AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes on Trump, Tragedies, and Transformation

Recorded at the Skift Global Forum East held in Dubai earlier this month, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes speaks to Skift Asia Editor, Peden Bhutia. In a wide-ranging conversation, the pair discuss everything from a second Trump presidency to how Fernandes handled the aftermath of a deadly plane crash.

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This episode is presented by American Airlines.

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Key Takeaways

Merger and Operational Adaptations: The merger of AirAsia and AirAsia X simplifies operations and capitalizes on the Airbus A321 LR and XLR, which reduce the need for wide-body aircraft. This strategy aligns with evolving demand and efficiency goals post-COVID-19.

Resilience and Transparency: Fernandes highlights his commitment to transparency, particularly during crises like the pandemic and the loss of an aircraft. He sees open communication as critical to maintaining trust with customers, staff, and stakeholders, even when faced with criticism or financial challenges.

Vision for Expansion and Legacy: Capital A is leveraging its resilience to expand into complementary sectors like logistics and fintech. Fernandes envisions building a “low-cost Dubai” in Kuala Lumpur and ensuring his leadership leaves a foundation for sustainable growth beyond his tenure.