Paris, January 24 - Airbus is nearing a significant agreement to sell approximately 100 A220 jets to AirAsia, according to people familiar with the matter. This potential order would represent the Malaysian low-cost carrier's first entry into the regional narrowbody segment and mark one of the largest commitments for the fuel-efficient A220 family in recent years. The deal, which has been under discussion for months, could be finalized and announced in the coming days, highlighting growing demand for smaller, more economical aircraft in Asia's competitive aviation market.
The Airbus A220, known for its advanced aerodynamics, lightweight composite materials, and Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, offers airlines up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation regional jets. With seating capacities ranging from 100 to 150 passengers depending on the variant, the A220 is ideally suited for short- to medium-haul routes, enabling carriers like AirAsia to expand connectivity across Southeast Asia while reducing operating costs and environmental impact. This transaction would further solidify the A220's position as a preferred choice for low-cost operators seeking modern, versatile fleet solutions.
For AirAsia, the addition of A220 jets would complement its existing fleet of larger Airbus A320-family aircraft and support ambitious growth plans following recent restructuring efforts. The budget airline, Asia's largest low-cost carrier, has been exploring ways to enhance regional operations and improve efficiency amid rising passenger demand in emerging markets. If confirmed, the order could include options for around 50 additional aircraft, providing flexibility for future expansion and underscoring AirAsia's confidence in the A220 platform.
This development comes at a time when Airbus continues to dominate the single-aisle market, with the A220 program benefiting from strong order momentum and production ramp-ups. A finalized deal would boost Airbus's backlog and reinforce its competitive edge in the regional jet segment, while offering AirAsia a strategic tool to optimize its network and deliver enhanced passenger experiences on high-frequency domestic and international routes.