AirAsia Orders 150 A220s in Simple Flying's Record Deal
AirAsia ordered 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft on 6 May 2026, and simple flying from a ceremony at Airbus’s Mirabel facility in Canada. The deal is the largest single firm order for the A220. It also pushes the programme beyond 1,000 firm orders.
The airline is now a new A220 customer. It also becomes the launch customer for the type’s new 160-seat cabin configuration. That version adds 10 seats by adding an extra overwing exit on each side of the aircraft.
Mirabel ceremony with Fernandes
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes attended the ceremony. He said, “We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world's first true low-cost network carrier.”
He also said, “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”
AirAsia A220-300 routes
Lars Wagner said, “The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond”. He also said, “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”
The A220 will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia. The aircraft will free up larger aircraft to fly longer routes. At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide.
Airbus A220 capacity and range
The A220 can carry between 100 and 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles or 6,700 km. Airbus says the type is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
The practical question now is how quickly AirAsia will turn this order into deployed capacity across ASEAN and Central Asia, and how the 160-seat layout will fit its existing fleet plans.
