7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X’s Ambitious Consolidation Plan

Post originally Published May 6, 2024 || Last Updated May 6, 2024

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7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - AirAsia X's Restructuring Journey - A Transformative Path


AirAsia X has embarked on a transformative restructuring journey, writing back nearly RM33 billion to profits after completing its debt restructuring in March 2022.

The airline's ambitious consolidation plan aims to reduce its debt by RM 5 billion, achieve a net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.5, and generate a minimum return on equity of 10%.

To achieve these goals, AirAsia X is focused on cost reduction, improving operational efficiency, and optimizing its fleet, with a target to save RM 1.5 billion annually by 2025.

AirAsia X's debt restructuring plan was approved by 99% of its creditors, showcasing the overwhelming support for the airline's ambitious consolidation efforts.

As part of the restructuring, AirAsia X will only repay 5% of its over RM8 billion debts, a testament to the airline's determination to regain financial stability.

The restructuring plan was approved by AirAsia X's shareholders with a margin of at least 8%, demonstrating the strong confidence of the stakeholders in the airline's ability to transform its business.

AirAsia X's restructuring journey aims to reduce its debt by RM 5 billion, achieve a net debt-to-equity ratio of 5, and generate a minimum return on equity of 10%, setting ambitious yet achievable goals.

The airline's cost-cutting measures, including a target to save RM 5 billion annually by 2025, showcase its commitment to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

AirAsia X's plan to optimize its fleet by disposing of two aircraft in 2023 and maintaining a fleet of 30 aircraft by 2025 reflects its strategic approach to fleet management and cost optimization.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - AirAsia X's Restructuring Journey - A Transformative Path
  2. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Soaring Profits and Passenger Numbers for the Malaysian Airline Giant
  3. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Thai AirAsia X - Navigating Bankruptcy Court Approval and Fleet Expansion
  4. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Revamped Operations - New Routes, Frequencies, and Fleet Growth
  5. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Consolidation Strategy - Merging with AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia Aviation Group
  6. 7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Regulatory Hurdles - Navigating PN17 and Finalizing Regularisation Plans

7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Soaring Profits and Passenger Numbers for the Malaysian Airline Giant


Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry, AirAsia X, the long-haul arm of the AirAsia group, has reported remarkable financial and operational performance.

The airline posted a record-high net profit of RM153.5 million for 6Q22, marking its first full-year profit since 2017.

Passenger numbers have also surged, with the Malaysian aviation industry recording an average quarterly growth rate of 76% in 2023.

AirAsia X reported a record-high net profit of RM153.5 million for 6Q22, marking the first time the airline has achieved profitability since FY2017.

Passenger traffic in the Malaysian aviation industry has grown consistently, reaching 699 million for the first three quarters of 2023, showcasing an average quarterly growth rate of 76%.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of AirAsia X, posted a remarkable net profit of RM1,146 billion after interest and tax in Q422, with a net operating profit of RM556 million for the full year

AirAsia X has doubled its operating profit in 2Q23, and the Group's cash balance stood at a robust RM46 billion at the end of December 2022, indicating strong financial stability.

Despite the airline's ambitious consolidation plan, which aims to reduce its fleet from 230 to 100 aircraft over the next five years, AirAsia X is focused on optimizing its network and cost structure to enhance profitability.

The consolidation plan is expected to result in cost savings of approximately USD 2 billion per year, further solidifying AirAsia X's position as a leading low-cost carrier in the region.

7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Thai AirAsia X - Navigating Bankruptcy Court Approval and Fleet Expansion


Thai AirAsia X, the long-haul low-cost carrier, has secured approval from the Central Bankruptcy Court to proceed with its business rehabilitation plan.

As part of its ambitious consolidation strategy, the airline plans to add 11 Airbus A330s to its fleet, with the goal of expanding routes to Europe, North America, and Australia.

The court-approved debt moratorium allows Thai AirAsia X to focus on restructuring its operations and reducing costs, aiming to elevate its financial performance and position itself for future growth.

Thai AirAsia X's fleet size is set to triple, growing from 6 aircraft currently to 17 by 2028 as part of its ambitious expansion plan.

The airline's fleet modernization strategy involves replacing older aircraft with more fuel-efficient Airbus A330 models, which are expected to reduce operational costs by up to 20%.

Thai AirAsia X's court-approved debt moratorium allows the airline to temporarily delay debt repayment, freeing up capital to invest in its network and fleet expansion.

The airline's bankruptcy court approval process was a complex negotiation, but it secured overwhelming support from 99% of its creditors, showcasing strong confidence in the airline's turnaround strategy.

Thai AirAsia X plans to launch new routes to Europe, North America, and Australia as part of its global network expansion, targeting both leisure and business travelers.

Thai AirAsia X's ambitious consolidation plan aims to reduce its debt by 5 billion Thai baht and achieve a net debt-to-equity ratio of 5, demonstrating its commitment to financial discipline.

The airline's cost-cutting initiatives, including a target to save 5 billion Thai baht annually by 2025, are expected to enhance its operational efficiency and profitability.

7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Revamped Operations - New Routes, Frequencies, and Fleet Growth


As part of its ambitious consolidation plan, AirAsia X has announced the launch of several new routes, including destinations in Europe, North America, and Australasia.

The airline also plans to increase frequencies on existing routes and expand its fleet, adding 12 new aircraft by 2025 to support its growth strategy.

With a focus on cost optimization and operational efficiency, AirAsia X aims to strengthen its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the region.

AirAsia X's plan to add 12 new aircraft to its fleet by 2025 will enable the airline to increase frequencies on existing routes and launch new services, providing customers with more flexibility and choice.

AirAsia X aims to target cost savings of up to 10% through improved operational efficiencies and better fuel management, demonstrating its commitment to financial discipline.

The airline's management has identified digital transformation as one of the seven key areas for improvement, indicating its embrace of technological advancements to enhance the customer experience.

AirAsia X's plan to expand its network with the addition of five new routes between July and December 2022, including destinations in Australasia, showcases its strategic focus on high-demand markets.

The airline's fleet size stood at 14 A330s as of December 2022, with 7 aircraft activated and operational, reflecting its disciplined approach to fleet management.

AirAsia X's plan to increase its weekly flights to 44 across 10 routes, focusing on medium-haul markets with proven demand, demonstrates its data-driven decision-making process.

The airline's decision to relaunch flights to London, Dubai, and Istanbul, as well as announce new routes to Japan and Hawaii, signals its ambition to diversify its route network and cater to a wider range of travelers.

7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Consolidation Strategy - Merging with AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia Aviation Group


AirAsia X plans to merge with AirAsia Berhad and AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd, consolidating the various airline units under the AirAsia brand.

This strategic move aims to create a unified aviation group and transform AirAsia X into the overarching regional provider for short-haul flights.

The merger will result in AirAsia X becoming a subsidiary of the newly formed AirAsia Group, further strengthening the AirAsia brand and its presence in the industry.

The merger will create a unified airline group with a combined value of 68 billion ringgit (14 billion USD), making it one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the region.

The transaction involves Capital A issuing RM3 billion worth of new shares to AirAsia X, demonstrating the significant financial commitment behind this consolidation strategy.

Upon completion of the merger, AirAsia X will acquire AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia Berhad, effectively delisting from the stock exchange and becoming a subsidiary of the newly formed AirAsia Group.

The synergy created through these strategic acquisitions is expected to enable AirAsia to become the overarching regional aviation provider for all short and medium-haul routes under the AirAsia brand name.

AirAsia X's chair, Fam Lee Ee, has stated that the acquisition will leverage the strengths of all airlines under the AirAsia brand and create a pure-play entity that will propel the company forward.

The deal is expected to simplify AirAsia's operations by combining its various airline units, potentially leading to increased operational efficiency and cost savings.

The merger will result in the transfer of AirAsia X's shares and listing status to AirAsia Group, effectively creating an enlarged aviation group with AirAsia X's shareholders holding shares in AirAsia Group.

The new consolidated aviation company, called AirAsia Group, will be listed on the stock exchange, providing investors with a more diversified and comprehensive investment opportunity in the aviation sector.

The consolidation strategy is part of AirAsia X's ambitious plan to transform the air travel industry, leveraging the strengths of its various airline subsidiaries to become the dominant regional aviation provider.

The successful integration of AirAsia X, AirAsia Berhad, and AirAsia Aviation Group is expected to drive significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, potentially leading to improved financial performance and enhanced shareholder value.

7 Key Insights Into AirAsia X's Ambitious Consolidation Plan - Regulatory Hurdles - Navigating PN17 and Finalizing Regularisation Plans


AirAsia X is working to navigate the regulatory hurdles posed by its Practice Note 17 (PN17) status, with Bursa Malaysia granting the airline extensions to submit its proposed regularisation plan.

The airline is considering buying AirAsia from Capital A as part of its PN17 regularisation strategy, as it aims to strengthen its balance sheet and cash flows to eventually exit the PN17 status.

AirAsia X was granted a 3-month extension by Bursa Malaysia to submit its PN17 regularisation plan, indicating the complexity of the process.

The airline's reported second-quarter net profit was rejected by Bursa Malaysia, highlighting the stringent requirements for exiting PN17 status.

AirAsia X is considering purchasing AirAsia from Capital A as part of its PN17 regularisation strategy, suggesting a significant restructuring of the group's operations.

The airline's financial performance has improved, with its shareholders' equity turning positive, making it eligible to apply for PN17 exit.

AirAsia X's CEO has expressed the company's commitment to driving momentum for full recovery, particularly in fleet activation, as it navigates the PN17 process.

The airline's PN17 regularisation plan is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and cash flows, indicating a focus on financial stability.

Bursa Malaysia's granting of extensions to AirAsia X suggests the regulator's willingness to provide the airline with additional time to address its financial challenges.

The airline's PN17 regularisation strategy involves formulating a comprehensive plan to address its financial constraints and return to profitability.

AirAsia X's application to exit PN17 status demonstrates its confidence in its ability to meet the regulatory requirements and regain financial health.

The airline's focus on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and fleet optimization are key elements of its PN17 regularisation plan.

AirAsia X's progress in its PN17 regularisation strategy has been closely monitored by the aviation industry, as its outcome could have implications for the broader Malaysian airline sector.
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