SEPANG: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd has yet to conclude its plane purchase deal, particularly in deciding which aircraft manufacturer and type of aircraft as well as the number of aircraft required.
“I haven't made any decision. But we definitely need more airplanes,” AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes responded to NST Business query during a press conference on Tuesday.
This was in response to a news report that Airbus was closing in on a US$23 billion (RM93.32 billion) deal, which was part of the European manufacturer’s potential US$29 billion (RM117.67 billion) deal with Asian carriers.
Fernandes said the airline has not bought the plane, and for the time being, could not provide financing method in acquiring those plane.
“We do need more plane. When we buy, we will send you (media) the press release,” he said adding that the airline would elaborate further on the timeframe, cost and financing method for the plane purchase.
Responding on how many plane did AirAsia needs, Fernandes said "just wait and see."
Airlines usually conclude purchase deals at international airshow with discounted list price.
Based on Fernandes' latest view on the airline's potential aircraft deal, it is still remain uncertain as the details have yet to be ironed out.
Meanwhile, Fernandes said AirAsia would want to connect more places in Asean, but cautioned that the hike in global oil prices would affect tickets pricing.
“There are so many places that are not connected. What drives the demand for us is connecting cities that were never connected before, mobility of workforce and students as well as holidays.
“We hope that we can provide those demands. We like oil to be lower, as we want more people to fly,” he added.