The AirAsia X is considering configuring some of its on-order A330s in a high-density, all-economy layout and deploy them on medium-haul routes.
In an email to FlightGlobal, AirAsia X confirmed that it was evaluating the layout for some of the 66 A330-900s it has on order, or even leasing in A330-300s in a high-density configuration.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that the airline's current fleet of A330-300s are all configured with 377 seats, including 12 lie-flat, business class-style seats.
At present, Lion Air operates the most densely configured A330-300s, with 440 seats in an all-economy layout, Fleets Analyzer shows. Cebu Pacific Air's A330-300s follow close behind with 436 seats.
AirAsia X has 66 re-engined A330-900s on order, which are due to start delivering from the second half of 2018. It also holds orders for 10 A350-900s.
The airline adds that over the coming year, it plans to improve the utilisation of its fleet from 15.3 hours per day to 16 hours, largely through the utilisation of more daytime slots. That is expected to boost its ASKs by around 25% compared to 2016, with a key focus on "high yield" routes.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
