May 07 (V7N) - AirAsia has signed a $19 billion agreement to purchase 150 Airbus A220-300 jets, marking the largest aircraft order in Canadian history, the two companies announced Thursday.  

The deal was unveiled at Airbus’s facility in Mirabel, Canada. AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes hailed the aircraft as “the perfect tool for our next phase of growth,” adding that the order reflects the carrier’s long-term ambitions. The airline also noted the agreement includes flexibility to double the order to 300 jets to meet future demand.  

Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner said the A220 fleet will enable AirAsia to open new routes across Asia that were previously unfeasible, while freeing larger aircraft for long-haul services to North America, Australia, and Europe. AirAsia will also become the global launch customer for the A220’s new 160-seat configuration.  

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, present at the ceremony, emphasized the domestic impact of the deal, saying the aircraft will be built by Canadian workers across factory floors. “For thousands of engineers, electricians, steel welders, and IT specialists, it will mean high-paying and exciting work to build a remarkable aircraft that connects millions of people around the world,” he said.  

Deliveries of the new fleet are scheduled to begin in 2028, positioning Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier for significant expansion. Canada remains the only country outside Europe hosting a major Airbus program, with the A220 family built there.  

END/WD/RH