TASHKENT: AirAsia X Bhd
plans to expand its fleet by acquiring smaller aircraft, including new engine options (neo) and long-range (LR) models, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in medium-haul markets.
Chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the low-cost airline is expected to receive the new aircraft in the second half of 2026.
He noted that it is set to take delivery of the Airbus A321neo and A321LR aircraft, which would enable it to operate routes lasting between five and seven hours.
“For example, we are evaluating several potential destinations such as Busan in South Korea, Adelaide and Darwin in Australia, as well as smaller cities in China,” he said during a familiarisation trip with the media on the airline’s inaugural flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
It launched its first flight to Tashkent on Oct 15, 2025, offering three weekly services between Malaysia and the Uzbekistan capital. Tashkent marked AirAsia X’s second destination in Central Asia after Almaty, Kazakhstan, which was launched on March 14, 2024.
Benyamin said the airline is also focusing on increasing flight frequencies across its existing destinations, as overall performance had remained encouraging.
“In Australia, we are offering more consistent schedules, while China has rebounded strongly, “ he added. — Bernama
