Indonesia AirAsia says it is finalising a co-operation agreement with compatriot Garuda Indonesia and is targeting a significant fleet expansion in the near term.
In a brief update, the low-cost operator says it is “in the final stages” of the partnership, which will see the interlining of several AirAsia flights with that of Garuda’s Citilink low-cost unit.
The co-operation will see AirAsia tap into Citilink’s extensive domestic network, with the latter interlining on AirAsia’s Southeast Asia network.
AirAsia parent Capital A signed a wide-ranging partnership with Garuda in September 2023, with an early-2024 target for the interlining agreement to commence.
Indonesia AirAsia did not details the reasons for the delay.
Separately, the carrier confirms it is seeking out “various funding sources” and is looking to grow its fleet from 25 aircraft currently to 100 jets in 2031.
The disclosure was made during a media roundtable led by Capital A chief Tony Fernandes.
Indonesia AirAsia says the fleet growth “reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s tourism sector” and boost domestic and international connectivity.
It is likely the new aircraft will come from the AirAsia group’s orderbook of over 300 Airbus A321neos.
