Southeast Asian budget airline AirAsia has signed a massive $19 billion deal to buy 150 new Airbus A220-300 jets.
The agreement was announced at Airbus facilities in Mirabel, Canada, and is being described as the largest aircraft order in Canadian history.
AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes said the new aircraft will play a major role in the airline’s next stage of growth.
The company also revealed that the order could eventually double to 300 aircraft if future demand continues to rise.
According to Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner, the A220 jets will allow AirAsia to open new routes across Asia that were previously difficult or unprofitable.
Once deliveries begin in 2028, the airline plans to use its larger aircraft more heavily on long-distance flights to North America, Europe, and Australia.
AirAsia will also become the first airline in the world to use the A220’s new 160-seat configuration.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the deal, saying the planes will be built by Canadian workers and will support thousands of skilled jobs, including engineers, welders, electricians, and IT specialists.
Canada is the only country outside Europe that hosts a major Airbus aircraft production program, including the manufacturing of the A220 family.
