Malaysia-based AirAsia has placed a firm order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the largest single order in the program’s history. The deal, valued at about $19 billion at list prices, includes options for an additional 150 aircraft. Airbus announced the agreement at a signing ceremony on May 6, 2026, at its A220 assembly site in Mirabel, Quebec, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and executives from both companies.
The order pushes the A220 program past 1,000 total firm orders, making AirAsia the type’s largest customer ahead of Delta Air Lines. AirAsia selected the larger A220-300 variant, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines under a 12-year EngineWise maintenance agreement. The carrier will serve as the global launch customer for a new high-density 160-seat configuration, achieved with extra overwing exits on each side.
Deliveries begin in 2028, with initial deployment across ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific routes. AirAsia plans to use the A220-300 to replace aging A320s on short-haul flights while similar capacity A320s and A321s shift to medium-haul and A330s to longer routes. The aircraft targets 100- to 160-seat markets, enabling higher frequencies, better connections, and service to smaller or growing destinations.
Airbus aims to raise Mirabel production from 7-8 to 14 aircraft monthly to support the program.