PARIS, France—AirAsia Berhad, a subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of 50 A321XLR aircraft with rights for 20 more, in a deal valued at USD12.25 billion. The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show and witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This strategic move positions AirAsia to become the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, reinforcing its multi-hub model and growth ambitions beyond ASEAN. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2028 and continue through 2032.
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes described the A321XLR as a “game-changer” for AirAsia’s transition to a global low-cost network model. “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia. Now, we want the world to see ASEAN, and ASEAN to see the world,” he said.
AirAsia aims to carry 150 million passengers annually by 2030, with a cumulative target of 1.5 billion since its inception. The A321XLR’s extended range and fuel efficiency—offering 20% lower fuel burn per seat—will enable AirAsia to connect new long-haul destinations directly while maintaining its cost leadership.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, hailed the agreement as a “testament to AirAsia’s renewed growth trajectory” and praised the airline’s strategy to enhance global connectivity while maintaining operational efficiency.
The A321XLRs will join AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet, complementing its A320 and A330 aircraft to support more sustainable and cost-effective expansion across key global markets.