Airbus Nears Landmark A220 Deal With AirAsia for Up to 150 Aircraft

Airbus A321-251NX D-AVXM (HS-EAC) Thai AirAsiaAirbus A321-251NX D-AVXM (HS-EAC) Thai AirAsia | Rob Vogelaar

Aviation News – Airbus is close to finalising a major order for around 100 A220 jets from AirAsia, marking the low-cost carrier’s first move into the regional narrowbody segment.

If confirmed, the deal would represent a significant fleet expansion for Asia’s largest budget airline and a strategic win for Airbus in the fast-growing Asian market.

Industry sources say the potential agreement could also include options for about 50 additional aircraft, with an official announcement possible within days. The move comes as AirAsia pushes ahead with a broader turnaround strategy aimed at restoring growth and improving network efficiency following recent financial and operational challenges.

The A220, formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries, is designed for short- to medium-haul routes and offers lower fuel burn, reduced emissions, and improved operating economics compared with older-generation aircraft. For AirAsia, the aircraft would enable more efficient service on thinner regional routes while maintaining cost discipline central to its low-fare model.