AirAsia open to collaboration with MAS NewCo
AirAsia Bhd is looking for possible areas to collaborate with Malaysian Airline Bhd (MAB) in response to a statement by new chief executive officer (CEO) Christoph Mueller yesterday to seek collaboration with the low-cost carrier and other potential partners.
AirAsia group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said both companies have already entered into discussions but it is still in the early stages.
“In reducing the cost, it will be a great thing if the two of us can make a regional powerhouse in maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), that’s great and make sense.
“We have to put our planes somewhere for maintenance and why not do it in Malaysia and do it with MAB,” he told the media after AirAsia’s annual general meeting today.
He said if that happens, both airlines will reduce their costs and most importantly, through their volume, they can offer services to third-party airlines globally and make Malaysia as the bigger MRO centre and more jobs will be created.
Other than the MRO, he said the company is also looking for other opportunities to collaborate with MAB, including airport ground handling, cargo, and many others.
In the meantime, Fernandes also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to embrace technology to help reduce cost in the aviation industry.
“Airports outside Malaysia are moving very fast in embracing technology and helping airlines to reduce cost and they are being very proactive on that,” he said.
Airports in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, he said, are far ahead of Malaysia’s airports right now.
“Other airports in the region are responding quicker. This is home-based and we are the largest low-cost carrier and Malaysia should be the number one leader in low-cost travel. We need MAHB to be proactive in helping us,” he added.
- Bernama
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