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14-Dec-2012 9:58 AM

AirAsia Group announces order for another 100 A320 aircraft

AirAsia Group confirmed (13-Dec-2012) an order for another 100 A320 aircraft, increasing its order total to 475 narrowbody aircraft with additional delivery slots until 2021. The order includes 36 A320s with the current engine option (CEO) and 64 A320neos. The aircraft will be used to accelerate growth in AirAsia's core markets of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, followed by its new markets in Japan and the Philippines. AirAsia Group now has 211 A320s and 264 A320neos on order. The Group has already taken delivery of 100 aircraft. AirAsia plans to take delivery of its 36 newly purchased A320s from 2013 with two to be delivered in 2013; four in 2014; 22 in 2015 and eight more in 2016. The 64 A320neos will be delivered from 2017 with eight to be delivered in 2017, 14 in 2018, 15 in 2019; 14 in 2020 and 13 more in 2021. The deliveries for the airline's existing 200 A320neos on order will be from 2016 to 2026. As part of the purchase agreement, AirAsia will have the option to purchase another 100 aircraft including 50 A320neos and 50 A321neos. [more - original PR]

AirAsia Group: "We have three gold mines in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. On the other hand, Philippines and Japan have enormous potential growth. With these added aircraft, it goes in-line with our strategy to further build our already extensive network through new routes and added frequencies and allow AirAsia to maintain its market leadership and dominance especially in Malaysia and Thailand," Tony Fernandes, CEO. Source: Company statement, 13-Dec-2012.

Malaysia AirAsia: "The demand has been on a continuous upward trend, from 200,000 guests when first launched in 2001 to an estimated 32 million this year. This order solidifies our position as the world's best low-cost airline and will expedite our growth requirements as we see demand will continue to rise across our network. The new order will facilitate our expansion plans in which Malaysia AirAsia will add connectivity to other parts of Asia as well as increase frequency to existing routes. AirAsia guests can look forward to more exciting routes from AirAsia. As part of our continuous cost initiatives, the addition of the Airbus A320neos sharklet wingtips, the aircraft type offers approximately 15% reduction in fuel consumption per aircraft per annum which help drives down our cost further enabling the company to optimize revenues," Aireen Omar, CEO. Source: Company statement, 13-Dec-2012.

Airbus: "AirAsia is one of the great success stories of recent years in the airline business. The repeated confidence the airline places in the A320 is a clear endorsement of the reliability, efficiency and unbeatable operating economics offered by the world's most modern single aisle product line," Fabrice Brégier, president and CEO. Source: Company statement, 13-Dec-2012.

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