AirAsia is selling newly delivered aircraft, with six planes sold since the start of last year, including two sold in July, according to multiple reports. The airline is described as facing financial pressure, and the move involves unloading aircraft soon after delivery rather than deploying them into operations.
In standard practice, airlines often use sale-and-leaseback arrangements for new planes to reduce upfront purchase costs, converting them into regular lease payments after delivery. However, both outlets note that selling aircraft without putting them into service is unusual. The reports present the step as noteworthy in that AirAsia is effectively moving past operational deployment for some recently acquired aircraft, rather than using them to expand or renew its fleet.
While the sources focus on the same core transaction pattern—selling newly delivered planes and the timing of those sales—the emphasis differs slightly. One outlet highlights the company’s “unusual” approach and the number of aircraft affected, while another underscores the uncommon nature of selling planes before they enter service.
