The model will enable AirAsia to serve long-haul and underserved routes more efficiently, including those to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe

AirAsia Berhad, a 100% subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, has signed a historic agreement with Airbus worth $12.25 billion for 50 A-321XLR aircraft, with an option for an additional 20 units of the same model. With this deal, the airline takes a significant step toward its ambition of becoming the world's leading narrow-body low-cost carrier, bolstered by its multi-hub strategy. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled between 2028 and 2032.

In the presence of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Yab Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed last Friday in Paris and announced the following day by Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A as well as Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The next-generation A-321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet, composed of A-320 and A-330 family aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to offer unparalleled connectivity within Asia and beyond, while maintaining a low-cost model through enhanced route economics, better aircraft utilization, and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to transport 150 million passengers annually by 2030, according to a statement.

The new fleet, the statement continues, plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to align capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable and economically viable growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A-321XLR also delivers up to 20% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to the Airbus A-321neo, significantly improving emissions performance and operational efficiency.