AirAsia founder denies state bailout talks despite insiders’ claims
AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes met with officials from Malaysia’s finance ministry two weeks ago to discuss potential government support for Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost airline, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. The talks reflect growing government concerns about the financial health of the country’s largest domestic carrier following a spike in jet fuel prices, the…
AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes met with Malaysia's finance and transport ministry officials two weeks ago to discuss potential government support, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The meetings came as soaring jet fuel prices strained the airline's finances, but Fernandes denied that the discussions involved financial assistance.
He reiterated that AirAsia could handle the situation without government help, as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he noted the airline would welcome assistance if offered. The finance ministry declined to comment on the meeting details. The turbulence in the aviation sector, driven by rising fuel costs, has raised concerns among Malaysian authorities about AirAsia's financial health, which controls about 60% of Malaysia's domestic aviation market.
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