AirAsia has revealed ambitious plans to expand across the globe, with Africa, China, Europe and America among destinations on the budget carrier’s wish list.
"By 2030, we should be covering the world," Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia's parent company Capital A, said during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur this week.
Fernandes was speaking after shareholders of low-cost carrier Capital A Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd voted to move the former’s aviation business to its medium-haul affiliate.
Observers said the corporate exercise will facilitate Capital A’s exit from Practice Note 17 (PN17) status for financially distressed companies, and ensure access to capital for the bigger airline group under AAX.
The restructuring "makes so much sense as we combine the strengths of both airlines to create one global airline," Fernandes said.
Via his LinkedIn account, Fernandes said it was a great day for the airline group. “After five long years of Covid I see light at the end of this dark tunnel.”
AirAsia next month will launch a route connecting Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi in Kenya. "We believe in Africa tremendously,” Fernandes said.
A key factor behind AirAsia's planned expansion plan is its recent aircraft orders, which include A320neo and A321XLR aircraft that will enable the airline to increase frequency on key routes as well as to fly to new destinations.
From 2026 to 2027 AirAsia will focus on expanding into markets in the Pacific and East Asia, with further growth planned in select regions of Africa, including Tanzania.
By 2028, AirAsia aims to extend its reach in the Middle East, with plans to explore opportunities in Europe and North America by 2030. The airline scrapped its KL-London service 10 years ago but is now eyeing a return.