Cash-strapped AirAsia takes unusual step of unloading new planes

AirAsia Group has sold six of its brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft since the start of 2025, following a trend of financial strain. The airline, now holding only RM954 million (US$233 million) in cash and equivalents at the end of June, is the lowest balance among airlines tracked globally by Bloomberg. These aircraft, delivered to AirAsia since the beginning of 2025, were recently leased to BBAM LLC and have since been acquired by Vietnamese startup Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

This sale of newly delivered planes, without a subsequent leaseback, is an uncommon move, typically employed to manage the high costs of aircraft acquisition. Analyst Andrew Light noted that selling a newly delivered aircraft without a leaseback is a rare step, as it maximizes cash usage. The airline's struggles have intensified this year, primarily due to the surge in oil and jet fuel prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.

AirAsia has not hedged against fuel price fluctuations, leaving it particularly vulnerable. The company's fuel expenses increased by 58% in the second quarter, resulting in the largest quarterly loss in four years. AirAsia is currently seeking to use collateral on a private-credit loan to settle its lease obligations. The airline's shares have plummeted nearly 75% since the outbreak of the Iran war at the end of February, making it the worst-performing stock in the Bloomberg World Airlines Index.