Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) damning losses of more than RM1 billion in its 2013 financial year has givenFernandes reason to gloat.
In a series of Twitterposts, Fernandes said MAS has suffered massive losses despite government support, unlike his budget airline AirAsia.
On top of that, he said, AirAsia has done “amazing” despite “roadblocks” placed by agencies like Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, by way of higher airport fees.
‘AirAsia Allstars, take a bow. Malaysia Airlines lost over a billion. Malaysia Airports (Holdings Bhd) delay(ed) terminal by three years. Yet still great results,’ he tweeted, referring to the AirAsia team.
‘I wonder if it’s fair that Malaysia Airlines can lose so much money and protect its market share. Can only do that with taxpayers money.
‘And while Malaysia Airports spends double what it should. Imagine if it spent what it originally said, airport tax could have been lowered.’
AirAsia has been at loggerheads with Malaysia Airports over the further delay in opening the KLIA2 low-cost carrier terminal. AirAsia claims that it could have built the terminal at a lower cost and completed it at a faster rate.
‘Higher airport tax in Kota Kinabalu?’
Continuing his rant against the airport operator, Fernandes tweeted that no support has been given to the Kota Kinabalu low-cost terminal, Terminal 2.
Instead, Malaysia Airports has insisted that AirAsia move to Terminal 1 – a decision which could double airport fees and affect the budget carrier’s ticket prices, he said.
This is despite AirAsia being a precursor for “booming” tourism in Sabah.
‘If we move, Sabahans have to pay double airport tax. Makes toll rise look like a walk in the park. So we fight. So that sabahans can dream,’ reads his tweet.
‘We have allowed Sabahans to fly to places they never dreamt before be through low fares. And having a low cost terminal.’
MAS yesterday announced that its losses have deepened to a whopping RM1.2 billion.
But it plans to purchase up to 100 Airbus and Boeing passenger aircrafts in a turnaround effort, and is awaiting government approval.
MAS and AirAsia’s controversial share-swap deal in 2011 unraveled in 2012.
Although Fernandes later said he was “glad” that the deal was unwound, critics said the deal had mostly benefitted AirAsia rather than the already failing MAS.
Among others, AirAsia benefitted from reduced competition when MAS’ budget airline Firefly cut several routes.
Final stm
Pon Rangan wrote on 20 February, 2014, 6:50
Ya ,,,,A Asia life is so easy for you because you mobilize cow cash before flying and no refund for cancellations. You make make millions in advance and millions on cancellations that was your profit strategy. I wonder how this government had sanctioned your scheme to collect 6 moths before flying. In 80′s there was such private travel agencies “Fly Now Pay Later” You change it to” Pay Now Fly Later”But there was a scheme screwed up by the government. Absolutely you are lucky to collect six months before flying.
Any form Five boy can manage yours profitably. Further yours is not product oriented to place a deposit on daily raise game, its merely service oriented . Further you collect RM13.00 for 1.50 nasi Lemak and not even a 20 mm drinking water at your plane.
We don’t understand why the governments national flyer change to take 6 months to capitalize on collection like you. You can boast as you are comfortable with your business while whacking our pockets.. The only “Business” fortunate player in the country.
You start with 189.00 the next day it shoot up at 700.00 who justify your raise ? The final game it will be as same as normal rate ? Your six months advance collection is good enough to even buy MU per say with our Msian cash.The tax payers are blur and they scratch each other at streets till it bleed RED like your color .We hope, you give best service like MAS .MAS should get the opportune to be your competitor to capitalize. MAS can do wonder and better then you. Last , we no need to teach the Transport minister the market. Unless there is hidden political gain game to fly kite the MAS. We see it as manipulative …You will more lucky .We wait to see 28 million foreigners arriving and another 28 million Malaysian flying. The MAS kite is windless.While yours is cash first no talk no refund.
CONGRATULATIONS MR. FERNANDES. AIRASIA DOING WELL.JUST KEEP IT UP.IT WOULD BE A BETTER CHOICE IF AIRASIA SERVE SOME LIGHT REFRESHMENTS IN FLIGHT.ALL IS WELL.GOD BLESS YOU.
Boss, I appreciate you. What you do is business and you do that in a remarkable way. Carry on! Don’t worry about criticism! You are not doing any charity work. Business should be treated as business. But for MAS, business is not a serious matter. It is just like an another govt. department! No way MAS can make any money! Tony, pray for MAS when you go for your MASS this Sunday!