Malaysia's AirAsia plans to take additional 15 aircraft on lease to meet travel demand from China.
Speaking to Reuters, Tony Fernandes, CEO, Capital A said: “We are so bullish on growth that we're in negotiations now to sign 15 new aircraft from lessors. The fact that we are talking about new planes means things are coming back."
Meanwhile, the additional leased 15 aircraft are on top of the 326 planes already on the company's order book until 2030. Currently, AirAsia has 150 planes in the air and expects to put all 204 of its fleet back in service by August.
Fernandes said that Capital A now has three tailwinds: strengthening Asian currencies, prices of oil falling from their peaks, and China's reopening.
Meanwhile the company is on track to complete restructuring efforts and resolve its PN17, or Practice Note 17, status by August. The restructuring will combine AirAsia budget airline business with AirAsia X and take the aviation business out of Capital A while logistics, aviation services and digital arms into separate listings.
