GE Aviation clinches $600 million AirAsia X engine deal
20 May 2011
Long-haul, low cost carrier, the Malaysian airline AirAsia X signed an engine deal with GE Aviation Wednesday for engines for three new A330-200 aircraft. The deal, valued at $600 million according to the companies, includes an option for engines to power two additional aircraft, and a long-term maintenance agreement.
The A330-200, built by Airbus, is a large aircraft that can carry 290 passengers from Kuala Lumpur to London with a dual-engine structure which makes them the among the most efficient aircraft on the market.
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes confirmed that as compared to older sibling AirAsia, AirAsia X had grown notably quicker. AirAsia's Airbus fleet comprises of 137 planes and 100 routes.
AirAsia X's CEO Azran Osman-Rani says the best performing routes for AirAsia, the long flights between Australia or Kuala Lumpur to Europe, have produced operating margins around 20%.