Airbus sees A220 as key to Malaysia's next phase of aviation growth

New Straits Times

19-05-2025

PUTRAJAYA: Airbus AE is eyeing Malaysia as a key market for its A220 aircraft given the country's position as a regional aviation hub and its growing demand for efficient, next-generation jets that are capable to fly both the short-haul and long-haul routes.
Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley said the company is seeing the A220 as the perfect aircraft for the next stage of growth in Malaysia.
"Malaysia is already a great interconnector between China and India and Asean, and the A220 can cover this region perfectly for long, thin routes, but it can also cover the regional routes perfectly within Malaysia to create that feeder network for what we would call longer regional routes or even intercontinental routes," he said in a media briefing at Airbus' new officer here today.
Stanley said Airbus is currently in discussions with Malaysian carriers, although no deals have been finalised yet.
"We are still only in conversations, but we do hope that, even though I cannot comment on timing, that because of the inherent demand, and the nature of Malaysia as a strong hub, that we can see the A220 in Malaysia," he added.
He also said the A220 is positioned as a clean-sheet design aircraft, the only one in its category, and it stands out for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and advanced technology.
"It is also the only aircraft that can, when you look at in terms of materials, technologies, efficiency, and carbon emissions per seat, it is unparalleled," Stanley said, adding that airlines consistently favour the A220 over its competitors.
"Three out of four times, the customers have chosen the A220 over all its competitors.
"Why is that? It's because when you look at airline experience, customer experience, and then the capability of the aircraft, it's the perfect regional aircraft. It's also the perfect long, thin route aircraft. It is unparalleled for all these reasons," Stanley said.
Current A220 operators in Asia Pacific include Korean Air and Australia's Qantas. Air Niugini, the flag carrier of Papua New Guinea, will also be flying the A220.
Malaysia is seeing some 150 Airbus commercial aircraft in service with local airlines.
AirAsia is a major operator of the A320 Family and A330, while Malaysia Airlines Bhd operates an all-Airbus wide-body fleet, including the recently delivered A330neo (new engine option) and A350 long range leader.