Fernandes: AirAsia has succession plan in place

Fernandes had hinted at a possible retirement earlier in the day, speaking of a time when new talent will come in to lead the low-cost carrier.


AIRASIA Bhd already has a succession plan in place for top management, according to its chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

"Every company has a succession plan. We are also grooming people," he said.

Fernandes had hinted at a possible retirement earlier in the day, speaking of a time when new talent will come in to lead the low-cost carrier.

The airline, however, came out with a statement later in the evening to deny that Fernandes had plans to leave the airline.

"Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes' statement was made only in reference to his aspiration and expectation of the quality of his successor, should he decide to retire in the future.

"However, our group CEO does not have any plans to relinquish his leadership of the company any time soon as suggested by the article," it said.

Fernandes was speaking at the cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the carrier's 10th year in business.

"In 10 years' time, I think there will be a new CEO. I think, my time is coming to an end soon," he said, speaking to reporters after the ceremony.

On the airline's tiff with airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd recently, Fernandes said he was positive they would be able to move forward.

AirAsia had appointed negotiators for the Service Level Agree-ment (SLA) talks it wants to have with MAHB.

Fernandes said the airline hopes to strike a long-term agreement for all the airports it operates from in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Fernandes said he is optimistic about the MAS recovery plan announced on Wednesday. This is despite despairing comments from analysts on the business plan.

"Ahmad Jauhari (MAS CEO) is a great leader. Obviously the press and everyone are a bit tired, there's been so many turnaround plans, but rather than talk too much ... let him deliver," he said.