AirAsia China (Zhengzhou) - the newly announced start-up joint venture back by Malaysia's AirAsia (AK, Kuala Lumpur International) Group - has shown interest in China's AC!C19 aircraft which flew its maiden test flight last week.
As previously reported, AirAsia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Everbright and Henan Government Working Group to establish a low-cost carrier at Zhengzhou. Speaking at that event, AirAsia Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the airline was working with Chinese companies to create partnerships.
"[W]e are working closely with Huawei to create a digital airline and smart airport to transform the way we fly and have also started exploring the COMAC C919," Meranun said. "China has been good to us and we want to give back in a big way, and this is just the start of enduring partnership that will benefit both China and Malaysia."
According to COMAC's website, twenty-three customers have already placed orders for 570 of the aircraft.
AirAsia's current fleet comprises 173 A320-200s, six A320-200neos, and 30 A330-300s operated by its units in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
