AIRASIA X SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH ILFC FOR LEASE OF SIX AIRBUS A330-300 AIRCRAFT
Kuala Lumpur, 9 August 2012 –
AirAsia X, the long haul, low fare affiliate of Malaysian based AirAsia Group
signed a letter of intent with International Lease Finance Corporation
(ILFC) for the lease of six Airbus A330-300. These aircraft are
the same model as those that AirAsia X purchased directly from Airbus,
with Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines and a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 233
tons.
The
six aircraft which are scheduled for delivery between 2013 and 2014
will be operated on the carrier’s expanding network, offering low fare
services
to destinations in Asia Pacific.
AirAsia
X will lease the six aircraft on a 10 year lease term. The six leased
aircraft will be reconfigured to meet AirAsia X’s existing Airbus
A330-300 configuration of 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy seats.
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X
said,” These six aircraft, together with existing
delivery orders from Airbus, will see AirAsia X’s growth develop, with a
total of seven deliveries each in 2013 and 2014, with the aim of being
the dominant market leader in the low-cost long-haul segment.”
“We
intend to deploy the additional capacity with a vision to solidify our
positions in our identified core markets, including Australia, China,
Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.”
“Our
commitment to have a standardised, young, and fuel efficient fleet
optimises our resources and provides better value for our guests,”
concluded
Azran.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X commented, “AirAsia
X’s partnership with ILFC will further complement the AirAsia Group’s
long-term vision of developing its presence in key markets in Asia, and
strengthening the connectivity between the AirAsia’s short haul and
AirAsia X long haul low cost network for the benefit
of passengers’ convenience. This would hopefully fulfil our pledge – Now Everyone Can Fly further.”
"ILFC
is pleased to welcome AirAsia X as our new customer in the Asia Pacific
region. This new partnership will support the long-haul business
of AirAsia X and reinforce the airline's position in low-cost segment
of the market," said
ILFC Chief Executive Officer, Henri Courpro
AirAsia
X was awarded the Airbus Top Operational Excellence Award 2010-2011,
for being the world's best Airbus A330-300 operator (small fleet
category)
at the Airbus A330/340 Technical Symposium. Airbus awards the best performing airlines every two years
based on Airbus's global database of technical dispatch reliability performance across all operators of the aircraft type.
AirAsia X has achieved a record of 99.53% for 2011 for its operating, maintenance and safety systems.
AirAsia
X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Flatbed seats,
which have standard business class specifications of 20” width,
60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.
The
Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests
and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder,
reading
light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including
Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage,
20kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Blanket.
AirAsia
was named World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline
Survey by Skytrax for four consecutive years in 2009, 2010, 2011 and
2012.
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