AirAsia X partners GE in US$1.5bil aircraft engines deal

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsiaX Bhd has partnered with US-based GE Aviation to buy its CF6-80E1 engines to power AirAsia X’s 25 new Airbus A330-300 aircraft in a US$1.5bil (RM 4.9b) deal.

AirAsia X said on Monday these engines will be covered by a multi-year OnPoint solution service agreement for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul.

It said the tie-up would strengthen the group’s presence in the long-haul low-cost carrier space.

AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said with this order, GE will become AirAsia X’s second core engine supplier.

“Our fleet size has reached sufficient scale to support two engine types, with sufficient spare engine coverage, specialist engineers and technicians, and strong on-site service commitment from both engine providers.

“GE’s long -standing relationship and track record with the AirAsia Group, gave us confidence to make this selection,” he said.