{
  "id": 8256475,
  "title": "AirAsia co-founder says carrier can withstand fuel cost spike, doesn't need government bailout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasia-co-founder-says-carrier-can-withstand-fuel-cost-spike-doesnt",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T14:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress Business",
    "slug": "vnexpress-business",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/companies/airasia-co-founder-says-carrier-can-withstand-fuel-cost-spike-doesn-t-need-government-bailout-5121962.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an interview on Friday, AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes stated the carrier could withstand a recent spike in fuel costs and did not require government assistance. He said AirAsia raised over US$1 billion, mostly to refinance existing debt, by December or January. Fernandes noted that while the Covid pandemic was far worse than the current situation, the airline was now in a stronger position. This came two days after reports suggested Malaysia's government might ask Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air to absorb AirAsia's domestic market share, though Fernandes denied any government support was needed or ongoing discussions. The airline's liabilities were RM18.4 billion against cash and bank balances of RM954 million, with fuel costs rising 66% in the second quarter. Fernandes highlighted that AirAsia's load factor was 80% in Q3 and expected strong bookings for Q4, optimistic about operations in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The company is restructuring aggressively, cutting underperforming routes, returning older aircraft, and renegotiating vendor contracts to reduce costs.",
  "summary": "AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes has said the low-cost carrier can weather soaring jet fuel costs, amid investor concerns about the airline's financial health.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "AirAsia co-founder says carrier has strong liquidity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasia-co-founder-says-carrier-has-strong-liquidity",
        "published": "2026-09-18T07:42:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}