Having been parked for an extended period of time, the Airbus A330-900s belonging to low-cost carrier AirAsia are set to return to the skies in the near future. The airline group announced its aim to reactivate the jets alongside its plans to increase activity in some of its markets. Let’s look at this positive news a little more closely.
The return of the A330neo
When it comes to A330neos under the AirAsia Aviation Group, the company has two with its Thai AirAsia X division. Registered HS-XJA and HS-XJB, the pair are currently listed as parked, according to Planespotters.net. Indeed, FlightRadar24.com data indicates that HS-XJB hasn’t flown since July 28th, 2022 with a service from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Bangkok (Thailand).
Time spent on the ground is even greater for HS-XJA, as data indicates that its last revenue service was from Chennai (India) to Bangkok at the start of April 2021. Nearly two months later, the aircraft took to the skies again on May 23rd as flight XJ1. Seemingly a repositioning flight, the A330-900 flew from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok Don Mueang.
Reporting by Airways Magazine notes that the carrier intends to reactivate these jets for medium and long-haul flights. The publication notes that these flights will help the airline to expand its footprint in Indonesia and that the widebodies will be introduced this year, allowing AirAsia Indonesia to fly to destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, and India.
While the airline group’s A330neos are currently registered in Thailand with Thai AirAsia X, flights from Indonesia would presumably require aircraft to be registered in Indonesia. AirAsia Indonesia currently operates 25 Airbus A320-200s while its long-haul brand – Indonesia AirAsia X ceased operations in 2019.
“The A330neo signifies a new era for low-cost flying with numerous features such as ambient mood lighting and power sockets in every seat, so guests are able to make full use of their own devices in-flight. This is in addition to AirAsia favourites, the kid-free Quiet Zone and Premium Flatbeds.” -Nadda Buranasiri, CEO, AirAsia X Group (2019)
Indonesia ramp-up
AirAsia Aviation CEO Bo Lingam notes that Indonesia AirAsia will be expanding its A320 fleet – with a goal of boosting its size to 32. Currently, the airline has 17 of its 25 aircraft listed as active while the remaining eight are listed as parked. The average age of these aircraft at the time of publication is 12-and-a-half years.
Lingam also emphasized that his airline group’s international operations are very strong in Indonesia, “having carried nearly 5 million passengers before COVID-19, which represents 30% of international tourists arriving in the country.”
The Indonesian aviation market is extremely competitive, served not only by several foreign carriers but a significant number of homegrown airlines. These include flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, but also budget options like Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, and more.
What do you think of the airline group’s focus on expanding in Indonesia? Do you think Indonesia AirAsia will be able to increase its market share in the Indonesian market? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Sources: Airways Magazine, Planespotters.net, FlightRadar24.com
