SEPANG: Capital A Bhd's aviation subsidiary AirAsia Bhd is in discussions with Airbus, Embraer and Comac as it looks to expand its fleet with at least 100 new aircraft.
The group's chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the low-cost carrier needs aircraft that can supplement its Airbus A321s.
"I can confirm that we're looking for more aircraft. We are discussing with Embraer and Airbus. My team is going to Brazil next week and some of my team will go to Canada next year to look at the A220s.
"We're also discussing with Comac in China as well. We need more planes, that's very clear. We need planes that can supplement our A321s," he said when asked if AirAsia is considering to buy new planes.
He was speaking to the media after AirAsia MOVE's Christmas celebration at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 today.
Fernandes said the number of new aircraft to be purchased is subject to the company's board approval.
"It's subject to board but we need definitely a minimum of 100 planes or maybe more," he said, adding that AirAsia will continue adding more flights and destinations next year.
Last week, Airbus held a demo flight for AirAsia on its A220 while Fernandes recently shared a picture of the interior of Embraer's E2 aircraft on his social media.
In March this year, China's Comac flew its widebody aircraft, the C919 to Malaysia as part of its Southeast Asia roadshow to woo local airlines.
AirAsia will eventually be under the same company as AirAsia X Bhd after the latter's acquisition of the short-haul budget airline is completed.
In September this year, AirAsia X announced its planned acquisition of AirAsia and AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd for RM6.8 billion.
Fernandes said AirAsia and AirAsia X are targeting to carry 90 million passengers in 2025.
So far, the airlines have carried 70 million passengers
Twenty-one per cent of the passengers are transit (passengers). We have created a hub like Dubai, London, so that is contributing to the growth (of passengers) as well," he added.