AirAsia X, the new long-haul low cost-carrier within the AirAsia Group, has signed a firm contract for an additional 10 A330-300s, which brings the airline's total order to 25 A330 aircraft. In June 2007, AirAsia X placed a first order to 15 A330s. The agreement was signed by Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

AirAsia X is currently operating its long-haul, low-cost service with leased A330s and these will be joined by the first of the newly ordered aircraft later this year. All the aircraft will be configured to seat 392 passengers in a single class layout.

"The A330-300 has proven itself to be a profitable and efficient aircraft. As the world's lowest operating cost per seat aircraft in its segment, these uniquely configured A330-300 aircraft are critical to our mission to liberate long-haul air travel for our customers with unbeatable lowest fares, and bring the world much closer together. Additionally, it will feature various innovative features to provide comfort and entertainment to our guests, and will make our wide-body fleet among the youngest and most modern in the region," said Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X.

"The long term confidence of AirAsia X in the long haul, low cost business model is inspirational and we are delighted to see this further endorsed by the A330. Once again, we applaud the AirAsia Group's pioneering spirit as it rapidly progresses in reshaping the future of the air transport industry in the Asia-Pacific region," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

With a wide-body fuselage, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm with a full passenger load. Since first delivery in 1993, total orders for the A330 Family stand at over 900 aircraft, with over 520 currently in service around the world. Over 210 A330s are currently in service with 22 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.

FMI: www.airbus.com