Order Worth Estimated $2.25 Billion

You may not be able to purchase a ticket just yet... but AsiaAir X, a new long-haul budget airline that will begin operations in 2008, will soon announce a multi-billion dollar order to purchase up to 15 Airbus A330-300 aircraft, reported the London Sunday Telegraph.

The announcement, when it comes, will mark the formal launch of the airline. Perhaps most importantly, analysts say the new aircraft could conceivably be converted into A350 XWBs in the future.

AsiaAir X, owned by FlyAsianXpress, is the new guy in town (er, Malaysia) that will provide long-haul, low-cost airline services. It promises cheap flights (one class of seating) and fast turnaround times in exchange for no frills (read: passengers pay for food and entertainment).

The company is already talking with UK airports operator BAA to begin service to Birmingham or Manchester by September 2008. Service to Japan and Australia are also planned.

In a long-haul, discount service concept similar to the one pioneered in the 1970s by Sir Freddie Laker, Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian tycoon behind AirAsiaX and sister carrier AirAsia, said he plans a network of budget routes linking Asia to Europe and eventually North America.

FMI: www.airasia.com