Tony Fernandes on how he built Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, AirAsia

Since he started with two leased planes, Tony Fernandes has built AirAsia into Southeast Asia’s biggest low-cost carrier. He says the key to his success over the past sixteen years has been knowing his people.
In this exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Mr Fernandes talks about his upbringing surrounded by business and his excitement about creating connectivity in places with poor transportation. But the AirAsia founder also recalls his agony over a 2014 crash that killed 162 people, calling it the hardest moment in his life.

[syedarman]

"You have people's lives in your hand. If someone loses his life in our aircraft, that's forever." I like him

[thanaang]

Air Asia makes traveling much more convenient and affordable than never before yet precise time table.

[Kianglekable]

I know a guy who keeps telling me, "Chinese cannot work under Indian, later no face"

Now his daughter is working in Air Asia

I just smile

[faizfaizal_.]

Jst REMEMBER..now Everyone can Fly..thks so much..Sir Tony.

[darrenpeternazarene]

Thanks to Air Asia, now traveling within Malaysia alone are much cheaper(not that cheap lah at least its below rm1k or less bukan macam MAS mahal siot)

[紫-vm]

We met him twice during our two-month training in Malaysia last year. He's truly an awesome, humble person ❤️

[DatKidJohnny]

Decent Airline, For the LC it is.
Seems like he did an excellent job and that he knows what he's doing.

[sureshpillay]

I meet him during working in EMI and BMG records, today his dream has made him -Now Everyone Can Fly…the connectivity achieved and more to come…👍AirAsia…❤

[RadzoG]

I experienced fly in air asia with pilot Captain Shaha. Very amazing & cool guy. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[sovietroll]

Funny how he didnt told us how he originally got the low cost airline project from the government in late 1990s before it turned into private sector.

[nurathirah]

Transparency is the best, honesty is the best.

I think humility is probably my strongest point.

I believe in my people and I give my people a chance to excel.

Sir, you are a great leader with pure heart. Keep inspiring people.

[aylyi-huh]

AirAsia is a gift to the world. not like other LCC/ULCC's that treat you like trash. Thank you, Tony

[eudora.blogger]

I love this man. His wisdom. Everything about him.

[sunnyfon]

This man deserves respect. He made flights out of and to Malaysia more affordable for everyone when he began running this airline.

[wilsonbethlehem]

People's life in your hand & shapping people's life. 2 powerful take home message.

[burnabyemergencyphotograph]

Air Asia does have cool looking liveries and airplanes.

[TheHottestProperty]

6:02 Jet Airways, hope it will get back to its normal condition again.

[zulkarnainmahmud]

AirAsia for short haul is okay.. Bila dah more than 3 hrs flight, i will choose full servis airline sebab seat more comfy dn ada IFE.. Dulu pernah naik fligjt airasia chiangmai to kl, dlm 3 jm duduk dlm plane.. Seksa oi!! For long haul, my preference still full servis airline.

[saravanant]

Dear TSTF & SCMP, with your approval, i am using this video as an ice breaker in my Executive Master (adult learning program). Am a fan of TSTF and yes, using this opportunity to share this for future business owners.

[winspeed]

A charming leader always need to have your peoples in your hearts