AirAsia X Records Strong 1Q2026 Operating Performance With Passenger Growth of 9% YoY

AirAsia X Berhad has announced its preliminary operating statistics for the First Quarter of 2026 (“1Q2026”). This represents the inaugural consolidated report for the Group following the successful acquisition of the AirAsia aviation assets, bringing together all AirAsia branded airlines under a single listed entity.

Performance Highlights
- Passenger Growth: 18.9 million passengers carried across consolidated AirAsia airlines, up 9% YoY.
- Capacity: Seats offered rose 10% YoY to 22.1 million, now at 98% of pre‑pandemic levels.
- Load Factor: Strong at 85%, showing efficient use of capacity.
- Domestic Demand: Double‑digit growth in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- International Routes: China‑ASEAN corridor remained robust with 85% load factors.

March 2026 Surge
- Passengers: 6.3 million carried in March alone, a 19% YoY increase, outpacing capacity growth of 15%.
- Load Factor: Rose 2 points YoY to 84%.
- Drivers: Festive travel demand, adjusted fares to offset fuel costs, and rerouted global traffic flows boosting Central Asia corridors.

Subsidiary Spotlight
- AirAsia X Thailand (TAAX):
- 599,198 passengers (+20% YoY).
- Load factor at 84%.
- Benefited from hub relocation to Don Mueang and expanded North Asia/India routes.

Fleet & Strategy
- Fleet Size: Consolidated AOCs closed the quarter with 240 aircraft (up 1 YoY).
- CEO Statement: Bo Lingam emphasized resilience, agility, and strong forward bookings into April, with focus on high‑yield corridors and disciplined cost management.

In short, AirAsia X’s consolidated model is proving effective, with growth outpacing capacity and strong demand across both domestic and international markets—even amid fuel price pressures and geopolitical challenges