(July 3): AirAsia is nearing an agreement to buy dozens more Airbus SE single-aisle aircraft, in a deal that could be announced during Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s state visit to France this week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Southeast Asian low-cost carrier is working on an expanded aircraft purchase with the European planemaker, which supplies all of its aircraft, said the people, who declined to be identified discussing private matters. The advanced discussions for extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft could still end up with no deal, they said.

AirAsia has 240 mostly single-aisle aircraft in its fleet, and a backlog of more than 350 orders for the top-selling A320 family of jets. The budget carrier has also been discussing an order for up to 100 of Airbus’ smaller A220 jets.

AirAsia’s parent Capital A Bhd (KL:CAPITALA) declined to comment. Airbus said it does not comment on discussions it may or may not be having with customers.

Capital A chief executive officer Tony Fernandes had told Reuters at the Paris Air Show last month (June) that his budget carrier was interested in ordering between 50 to 70 Airbus A321XLR jets.

Read also:
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AirAsia owner seeks jets for growth but restructuring first priority, CEO says
Airbus upbeat, but may have to wait for AirAsia deal 
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AirAsia close to buying at least 100 Airbus jets in shift to A220, Reuters reports 
Capital A in final stages of PN17 exit plan, says Fernandes 
Airbus opens new office in Putrajaya servicing regional airlines
Airbus sees potential demand for A220 aircraft from local operators

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