AirAsia's long-haul subsidiary AirAsia X has ordered three Airbus A330-200s, to be delivered from 2014.

The airline has ordered the 238t increased take-off weight version of the aircraft, which will allow it to fly non-stop from Kuala Lumpur to Europe, says Airbus.

It has not specified an engine selection for the new aircraft. The carrier could not be contacted for comment.

AirAsia X will configure the aircraft in a two-class layout with a total of 288 seats, and will operate it to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Pacific, says Airbus.

"This order reflects our positive outlook for the long haul low cost market out of Asia," says AirAsia X's CEO Azran Osman Rani. "With its low fuel burn, spacious cabin and extended range, the A330 is the perfect aircraft for us to build our business, enabling more people to fly further at lower cost than ever before."

With the new order, AirAsia X would have ordered 28 A330s, says Airbus.

The airline operates nine A330-300s and has 17 more on order, according to Flightglobal's ACAS database. It also operates two Airbus A340s and has 10 A350s on firm order.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news