The share swap deal between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia has been a rewarding experience to date with good progress achieved in respect of collaboration, says AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes.

“We have managed to set aside our differences and work together towards achieving the common goal of success and I am happy with the transaction,” he added.

NONE However, Fernandes ( left ) declined to elaborate further on the matter, despite being pressed to do so in Kuala Lumpur today.

The share swap last year saw AirAsia’s major shareholder, Tune Air Sdn Bhd, take up a 20.5 percent stake in MAS while Khazanah Nasional Bhd got 10 percent in the low budget carrier.

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is currently studying public complaints on the deal which purportedly has anti-competition elements.

Meanwhile, AirAsia is answering an appeal for donations in aid of disabled youths through a charity climbing expedition up Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, from April 27-30.

The expedition, ‘Climbing For A Cause’, and organised by AirAsia’s engineers, will raise RM100,000 to purchase prosthetics for youth who have lost their limbs due to illness or traffic accidents.

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme was launched by Fernandes in Kuala Lumpur today.

“As a company we believe in giving others an opportunity and helping those in need,” he said.

- Bernama