Malaysia’s AirAsia says still with Airbus, no plans to buy Boeing planes

AirAsia on Thursday announced the sale of its aircraft leasing operations to firms managed by BBAM, one of the world’s largest aircraft portfolio managers. (Reuters)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian budget airline AirAsia is sticking with Airbus and has no plans currently to purchase Boeing aircraft, Group CEO Tony Fernandes said at a press briefing late on Thursday.
“Boeing is keen to have us as a customer ... but right now we are still very much an Airbus customer,” he told reporters.
To a question if he had plans to buy Boeing planes, Fernandes said “not at the moment.”
Last month, Reuters reported that sources said AirAsia — Airbus’ largest Asian customer — was set to confirm an order of wide-body jets from the European planemaker after Boeing tried to win the airline over and extend a lead in the lucrative long-haul market.
On Thursday, the airline also announced the sale of its aircraft leasing operations to firms managed by BBAM, one of the world’s largest aircraft portfolio managers, in a staggered deal that will see the budget carrier transfer ownership of up to 182 Airbus jets.
The deal, valued at $1.2 billion in the first phase, will help the airline pare down debt and return money to shareholders, as well as give it firepower to grow its business.