AirAsia Signs Agreement With Newcomer Mirus Aircraft Seating
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APEX Insight: It was a first for both parties. Tony Fernandes, AirAsia CEO, and newcomer Mirus Aircraft Seating signed an agreement for the seat manufacturer to supply the low-cost airline with lighter economy seating for its new and existing Airbus A320 fleet.
AirAsia today signed an agreement with newcomer Mirus Aircraft Seating during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The carrier will be the launch customer of the seating manufacturer’s new Hawk slimline economy seat, which will be deployed on its new and existing Airbus A320 fleet, pending regulatory approval.
“Weight was the driver,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO, AirAsia. The frame of the lightweight seat is made from composite materials and uses fewer loose parts – an aspect that Fernandes said caused one of the airline’s planes to be grounded. “The less spare parts, the better for us,” he said.
“Low-cost, all the way.” – Tony Fernandes, AirAsia CEO
The outspoken CEO, rolled into the Mirus booth unassumingly in a leather jacket and sneakers. Some recognized him. But it wasn’t until Fernandes sported his red baseball cap emblazoned with the AirAsia logo and was surrounded by a posse of uniformed flight attendants that crowds identified him as the AirAsia CEO himself.
“Low-cost all the way,” Fernandes shouted out, just after the initial announcement.