AirAsia is a low-cost carrier based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While the country is home to a widely-revered full-service operator in the form of flag carrier Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia has outgrown it in terms of its fleet and network. With subsidiaries situated across the continent, AirAsia is set to grow even more, with a huge Airbus order on the way.
Formed in 1993, AirAsia commenced operations three years later. Initially formed by a government-owned group, the airline ran into significant debts in its early years. This led to its acquisition by executives including Tony Fernandes in 2001. In the two decades that have followed, AirAsia has established itself as a leading low-cost carrier.
Initially a full-service carrier
Having been established in December 1993, AirAsia took to the skies in November 1996. DRB-HICOM, an automotive conglomerate owned by the Malaysian government, formed AirAsia as a full-service carrier, contrary to its present model as a budget airline.
It initially flew Boeing 737-300s, but also leased widebodies for Hajj charters on a short-term basis at the turn of the century. These included the Boeing 747-200 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. As seen below, AirAsia’s early livery was relatively plain in comparison to its red color scheme that we know today. This came about after an ownership change.
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New ownership
The change in ownership came about in September 2001. At this point, AirAsia had accrued $11 million in debts, which new owners Tune Group took on when they purchased the carrier for a token fee of just 1 Malaysian Ringgit ($0.26). The group was founded by Tony Fernandes, who now serves as AirAsia’s CEO. Under his leadership, things have improved.
AirAsia made a strong recovery the following year. Key to this was the decision to restructure as a low-cost carrier, rather than persisting with the full-service model that had caused it to face heavy debts. Under the new model, it was able to break Malaysia Airlines’ previous monopoly on certain routes from Kuala Lumpur with fares as low as 1 Ringgit.
A dominant group today
Having turned a profit in 2002, AirAsia continued to grow the following year. Indeed, 2003 saw it open both its first international route (to Bangkok), and a second hub in Senai. Before long, it had established the first of what has now become many subsidiary airlines.
Known as Thai AirAsia, this division commenced operations in February 2004. Since then, the airline has also established subsidiaries in India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. It has also made plans to form divisions in China and Vietnam. Additionally, it has established a long-haul division called AirAsia X. This carrier commenced operations in 2007.
Despite now being in debt once again, the group has big plans for the future in terms of its fleet. Indeed, data from ch-aviation.com shows that AirAsia has a staggering 354 examples of the Airbus A321neo on order. It may also look to diversify its operations, and is interested in a cargo version of the next-generation narrowbody. Watch this space…
What do you make of AirAsia? Have you ever flown with the Malaysian low-cost carrier, or one of its subsidiaries? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments?
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