Tony Fernandes Profile

Bandar Seri Begawan - Tony Fernandes founded Tune Air Sdn Bhd in 2001, with a vision to make air travel more affordable to Malaysians. With that in mind, Tony and his three partners bought over Air Asia from its owner DRB-Hicom.

Under Tony's Leadership, the fledging airline with a RM40 million debt became a blooming, thriving business.

The airline repaid all debts and has been in a profitable position from the first day of operation.

In less than 3 years, AirAsia grew from 2 modest Boeing 737-300 to 28 and is now operating over 100 domestic and international daily flights from hubs in KLIA, Johor Bahru, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Under his wings, AirAsia went on to revolutionize the air travel industry in Malaysia and pioneered the low cost phenomenon in Asia. In 2004, AirAsia formed successful joint ventures in Thailand and Indonesia where AirAsia holds 49% stake in both companies.

Today, AirAsia is a leading low fare, no frills airline in Southeast Asia, which has flourished into a household name in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

The award winning airline is the recipient of the Asia Pacific Low Cost Airline of the Year 2004 by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), and the Market Leadership Award by ATW magazine.

In addition, AirAsia also clinched the prestigious Euromoney award for Asia’s Best Managed Company in the Airlines & Aviation Sector.

Tony is a member of the prestigious Young Global Leaders organization and a recipient of the International Herald Tribune award for the Visionaries & Leadership Series.

In Dec 2003, Tony was named "Malaysian CEO of the Year 2003" by American Express and Business Times. In 2004, he garnered the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year - Malaysia 2003 Award by Ernst & Young, and was also named Asia Pacific Aviation Executive of the Year 2004 by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

Tony was educated in United Kingdom in Finance. Upon graduation in 1997, Tony joined Virgin Group before moving on to Warner Music International London in 1989.

Subsequently, Tony was transferred back to Malaysia in 1992. At the age of 28, Tony became the youngest person in recording industry's history to head Warner Music Malaysia - a role, which he excelled in. Tony's last serving rote at Warner Music was as Vice President ASEAN. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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