Latest news with #TonyFernandes
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
AirAsia plans to train Sabah youth in aviation roles
KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia intends to collaborate with higher learning institutions in Sabah to train new generations of pilots, engineers, and flight technicians. AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said this is part of the airline's initiative to develop local human capital, focusing on B40 youth. He noted that while tourism remains Sabah's main economic contributor, AirAsia aims to enhance its contributions through local talent and skilled resource development. "We already have many cabin crew, engineers, and pilots. We wish to help create more pilots, engineers, and technical crews from Sabah youths," he said. Fernandes made these remarks during a courtesy visit to Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman on Tuesday (June 3). He mentioned they are ready with the syllabus and programme structures and will establish a working committee for implementation soon. Applications will open once programme funding is sufficient, he added. "We aim to start this programme before the end of the year, beginning with pilot training," said Fernandes. He said that the programme will eventually cover other areas like engineering, technical roles, and artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the company's investment in the latest technology. "In the flight industry, AirAsia is moving towards AI for network scheduling, fuel saving, and luggage management," he said. AirAsia wants Sabahans to be part of this technological advancement, Fernandes added.
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
AirAsia to train Sabah youth as pilots, engineers
Tun Musa (fourth from left) with the AirAsia delegation.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (June 3): AirAsia plans to collaborate with higher education institutions in Sabah to implement a training program aimed at producing pilots, engineers and aviation technical personnel. Group CEO of AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, said this initiative is part of efforts to develop local human capital, particularly among B40 youth. 'While tourism remains Sabah's key economic driver, AirAsia wants to expand its contribution by developing local talent and workforce skills. 'We already have many cabin crew members, engineers and pilots. Now, we want to help produce more pilots, engineers and technical personnel among Sabah's youth,' he said after paying a courtesy visit to the Governor of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, on Tuesday. Tony stated that the company is ready in terms of syllabus and program structure and will establish a working committee to outline the program's implementation. 'Once sufficient funding is secured, we will open applications. Our target is to start the program before the end of the year, beginning with pilot training,' he said. He explained that the program will later expand to engineering and other technical fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the company's ongoing investments in cutting-edge technology. 'In the aviation industry, AirAsia now extensively uses AI for network scheduling, fuel savings, and baggage management. Therefore, we want Sabah's youth to be involved in this technological advancement,' he added. Meanwhile, AirAsia reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the connectivity from its second-largest hub, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, with the launch of a brand new fifth-freedom route to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei. Starting from 15 August 2025, AirAsia will be operating the additional route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka through a short stopover in Taipei with daily flights. The new route underscores the airline's commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub, enabling more Sabahans to fly beyond Asean and offering more travel options for globetrotters seeking new adventures.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Capital A maintains positive outlook for 2025
Capital A CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes KUALA LUMPUR: Capital A Bhd remains optimistic about its 2025 prospects and is committed to delivering strong operational and financial performance to ensure sustainable returns for shareholders. Chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the group is in the final stretch of its restructuring journey and is not just surviving but charging ahead. 'The High Court has approved our capital reduction, shareholders have backed it unanimously, we are confident to say the tunnel is behind us. Now it's full throttle ahead,' he said in a statement. Fernandes said the group has set 'ambitious but realistic internal targets for 2025' and confirmed it remains on track. 'Aviation is gaining momentum, Capital A businesses are outperforming expectations—particularly Teleport and Santan, gearing up for a stronger second quarter,' he said. He added that BigPay remains focused on a path toward profitability, targeting breakeven in the later part of the year by leveraging the AirAsia ecosystem and key partnerships. 'With Board approval secured, Capital A will now actively explore a dual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to supercharge our next growth chapter and broaden access to global capital markets. We anticipate providing further updates as developments unfold,' Fernandes said. In the first quarter ended March 31 (1Q25), Capital A posted a net profit of RM689.6mil, or earnings per share of 15.90, compared with a net loss of RM91.5mil, or loss per share of 2.20 in the year-ago quarter. Revenue for the quarter rose 15.2% to RM414.5mil against RM359.8mil last year. Fernandes said plans are taking shape for the brand company, Abc., to further grow its existing brands, expand its portfolio through acquiring strong Asean brands, and provide consultancy services to international brands seeking to enter the region. 'With our more than two decades of brand-building experience in Asean, we believe there is a lot of value to be unlocked, the only way we know how. We plan to revisit the opportunity to list Abc. on Nasdaq. 'I'm confident 2025 will be a defining year for Capital A.' Meanwhile, Capital A is now close to finalising a RM1bil private placement. However, it must first secure consent from two remaining aircraft lessors and obtain clearance from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the latter of which has experienced delays. 'As a result, the overall timeline is expected to shift, with completion now targeted by 3Q25,' it said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
AirAsia brand value soars 66pct to RM8bil, now among top 24 global airlines
KUALA LUMPUR: Capital A Bhd's AirAsia has been ranked the 24th most valuable airline brand globally and the seventh most valuable brand in Malaysia, according to the Brand Finance Malaysia 100 2025 report. The group's brand value rose 66 per cent to US$1.93 billion (RM8.19 billion), driven by resurgent passenger demand, strategic route expansions to China and Central Asia and increased frequencies on high-demand routes. "I'm very proud of the results. This recognition reaffirms the resilience and relevance of the AirAsia brand," chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said in a statement. "To be ranked seventh among Malaysia's most valuable brands and 24th globally among airlines is a testament to the hard work of our Allstars and our relentless focus on making travel accessible, affordable and enjoyable for everyone." Brand Finance said Malaysia's top 100 brands collectively grew 16 per cent in 2025, with the airline sector posting an 85 per cent jump in value. AirAsia stood out for its agility in adapting to post-pandemic travel trends and recapturing market momentum. The airline maintained an AAA- brand strength rating and remained among the top 10 strongest brands in Malaysia, supported by high customer advocacy and strong regional brand affinity. Fernandes said AirAsia's broader ecosystem under Capital A, spanning logistics, fintech and digital ventures, remains a core part of its brand strategy and reinforces its role as a key player in Asean's connected economy. "As we grow beyond aviation, our focus remains on delivering value, innovation and connectivity to all our stakeholders across the region," he added.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
AirAsia brand value jumps 66pct to RM8bil, ranked among top 24 global airlines
KUALA LUMPUR: Capital A Bhd's AirAsia has been ranked the 24th most valuable airline brand globally and the seventh most valuable brand in Malaysia, according to the Brand Finance Malaysia 100 2025 report. The group's brand value rose 66 per cent to US$1.93 billion (RM8.19 billion), driven by resurgent passenger demand, strategic route expansions to China and Central Asia and increased frequencies on high-demand routes. "I'm very proud of the results. This recognition reaffirms the resilience and relevance of the AirAsia brand," chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said in a statement. "To be ranked seventh among Malaysia's most valuable brands and 24th globally among airlines is a testament to the hard work of our Allstars and our relentless focus on making travel accessible, affordable and enjoyable for everyone." Brand Finance said Malaysia's top 100 brands collectively grew 16 per cent in 2025, with the airline sector posting an 85 per cent jump in value. AirAsia stood out for its agility in adapting to post-pandemic travel trends and recapturing market momentum. The airline maintained an AAA- brand strength rating and remained among the top 10 strongest brands in Malaysia, supported by high customer advocacy and strong regional brand affinity. Fernandes said AirAsia's broader ecosystem under Capital A, spanning logistics, fintech and digital ventures, remains a core part of its brand strategy and reinforces its role as a key player in Asean's connected economy. "As we grow beyond aviation, our focus remains on delivering value, innovation and connectivity to all our stakeholders across the region," he added.
