AirAsia orders 14 more A320ceo aircraft

Low-cost carrier, AirAsia, has signed a deal with Airbus to order 14 additional A320ceo aircraft to cater to its higher than expected near-term growth of its regional network.

In a statement today, the airline said, the deal brought the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by AirAsia to 592.

"To-date, 171 A320ceo and eight A320neo aircraft have already been delivered to us and are flying with our units in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines," it said.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, said the carrier was still looking for more aircraft to expand its regional reach.

"As the competitive environment is at its best, coupled with a stable oil price, we are also actively sourcing (for aircraft) from the leasing market.

"With the lowest cost in the world, AirAsia is back on aggressive growth," he said.

According to him, AirAsia Group had purchased 688 aircraft from Airbus, worth close to US$90 billion (US$1=RM4.29) since it started operating.

"We are the Number One airline customer for Airbus in terms of number of aircraft and value," he said.

-- BERNAMA