Malaysia's AirAsia X plans to raise US$80 million (RM272 million) by selling a 20 percent stake in the budget carrier to private equity funds to help buy new aircraft, an official said today.

"Obviously, we are talking to a handful of investors. We are looking at the bids that have been submitted," a senior airline official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Some of the bids are from the Middle East and others are from global funds," he added.

The official said current investors have put in some US$45 million in the long-haul carrier that will launch its maiden flight next month to Australia's Gold Coast.

After the 20 percent sale, the AirAsia X would have US$125 million (RM425 million) as start-up capital, the official said.

The official valued the budget long-haul carrier at US$400 million but declined to reveal when a decision on the sale of the stake would be made.

The carrier had announced plans to buy 15 Airbus A330-300 and may order up to 20 Boeing 787s, or Airbus 350s.

Last month Southeast Asia's largest low-cost carrier AirAsia said it would take a 20 percent stake in long-haul carrier AirAsia X for RM26.7 million in cash.

The announcement came after Richard Branson's Virgin Group took a 20 percent stake in the airline. The British billionaire has vowed to ensure that the project turns a profit.

AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia and Virgin Blue, was launched in January 2007. AirAsia and AirAsia X share common shareholders, including AirAsia founder and chief Tony Fernandes.