AirAsia is set to receive 14 new aircraft in 2025 while consolidating its domestic operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, positioning the carrier for larger growth.
Fleet expansion to meet growing demand
AirAsia Aviation Group has confirmed the delivery of 14 new aircraft in 2025, with four coming directly from Airbus and ten from lessors. This strategic expansion comes as the low-cost carrier aims to capitalize on surging travel demand across Southeast Asia.
The airline has set an ambitious target of 70 million passengers for FY2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Asia Pacific passenger numbers are projected to grow by 7.9% in 2025 — the fastest growth rate globally.
“We’ve had a great start to 2025, and we are excited as AirAsia’s future growth is fully secured, with the next 56 aircraft already financed,” said Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group. “This gives us an unmatched runway for expansion, allowing us to scale with absolute certainty whilst delivering the most affordable and reliable travel experience.”
The carrier’s expansion strategy focuses on strengthening domestic market share and improving Fly-Thru connectivity across all operating markets. In the medium term, AirAsia plans to explore key global destinations, making use of its extensive short-haul network anchored by mega hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
Consolidating domestic operations at KLIA T2
In a related development, AirAsia has announced it will relocate its domestic services from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) to KLIA T2, effective April 7, 2025.
The consolidation comes in response to notable growth in passenger volumes between Kuala Lumpur and key destinations such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, which have increased by 16% year-on-year.
“Given the increasing demand for our Kota Kinabalu and Kuching routes, consolidating our services at KLIA T2 is the optimal way forward,” explained Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia. “This move allows us to enhance efficiency and elevate the overall guest experience.”
The airline will continue operating from Subang Airport through the Hari Raya holiday week before completing the transition. To minimize disruption, AirAsia is offering comprehensive Service Recovery Options, including complimentary flight changes within 30 days, credit accounts, or full refunds.
Future growth strategy
AirAsia’s fleet expansion includes the integration of Airbus A321XLR and A321LR aircraft, which the airline describes as “game-changing in resetting low-cost regional and long-haul connectivity.” Meanwhile, its Airbus A330 fleet will be optimized for long-haul routes to support the carrier’s push into new intercontinental markets.
The airline reports it is accelerating toward pre-pandemic growth rates faster than anticipated, with strong load factors and yields supporting its expansion plans.
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