KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Group Bhd today signed two major agreements with Airbus, covering the order of an additional 12 A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft for US$8.1 billion (RM34.2 billion), as well as a memorandum of agreement to support the development of the Malaysian aerospace industry.
As part of the deal, Airbus will develop further its industrial presence in Malaysia with three new initiatives, including the expansion of Airbus’ wholly-owned maintenance facility Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE), the establishment of the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative and an increased participation in the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC).
The expansion of SAE will include the construction of a new hangar capable of accommodating four single aisle or two widebody aircraft for heavy checks, as well as the addition of new paint and component repair shops. The facilities will be ready to incorporate the latest smart technologies, including data analysis and planning using the Airbus Skywise digital platform and automated inspection techniques.
Under the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative, Airbus will work with local stakeholders to develop a master plan and select and perform dedicated projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Malaysian aerospace sector through the application of new digital technologies. The initiative will also contribute to the alignment of Malaysian industrial partners with new processes and systems being introduced by Airbus across its manufacturing and supply chain.
Building on its position as a founding member of AMIC, Airbus will appoint an innovation technical director to support the non-profit organisation and increase its funding for joint research programmes. These will include research at AMIC into the potential production of alternative and sustainable aviation biofuels in Malaysia.
AirAsia also signed an agreement for a firm order of 12 additional Airbus A330neo aircraft, taking the total from 66 to 78 A330neos on order; and 30 state-of-the-art A321XLR aircraft, to join AirAsia’s future long-haul fleet.
The introduction of the A321XLR provides AirAsia X with greater flexibility to better manage capacity on key routes as well as respond to seasonal demand. The A321XLR also gives AirAsia X an advantage when it comes to exploring opportunities to operate non-stop flights between Southeast Asia and secondary cities in countries like Australia, China and Japan.
The agreements were signed by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and AirAsia X Bhd chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz for the aircraft purchase and AirAsia Group executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun for the industrial projects. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Also present was AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Airbus is the largest international partner for the Malaysian aerospace industry. Its sourcing and services businesses in the country are now valued at some US$400 million (RM1.68 billion) per annum for the local economy, a figure expected to rise to more than US$550 million every year with these new initiatives.
Kamarudin said Airbus’s commitment to investing to expand its industrial presence here will deliver significant benefits to the economy, through job creation and by transforming industry best practice.
“By ensuring Malaysia remains at the cutting edge of global aerospace developments, we will be able to future proof the local industry and guarantee our future competitiveness,” he said in a statement.
Commenting on AMIC, Kamarudin said AirAsia continues to lead the way in driving sustainable operations and tourism.
“Not only do we invest heavily in new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, we have also begun looking into alternative jet fuel solutions.”
source https://www.thesundaily.my/business/airasia-inks-major-deals-with-airbus-AY1320112
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