LOW-COST carrier AirAsia is accelerating its fleet expansion with a planned purchase of 150 additional aircraft, with as much as 20 expected to be delivered to its Philippine unit over the subsequent five years.
Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer (CEO) of AirAsia’s parent company Capital A Berhad, announced the plan on Tuesday in the course of the inauguration of AirAsia Philippines’ latest office at Horizon Center in Pasay City.
“The strategy of the group is that this: to have aircraft that may fly at the perfect cost. The newer generation of aircraft will save about 30% of operational costs,” AirAsia’s Deputy Group CEO for Airline Operations Chester Shee Soon Voo said during a media briefing.
The airline’s aircraft order is predicted to be finalized inside the subsequent three weeks, Mr. Voo said, adding that over the subsequent five years, AirAsia Philippines is seeking to add 20 latest aircraft.
This planned purchase is separate from the 70 Airbus A321XLRs of AirAsia, valued at $12.15 billion, which was announced earlier this month.
“We’re currently operating 15 aircraft. For 2025, we’re going to revamp the aircraft numbers as much as a complete of 21 aircraft. Moving forward, for 2026, our route goes to be two to 4 aircraft,” AirAsia Philippines President and General Manager Suresh Bangah said.
The budget airline also said it continues to be selecting an aircraft manufacturer for its large-scale fleet expansion plan.
“We can have to attend two to a few weeks for that… We’re searching for the perfect fit to truly have the ability to attain the perfect plan to maintain our price competitive,” Mr. Voo said.
The planned aircraft order shall be deployed for its domestic and international operations, he said, noting that the airline is planning to strengthen its domestic presence.
Further, Mr. Voo said the airline is working with airport authorities and the slot committee to accommodate its growing fleet.
“Again, we are going to take a look at how we are going to position the aircraft. We will even take a look at having bases where it is smart. The expansion can have to be there because we aren’t going to finish the expansion simply because there are some slot issues,” he said.
Earlier, AirAsia Philippines said it was studying the potential of launching latest hubs outside Manila, with Bohol, Clark, and Cebu being regarded as potential alternative hubs.
For this yr, AirAsia Philippines is confident it can reach greater than seven million passengers after carrying over three million in the primary half of the yr. — Ashley Erika O. Jose