We disrupted travel before, we’ll do it again: Tony Fernandes on AirAsia Move’s Asean pass

Capital A CEO stresses his goal to make longer journeys cheaper, setting strong growth trajectory before stepping down

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes delivers a speech at the launch of AirAsia Move’s Asean Explorer Pass today, emphasising that he wants to complete his goals before stepping down from his role. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, April 25, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Tony Fernandes extended his role as Capital A Bhd chief executive officer to complete his goals for the company before passing the baton to his successor.

Besides ensuring the next company leaders have a strong growth trajectory, he said he wanted to finish his journey of developing the app and the company.

“We disrupted travel 23 years ago by creating a low-cost carrier. We’ll disrupt it again and make travel to longer destinations much cheaper, thanks to the aircraft (deliveries).

“That kept me going, and I wanted to finish my journey and help (AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd Group CEO Bo Lingam) and his team carry on,” he said at the launch of AirAsia Move’s Asean Explorer Pass here today.

Although AirAsia Move is a “big challenge”, Fernandes said it is the first time an airline branched out to become an online travel agency.

“If we can bring the same culture, innovation, and discipline to cost, we can make travel more affordable.

“(This app) started during (the) Covid-19 (pandemic), and we have not finished this journey. I want to make sure I finish it,” he said.

The Asean Explorer Pass is an annual travel pass accessible via AirAsia Move, which allows subscribers to enjoy unlimited flights around Asean nations and hotel discounts for a year.

The pass is currently sold at RM999 (or instalments of M89.91/month) – excluding taxes and additional fees – until April 30. Later purchases will be at RM1,188 annually. – April 25, 2024