AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes is preparing to launch a new airline within the next one to two months, according to recent reports. The airline group is actively repositioning its fleet following a multibillion-dollar order for 150 Airbus SE A220 jets, which is part of its broader strategy to grow with smaller, more flexible aircraft that can serve destinations across Asia.
Despite the recent decline in AirAsia's stock—roughly 35%, largely due to fluctuations in fuel prices—Fernandes remains confident that oil prices will eventually decrease. The airline is seeking to raise up to US$600 million through bond issuance and is engaging with Malaysian banks for a refinancing loan aimed at reducing borrowing costs. Discussions about expansion into markets such as Vietnam and Bahrain are also underway.
Fernandes, who has a net worth of approximately $335 million according to Forbes, has played a pivotal role in transforming AirAsia from a struggling entity into a dominant carrier in Southeast Asia since acquiring it in 2001. The company currently operates across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, with a fleet of about 250 Airbus aircraft. The recent order increases its single-aisle backlog to approximately 550 jets, supporting its growth ambitions.
