The European aircraft manufacturer said the decision was reached jointly by both parties.
"Airbus can confirm that the order was cancelled by mutual agreement," an Airbus spokesperson told Bernama.
The cancellation follows growing indications that AirAsia Group is re-evaluating its fleet requirements in line with evolving market dynamics and its long-term network strategy. Industry observers note that the group's emphasis has increasingly moved toward fuel-efficient, long-range narrowbody aircraft capable of serving medium and long-haul routes at lower operating costs.
While Airbus has publicly confirmed the cancellation, AirAsia X has declined to comment on the development.
The now-cancelled order involved the Airbus A330-900, the larger variant of the A330neo family. The aircraft was originally viewed as a key component of AirAsia X's ambitions to expand its long-haul network, particularly on routes connecting Southeast Asia with Europe.
With its extended range capabilities, the A330-900 was considered suitable for operating non-stop services between Kuala Lumpur and major European destinations, including London, a market that has long been associated with AirAsia X's expansion plans.
The decision comes amid a broader strategic shift within the AirAsia Group toward aircraft that offer greater flexibility across a wider range of destinations. Earlier this year, the group announced an order for 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, one of the world's longest-range single-aisle jets.
The A321XLR is designed to enable airlines to operate longer routes with lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs compared to larger widebody aircraft, making it an attractive option for carriers seeking to develop new markets or increase route frequency while managing capacity more efficiently.
Aviation analysts believe the move reflects changing industry preferences following the post-pandemic recovery, with many airlines increasingly favouring smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft capable of serving long-haul destinations without the higher costs associated with larger widebody fleets.
Although neither Airbus nor AirAsia X has disclosed further details regarding the cancellation agreement, the development highlights the airline's evolving approach to fleet planning as it seeks to balance growth ambitions with operational efficiency and market demand.
The cancellation also underscores the changing landscape of long-haul travel, where airlines are increasingly exploring the potential of next-generation narrowbody aircraft to connect distant destinations that were once the exclusive domain of larger widebody jets.