“We intend to deploy the additional capacity with a vision to solidify our positions in our identified core markets including Australia, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Our commitment to have a standardized, young, and fuel efficient fleet optimizes our resources and provides better value for our guests.”

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2013 and 2014, and will be operated on the airline’s expanding network in Asia Pacific, which includes the markets of Australia, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and its surrounding regions. These aircraft are the same model as those that AirAsia X purchased directly from Airbus, with Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines and a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 233 tons.

"ILFC is pleased to welcome AirAsia X as our new customer in the Asia Pacific region. This new partnership will support the long-haul business of AirAsia X and reinforce the airline's position in low-cost segment of the market," said ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron.

AirAsia X will lease the six aircraft on a 10-year lease term. The leased aircraft will be reconfigured to meet AirAsia X’s existing Airbus A330-300 configuration, which consists of 12 premium flatbeds and 365 economy seats.

“These six aircraft, together with existing delivery orders from Airbus, will see AirAsia X’s growth develop, with a total of seven deliveries each in 2013 and 2014, with the aim of being the dominant market leader in the low-cost long-haul segment,” said AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani. “We intend to deploy the additional capacity with a vision to solidify our positions in our identified core markets including Australia, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Our commitment to have a standardized, young, and fuel efficient fleet optimizes our resources and provides better value for our guests.”

AirAsia X’s Co-founder and Director, Tony Fernandes commented, “AirAsia X’s partnership with ILFC will further complement the AirAsia Group’s long-term vision of developing its presence in key markets in Asia, and strengthening the connectivity between the AirAsia’s short haul and AirAsia X long haul low cost network for the benefit of passengers’ convenience. This would hopefully fulfill our pledge – Now Everyone Can Fly further.”

About AirAsia Group

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with 85 destinations. Within 10 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 150 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to approximately 105. The airline today is proud to be a truly ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines servicing a network stretching across all ASEAN countries, China, India, Sri Lanka and Australia. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for four consecutive years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012).

About AirAsia X

AirAsia X is the low cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia, Taiwan¸ Iran, Korea Japan and Nepal. The airline currently flies to 13 destinations across 7 countries and operates on a fleet of 9 Airbus A330-300s, with a seat configuration of 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy seats. The airline has carried over 7 million guests since its inception in 2007. Our vision is to further solidify our position as the global leader in low-cost, long-haul aviation and create the first global multi hub low cost carrier network along with other members of the AirAsia Group.

About ILFC

ILFC is the world’s largest independent aircraft lessor measured by number of owned aircraft. ILFC’s portfolio consists of over 1,000 owned or managed aircraft, as well as commitments to purchase 242 new high-demand, fuel-efficient aircraft and rights to purchase an additional 50 such aircraft. www.ilfc.com

About AIG

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. www.aig.com

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