The 10 A330s have a list value of US$2 billion (S$2.8 billion) and will be delivered progressively over the next five years, said AirAsia X's Chief Executive Azran Osman-Rani. Aircraft makers typically give discounts on large orders.

To boost its long-term growth, Mr Azran said the carrier aims to acquire 25 new generation planes, either the A350s or the Boeing B787-9 jetliners. Talks are ongoing with the two aircraft makers, he said, declining to give further details 'We now have more planes in our arsenal to ramp up our global route network,' he said at the signing ceremony. 'We will have real scale to dominate Asia Pacific over the next five years.'

Mr Azran said AirAsia X is also looking at buying or leasing two long-range A340s so it could launch flights to London's Stansted Airport. It plans to begin services to London by fourth quarter of this year.

'We've got UK and Malaysian government approval, airport support. Everybody is ready to receive us....but this depends on aircraft availability,' he told reporters.

AirAsia X, which launched flights in November, has already ordered 15 wide-bodied A330s, two of which will be delivered later this year and another two in 2009. It now flies from Kuala Lumpur to Australia's Gold Coast and to Hangzhou in China using one leased plane.

Mr Azran said the carrier plans to expand services to more destinations in Australia and China this year, as well as launch flights to Indian cities such as Amritsar, Poona, Jaipur, Calcutta and Amhedabad. Details will be released later, he said.

AirAsia X plans to also begin flights to Japan by late 2009 or mid-2010, he added.

Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said AirAsia X's expansion will boost Malaysia's aim to become a leading low-cost aviation hub in South-east Asia.

The new plane order comes after AirAsia X raised more funds last month by selling a 10 per cent stake each to Japan's Orix Group and Bahrain-based Manara Consortium for a total of 250 million ringgit (S$108 million).

After the sale is completed, AirAsia X's parent, Aero Ventures Sdn Bhd, will own 48 per cent of the carrier while billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group will hold 16 per cent. AirAsia, the region's top low-cost carrier, holds the remaining 16 per cent. -- AP