AirAsia, the Asia Pacific launch customer for the Airbus A330neo, has unveiled the first of its new generation long-haul fleet at the Paris International Air Show. The aircraft will be based at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, facilitating growth and network expansion plans to key markets such as Australia, Japan and South Korea.
The aircraft unveiling was attended by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman, AirAsia X; Nadda Buranasiri, Group CEO, AirAsia X; Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus and Chris Cholerton, President Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce alongside invited industry and international media.
Buranasiri said, “This is a significant milestone for the aviation industry – and importantly, for our guests – which will revolutionise the long-haul, value air travel market. AirAsia is thrilled to lead the way once again, as the first airline in Asia Pacific to operate the technologically advanced, new generation A330neo aircraft. With 66 aircraft on direct order and 2 on lease, the A330neo is the future of our long-haul operations delivering an enhanced guest experience including the latest design features and new modifications to make medium – long haul value air travel more comfortable than ever. Guests will be able to see and feel the difference with more personal space, larger cabin bag storage space, ambient mood lighting throughout, power sockets in every seat and the quietest cabin in its class.”
Buranasiri further added, “AirAsia X continues to focus on delivering the best value fares for medium- to long-haul air travel. The arrival of the A330neo increases our ability to bring new destinations into play. Direct flights to Europe and the US are now possible, and we are working on many exciting network and product plans to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this aircraft’s extended range and significant cost efficiencies, which will be announced in due course.”
Scherer said, “Operational efficiency, latest product innovations and growth are core to AirAsia… and to the A330neo too! As the newest, lowest seat mile cost mid-size widebody, the A330neo will bring a step change in fuel efficiency, and its increased range will open new opportunities for AirAsia X Thailand’s long-haul network expansion.”
Cholerton said, “Today is a special day for the Rolls-Royce team. We are thrilled to see the A330neo unveiled at the Paris Air Show with the AirAsia livery. We are excited to see the aircraft grace the skies in Asia. The Trent 7000 is critical to the delivery of the 14% improvement in fuel burn reduction per seat of the A330neo, compared to its predecessor the Trent 700, which is a key factor in this aircraft’s success.”
