AirAsia X, the long haul low cost affiliate of Malaysia’s AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 10 A350 XWB aircraft. The airline will use the aircraft on a network linking its Asian hub in Kuala Lumpur with destinations worldwide, especially in Europe and Australia. AirAsia X has selected the A350-900 variant for its fleet, which will be configured to seat more than 400 passengers in a two-class layout.

“Business is all about timing and long-term strategy,” said Tony Fernandes, Director and Founder of AirAsia X. “At AirAsia we have always planned for the long-term. By buying the A350 XWB the strategy of AirAsia and AirAsia X is now fixed all the way to 2020. The vision of creating the world’s first long haul and short haul low-cost airline is complete and we are all very excited.”

“We selected the A350 XWB for the step-change it offers in terms of operating economics and its exceptional passenger appeal,” said Azran Osman Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X. “With the A350 XWB in our fleet we will be able to set new standards in the low cost long haul market, making it possible for more people to fly further in comfort at ever more affordable prices.”

“We are extremely pleased to add AirAsia X to the customer base of the A350 XWB,” said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “Offering a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn, the all-new A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency in the mid-size widebody category and will enable AirAsia X to benefit from the lowest possible operating costs per seat of any aircraft in its class.”

Source: Airbus