AirAsia X is looking to launch flights to Europe using the Airbus A330neo. Flights could commence as soon as 2019, with the airline keen to reenter the market as quickly as possible.
AirAsia X previously operated flights to Europe, but suspended these flights back in 2012. Now, it seems that the airline is ready to restart these flights. AirAsia X have 100 A330neo aircraft on order, with deliveries due to start later this year. As well as eyeing European service for these new planes, they may also look to start flying to the US too.
Europe Again
When AirAsia X abandoned their European flights in 2012, they said this was to “focus on markets where it can build a leadership position”. It seems that now they are happy with their place in the world, and are ready to start service to Europe once again.
When it flew to Europe, AirAsia X flew to Paris’ Orly Airport (ORY), London’s Stansted Airport (STN), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Given the airline’s low-cost operation, it is likely that AirAsia would look at flying to Stansted Airport again. In September last year, the airport announced that it plans to launch direct services to at least 25 new long-haul destinations in the next five years. This includes services to Los Angeles, Shanghai, Vancouver, and Manila. As such, Flights to Malaysia with AirAsia X could be an attractive route for them.
The A330neo
The A330neo, the newest iteration of the family, would be used by AirAsia X for flights to Europe. The neo in its name stands for New Engine Option, as the aircraft are equipped with newer, more fuel-efficient engines.
There are two models of the A330neo; the A330-800 and the A330-900. While the A330-900 has sold relatively well, the -800 has not sold well at all. In fact, as of January, only eight had been ordered in total, all by the same carrier, Kuwait Airlines.
AirAsia has ordered a total of 100 A330-900 aircraft, with the most recent order being for 34 at the Farnborough Airshow in 2018. The airline will be the first airline in Asia to operate the A330neo, and deliveries of the aircraft are due to begin in late 2019. The total list price of the order was just short of $30billion.