Tony Fernandes

TONY FERNANDES is one of Asia’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, helming AirAsia, the region’s largest airline group, as its Group Chief Executive Officer since the founding of the first AirAsia low-cost carrier in Malaysia in 2001. Under his leadership, AirAsia won the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Award four years in a row from 2009 to 2012 chosen from a survey of 18 million travellers from around the world.

Armed with a vision to democratise air travel in Asia, Tony and his partners took over an ailing Malaysian carrier in 2001 for US$0.25, assuming US$15 million in debt, and in less than two years, turned the carrier around despite a challenging post-September 11, 2001 environment. AirAsia has since grown into a 130-aircraft network operating from bases in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan. Tony also started international budget hotel chain, Tune Hotels, and is co-owner of the Queens Park Rangers Football Club and the Caterham Formula 1 Team.