AirAsia X joins AirAsia in slowing expansion in challenging Malaysia market; cuts Australia capacity

AirAsia X has joined sister low-cost group AirAsia in slowing its expansion in the Malaysian market by selling aircraft, deferring deliveries and wet-leasing excess capacity. The two Malaysian subsidiaries of the AirAsia/AirAsia X groups combined now only plan to add one aircraft, an A320, in 2015.

The adjustments should help drive improvements in yields and profitability. AirAsia X incurred a loss for the fourth consecutive quarter in the 3Q2014 while AirAsia saw its profits slip again - although remaining among the most profitable in the region.

AirAsia and AirAsia X are wisely not holding out for a restructuring at rival Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which at least for the time being is not pursuing any significant reductions to capacity. AirAsia X, which recorded 42% ASK growth in the first three quarters of 2014, will now only increase ASKs in the Malaysian market by 5% in 2015.