AirAsia X Receives First A330neo

AirAsia has taken delivery of its first A330neo.  The aircraft will be operated by the carrier’s long-haul affiliate AirAsia X Thailand and will be based at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.  According to Airbus, the new jet was delivered via aircraft lessor Avolon.  It is the first of two A330neos that will join the AirAsia fleet this year. AirAsia X currently operates 36 A330-300s.

AirAsia X Thailand’s A330neo is the larger of the two A330neo variants, the A330-900.  The A330-900 can be configured for 260-300 seats in a three class configuration.  It can also be configured for up to 440 seats in a high-density configuration. AirAsia X Thailand’s A330-900 has 377 seats in a two-class configuration. Of the 377 seats, 12 are premium flatbeds and the remaining 365 are economy class seats.

The A330-900 is set to support AirAsia X Thailand’s network expansion plans to Australia, Japan, and South Korea.  With its latest generation Rolls-Royce 7000 engines and new Sharklet wingtip devices that provide increased wingspan, increased lift and reduced drag, the A330-900 will allow AirAsia X Thailand to expand into these new markets with increased fuel efficiency. The jet also features Airbus’ new Airspace cabin, which provides a more personal space, LED ambient lighting, and upgraded WiFi and in-flight entertainment capabilities.

Airbus launched the A330neo program in the summer of 2014.  The A330-900 first flew in October 2017 and its first delivery to TAP Air Portugal followed in the fall of 2018. AirAsia X is currently the largest A330neo customer, with 66 aircraft on firm order.

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Jordan Green

Jordan joined the AG team in 2018 after attending AAviationDay in Philadelphia.He is actively pursuing his private pilot certificate and has been an aviation enthusiast since childhood.An attorney by trade, Jordan jokingly refers to himself as a “recovering litigator” and now focuses on subcontracts management.

Jordan focuses his writing on innovations in commercial aviation, aviation history, and other interesting topics he feels are worthy of discussion in the community.

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