Low cost long haul narrowbody: AirAsia X, NokScoot join the party

Malaysia AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia X and NokScoot are preparing to add narrowbody aircraft to supplement their current all widebody fleets. AirAsia X could soon be operating the longest narrowbody routes by an Asian LCC but the world's longest scheduled low cost narrowbody routes will likely remain concentrated in the transatlantic market.

The AirAsia X Group plans to convert 40 of its A330-900neo orders to A321neos or A321neoLRs with deliveries expected to begin in 2Q2019. The group's Thai affiliate will operate the initial batch of A321neos followed by its Malaysian subsidiary. Malaysia AirAsia X has operated an all widebody fleet since commencing operations in 2007 while Thai AirAsia X has only operated widebody aircraft since launching in 2014.

Thai AirAsia X rival NokScoot has only operated widebody aircraft since launching services in 2015. NokScoot is adding two 737-800s in 4Q2018 and is looking at potentially acquiring four longer range 737 MAX 8s in 2019.