AirAsia / FAX confirms order for Airbus A330s

The new long haul low cost airline, AirAsia X has confirmed a firm order of ten Airbus A330-300 airliners with an option to purchase five more following a signed Memorandum of Understanding between FlyAsianXpress (FAX) and Airbus.

“The A330s allow us to operate most cost effectively due to the aircraft’s excellent operational and fuel efficiency capabilities and hence will be one of the catalysts for the exciting fares our passengers will enjoy,” said FAX CEO YM Raja Mohd Azmi.

The A330-300 has a range of up to 10,500km/5,650nm and has flown over five million operational hours. The aircraft will feature “Economy” class in a two-class configuration and a premium cabin. The spaciousness of the A330 main deck is echoed in the lower deck since the large underfloor cargo capability allows airlines to carry more revenue-generating cargo consolidated on pallets and containers loaded side-by-side, something which is not possible in competing aircraft.

The new A330-300 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2008. In the meantime, FAX is in the final stages of firming up its interim fleet.

The new AirAsia Long Haul Low Cost Carrier aims to begin operations from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to three destinations which are expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of this year.

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