AirAsia and AirAsia X co-founder Tony Fernandes says he is preparing to launch a new airline, aiming to expand even as the aviation industry faces pressure from high fuel prices. In interviews and comments reported by multiple outlets, Fernandes states that the airline’s announcement is expected in the next one to two months. He frames the move as a long-term bet that growth during a period of elevated oil costs will eventually pay off.
Fernandes also indicates that AirAsia is already making operational preparations for the venture. Specifically, he says some aircraft are being moved to support the new business. The sources do not provide additional details on the airline’s name, routes, ownership structure, fleet size, or regulatory timeline.
In at least one report, Fernandes is described as “defiant” regarding fuel hedging, though the available excerpts do not specify the exact position or strategy. Overall, the reporting agrees that Fernandes is signaling an imminent launch plan while addressing fuel-cost challenges facing airlines in the region.
