KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — Airbus has confirmed that AirAsia Bhd has placed an order for 150 A220 aircraft, marking the largest order for the model so far.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft chief executive officer Lars Wagner announced the deal in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, at 2.30 pm on Wednesday (3 am Malaysian time).
Also present was Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who is also the founder of the Malaysian low-cost airline.
“This order is a massive vote of confidence in this facility, and in the people of Mirabel, Quebec and Canada. Every aircraft Fernandes will receive will come out of the Mirabel facilities.
“It also demonstrates that it was the right decision for us to bring the A220 under the full Airbus portfolio. Let’s go and build these planes from this hangar and get them into your fleet as soon as possible.
“Let me end by saying, in my words, today is a win-win day,” Wagner said in his speech.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessed the landmark deal announcement.
Wagner said AirAsia’s order has pushed total bookings for the twinjet to more than 1,100 aircraft, describing it as a major milestone for the A220 programme.
He added that Airbus’ game-changing aircraft would enable AirAsia to connect cities that previously lacked direct links.
“The A220, as everyone in this room knows, is the only clean-sheet design in its class, and that is reflected in the numbers, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions,” he said.
The A220, the smallest aircraft in Airbus’ commercial jet lineup, is a narrow-body aircraft designed for short- to medium-haul routes. It is purpose-built for the 100- to 160-seat market segment.
