AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd group CEO Bo Lingam said AirAsia had previously leased three of the aircraft before the COVID-19 pandemic from lessor AirCastle Ltd.
They were subsequently returned to the lessor and MYAirline leased the aircraft from the lessor.
“When MYAirline stopped operating, the lessor asked if we wanted these planes. We also needed the capacity for next year,” he told Bernama, adding that all the leasing processes have been completed to date.
MYAirline suspended its operations on Oct 12, 2023, after less than a year due to financial pressures. The suspension is pending a restructuring and recapitalisation.
Of the four aircraft, he said two of the A320 will be flying on Dec 15 and 16, while the third will be flying in January next year. However, he did not specify the timeframe for the fourth plane.
On next year’s outlook, Bo said AirAsia is confident to fully reactivate its fleet of 204, underpinned by attractive and good airfare as more countries offer visa-free entry.
“We are hoping to get back to pre-pandemic level and all 204 aircraft will take to the sky by February next year.
“We have a very good view of next year and we should surpass 2019’s (passenger level) soon,” he said.
He also noted that AirAsia will have an additional nine new A321 with 240 seats next year.
“There are no more A320 and all new aircraft will be the A321 from then on,” he clarified.
He said at the moment, he does not foresee any downside for aviation unless there is a sudden spike in fuel prices.
Bo said he is also hoping for the ringgit to strengthen next year based on economists’ recent positive forecasts.
Net profit for the airline industry is expected to reach US$25.7 (RM120.08) billion in 2024, with a 2.7% net profit margin, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said recently.
This represents a slight improvement over 2023 which is expected to show a US$23.3 (RM108.87) billion net profit with a 2.6% net profit margin.
IATA also said about 4.7 billion passengers are expected to travel in 2024, a historic high exceeding the 2019 pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion.