AirAsia X Berhad has reported turnover of RM803.5 million for the third quarter ended 30 September 2025 (3Q25), which is marginally higher than the RM795.0 million achieved in prior-year third quarter, supported by a healthier fare environment and higher ancillary income. This quarter, passenger load factor was healthy at 82% against 84% in the preceding year.
As part of a deliberate, group-wide network optimisation to prioritise longer-haul widebody flying, AirAsia X stated that it has redeployed selected shorter and medium-haul routes – including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Amritsar and Perth – to its sister airline, which operates more cost-efficient narrowbody aircraft. As a result of this strategic realignment, passengers carried declined by 5%; nonetheless, available seat kilometres (ASK) increased 9% YoY as AirAsia X lengthened average stage and improved daily aircraft utilisation to 16 hours.
Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) increased 7% YoY to 4,570 million, buoyed by consistently high PLF on key routes in China and Japan. Average base fare increased 5% YoY to RM466 in 3Q25 as market demand built up towards the upcoming peak travel season.
Ancillary income remained an important earnings driver, up by 5% YoY to RM280.6 million as ancillary revenue per passenger rose 11% YoY to RM273, with duty free sales showing significant improvements against last year.
In 3Q25, net operating profit advanced to RM12.0 million versus RM3.0 million in 3Q24 driven by favourable fuel cost and stronger local currency. Consequently, cost per ASK (CASK) reduced 9% YoY to 12.68 sen while CASK ex-fuel saw a modest increase of 2% to 6.72 sen. Profit after tax stood at RM27.8 million compared to RM121.6 million in 3Q24, the latter of which benefited from substantial net foreign exchange gains.
AirAsia X Thailand (TAAX) recorded revenue of RM235.4 million, a 22% YoY decrease, reflecting seasonal travel trends amidst a slower market rebound due to weaker tourism sentiments. Passenger traffic reduced 7% YoY to 319,129 passengers while seat capacity held at 429,502 seats. PLF during the quarter stood at 74%. TAAX recorded a net loss of RM128.4 million and is preparing for the year-end peak season demand, when the airline expects performance to regain traction as TAAX anticipates the launch of three new destinations in the fourth quarter, namely Sendai in Japan, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
As of 30 September 2025, AirAsia X’s total fleet stood at 19 A330 aircraft, and of these, 18 aircraft were activated and operational. TAAX maintained a fleet of nine fully activated and operational A330 aircraft.
“The Company’s performance this quarter signals the resilience of our fare environment, driven by robust demand even during a typically softer travel period,” said AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail. “Maintaining an 82% PLF was a feat and reflected the strength of our core markets and the effectiveness of the team’s continuous optimisation of our network strategy.”
Ismail comments that the airline’s final aircraft reactivation has been deferred to next year due to MRO backlogs and delays by Rolls-Royce on the induction of engines for reactivation works. “Currently, we are working closely with them to ensure that the aircraft is reactivated in early 2026, whilst expecting induction of four new A321LRs next year,” he said.
On October 29, 2025, AirAsia X announced that all conditions precedent for the proposed acquisitions of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited and AirAsia Berhad had been fulfilled, paving the way for the formation of the enlarged aviation group. “This consolidation of medium- and short-haul operations positions us well to build the world’s first low-cost network carrier and advance Asean’s emergence as the region’s leading low-cost megahub. This will deliver affordable connectivity and stronger economic value across the region,” concluded Ismail.