AirAsia Dedicates 150th Airbus A320 to James Rao

The AirAsia Group has taken delivery of its 150th Airbus A320. The airline is dedicating this aircraft to James Rao, the son of Dr Kiran Rao, Airbus Executive Vice President; who recently lost his life to cancer at the age of 21.

This 150th Airbus A320, which will be operated by Malaysia AirAsia (flight code AK) is dedicated to celebrate James' life and his name was etched onto the aircraft to commemorate his life. James obtained his Commercial Pilots License in 2012 and was a First Officer flying the Airbus A320 aircraft. James was an inspiration to many young people, achieving his dream of flying the A320 at such a young age and his active work in engaging with underprivileged children and orphans in Mumbai, India.

To continue with his son's legacy, Dr. Kiran Rao has set up a foundation aptly named 'James Rao, Live Your Dream' with the vision to help young people live their dreams and inspire them to be pilots.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia said, "Kiran is a dear friend, and I've had the privilege to know James personally over the years. He was a great kid with a big heart. I have seen the good work he was doing with underprivileged children. We are glad to partner Kiran's family and contribute towards the 'James Rao, Live Your Dream' foundation which will help provide a platform to support more young people to become pilots."

AirAsia has a record total of 475 single aisle A320s and A320neos on order with Airbus with deliveries up to year 2026.

"The Airbus A320 aircraft has contributed immensely towards our business model and our operations as a group. We run a 100% Airbus A320 fleet across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and now India and look forward to continue our long-standing relationship with Airbus for many more aircraft to come in our expanding fleet," added Tony Fernandes.

At present, the AirAsia Group operates 167 Airbus A320s, of which 150 aircraft are direct orders from Airbus; and services the most extensive network across the region with 88 destinations.