AirAsia orders 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft
According to an Airbus press release, Malaysia's AirAsia has ordered 150 of the latest-generation A220-300 aircraft, becoming a new customer for the type and pushing the A220 program past the 1,000-order mark for the first time. Both parties signed the agreement on 6 May 2026 at Airbus's plant in Mirabel, Canada.
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Airbus described AirAsia's order as the largest single firm contract for the A220 type in the program's history to date. According to the press release, the signing was attended by Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and adviser to AirAsia Group, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette.
- Signing date
- 6 May 2026
- Order
- 150 x A220-300
- Location
- Mirabel, Canada
- New cabin capacity
- up to 160 seats
- Type capacity
- 100–160 passengers
- A220 range
- up to 3,600 NM (6,700 km)
- Delivered as of 03/2026
- 501 units, 25 operators
AirAsia also became the launch customer for the new A220 cabin configuration, which accommodates up to 160 passengers, ten more seats than before. Airbus says the higher capacity is enabled by adding an emergency exit above each wing.
According to Airbus, this is the most advanced aircraft in its category, combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and roomiest cabin among competing aircraft of the same class. The manufacturer states that the entire A220 family seats 100 to 160 passengers over distances of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km).
According to Airbus, the new aircraft will supplement AirAsia's current fleet and support the airline's network development and the wider group's growth. The A220 is expected to serve routes within ASEAN countries and to Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft for longer routes.
In a statement, Tony Fernandes said the order reflects AirAsia's long-considered strategy and brings the company closer to its goal of becoming the first low-cost carrier with a truly global network. He also highlighted the more than twenty-year partnership with Airbus.
Airbus's Lars Wagner added that the A220 will give AirAsia a combination of low operating costs and sufficient range to open new routes across Asia and beyond, and praised the cooperation between the two companies' teams in closing the deal.
Airbus also notes that the A220 can already fly on a fuel blend containing up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and that the manufacturer's goal is to enable the entire fleet to operate on 100% SAF by 2030.