AirAsia Part 4: AirAsia X pursues turnaround. Delhi to add to Honolulu & Sapporo as new routes

Long-haul low-cost airline group AirAsia X is optimistic it can complete a turnaround and return to profitability after seven consecutive quarters of losses. Conditions in most of its main markets are improving, including Australia and China.

AirAsia X has slowed growth significantly and is now planning to add only two aircraft over the next three years, both of which will be allocated to its Thai affiliate. But the group will consider reaccelerating expansion by sourcing additional A330-300s if market conditions continue to improve.

The Malaysian carrier will still be able to launch several new markets, starting with Honolulu and Delhi, without expanding its fleet as AirAsia X optimises its network and pursues fewer charter or wet lease commitments. Services to Europe could also potentially be resumed in the medium-term.