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AirAsia X evaluating order switch from A330neo to A321neoLR
December 14th 2018
Malaysia’s AirAsia X group is considering whether to convert its MoU for 34 additional A330-900neo into commitments for the smaller A321neoLR. Read More »
“The team are discussing switching the A330neo [MoU] to the A321LR,” AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail, has told ATW. “The A321LR could be used in smaller markets where widebodies are too big, or in off-peak seasons,” the AirAsia X boss added.
AirAsia X has firm orders for 66 A330-900neo, with deliveries beginning late next year. Last July, the long-haul LCC added 34 additional A330neo through a MoU with Airbus.
AirAsia X is growing slower than expected. Originally, the carrier planned to add six A330ceo this year - three for AirAsia X and three for Thai AirAsia X - but the airline later had a change of strategy, which sees the addition of four A330-300s into the Thai AirAsia X fleet and none for the Malaysian parent.
Currently, AirAsia X operates 23 A330ceo and the Thai subsidiary flies eight A330-300s.
Late in November, Indonesia AirAsia X announced that the airline would become a non-scheduled carrier in early 2019, citing challenging market conditions.
"With the challenging operating environment in Indonesia, primarily due to the series of natural disasters that occurred in proximity to Bali, the company is underway to evaluate the available options for our Indonesian associate to ensure sustainability of the company," said Indonesia AirAsia X, adding that the airline's last scheduled flight from Denpasar to Tokyo Narita would end in January.
Indonesia AirAsia X has already returned its fleet of eight A320ceo to parent Indonesia AirAsia, leaving the airline with just a pair of A330-300s, which are on lease from Aviator Capital and KDAC Aircraft Leasing.
Under Indonesian law, non-scheduled carriers are required to maintain a fleet of at least three aircraft, of which at least one must be owned.
Indonesia AirAsia X has never been profitable. There have been frequent management and strategy changes at the carrier.
