<div id="readability-page-1"><div><p><span>AirAsia X is nearing what could be a major fleet expansion move as the budget carrier closes in on an order for roughly 150 Airbus (EADSY) A220 aircraft, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing people familiar with the discussions. The potential deal could become the largest ever for the A220, giving Airbus's smallest commercial jet a meaningful demand signal at a time when the model is competing with Embraer's </span><span> regional aircraft and still facing production delays tied to supply-chain issues. An announcement could come within days, although neither Airbus nor AirAsia parent Capital A has commented on the discussions.</span></p><p><span>For AirAsia, the possible order comes during a difficult stretch. The carrier has been pressured by rising fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions, while its limited hedging strategy has left it more exposed than some competitors. Its shares have fallen sharply in recent months, putting it among the weakest performers across global airlines. Even so, management appears to be pressing forward with growth, and the A220 could help AirAsia move into smaller markets and airports that may not be as well suited to its existing fleet of larger narrow-body jets.</span></p><p><span>The potential agreement would also extend AirAsia's already deep relationship with Airbus. The airline currently operates around 250 Airbus aircraft and has hundreds more on order, mostly from the A320 family, while talks around the A220 have been ongoing for more than a year. The fleet discussions sit alongside AirAsia's broader expansion plans, including a planned Middle East hub in Bahrain that could act as a gateway for flights into Europe. For investors, the message could be that AirAsia is still pursuing long-term network expansion despite near-term pressure from fuel costs, share-price weakness, and supply-chain uncertainty around the A220 program.</span></p></div></div>

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<p>AirAsia X is close to finalizing an order for approximately 150 Airbus A220 aircraft, potentially marking the largest deal for the model. This move comes amid rising fuel costs and a challenging market for the airline, which has seen its shares decline. Despite these pressures, AirAsia aims to expand its fleet and enter smaller markets, while continuing its strong relationship with Airbus. An announcement is expected soon, as the airline also plans to establish a hub in Bahrain to enhance its European connectivity.</p>

AirAsia Nears 150-Jet Airbus A220 Order As Expansion Push Builds