Budget carrier AirAsia said today it was optimistic of securing rights to fly the lucrative Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route by early next year.

"I think we could have something by the first quarter. I think the only reason not to give us Singapore is to protect MAS (Malaysia Airlines) and it's about time that ends," said chief executive officer Tony Fernandes.

"We are confident of taking a lot of hard traffic from Singapore over to Kuala Lumpur. It is crucial in making KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) an important hub," he told a press conference.

AirAsia has long campaigned for access to the route, arguing that the government must reduce protection for the loss-making national carrier Malaysia Airlines.

100 aircraft not enough

Fernandes, speaking as the airline took delivery of its 15th Airbus A320 - the 50th aircraft in its fleet - said it had not yet confirmed its option for 30 more Airbus A320s, on top of a confirmed order for 100.

The AirAsia chief said he would have to secure board approval to confirm the 30 extra planes, but indicated that more orders were in the offing.

"I do not believe 100 aircraft will be enough," he said. I believe that we will need more aircraft."

AirAsia was launched as a budget carrier in December 2001 with just two aircraft. It now offers more than 100 domestic and international flights to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.