people to fly further more often aboard this great aircraft.”

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, AirAsia X Chairman added, “As we grow our network by building hubs across the region, it is important for us to continue to innovate on all fronts including the latest and most efficient aircraft so we can provide a hassle free travel experience as we connect our long haul network and that of the AirAsia Group. We are well on our way to realizing the dream of becoming the one stop center, offering the widest network in Asia and beyond. We will continue to build strong relationships with our partners including airport operators, who are instrumental in driving this growth.”

The latest MOU from AirAsia X further consolidates the position of the AirAsia Group as one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total the group has ordered 536 aircraft Airbus, excluding this latest MOU. These include existing orders from AirAsia X for 61 Airbus Widebody aircraft.

“AirAsia X is the pioneer of successful low cost long haul travel,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The confidence that Tony and his team have placed in the A330neo is therefore a clear endorsement of the step change we are bringing to the market in this size category. Reduced fuel consumption, extended long range capability and competitive acquisition costs will make the A330neo a true game changer and we are proud that AirAsia X will be among the first airlines to fly the aircraft.”

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330-neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features.

See also: HD Videos from the Singapore Airshow 2010, HD Videos from Asian Aerospace 2011, HD Videos from Singapore Airshow 2012, HD Videos from Farnborough 2012 and HD Videos from Singapore Airshow 2014