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AirAsia's Fernandes says carrier can withstand jet fuel cost spike

AirAsia shares fell 21% on September 17, 2026, after Reuters reported that Malaysia's government had asked Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air whether they could absorb the budget carrier's domestic market share.
Soaring jet fuel costs surged 66% to an average of US$183 a barrel in the second quarter, driven by the US-Israeli war on Iran, straining the airline's finances and fueling market concerns.
AirAsia Co-Founder Tony Fernandes dismissed the reports as 'most ludicrous,' categorically denying government bailout discussions and stating, 'We've never received any government support in the last 25 years.'
Targeting up to US$1 billion from international debt markets plus 700 million ringgit in local credit, Fernandes emphasized the airline's strong liquidity and rejected the need for government rescue.
The airline plans to restore capacity to pre-war levels by the fourth quarter while expecting 'a pretty exciting announcement' with Airbus within the next month regarding growth strategy.

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AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes Dismisses Financial Concerns, Highlights Growth Plans

Internewscast Internewscast The AirAsia brand is featured in the exhibition hall at the Bali… This Post: AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes Dismisses Financial Concerns, Highlights Growth Plans first appeared on Internewscast

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AirAsia Denies Government Bailout and Seizure of Aircraft After Rumor Take Down Shares

AirAsia did not request financial rescue from the Malaysian government and did not have any of its aircraft paralysed or picked up by default, declared on Friday the co-founder and advisor of the airline, Tony Fernandes. Exclusive material for subscribers. To have full access, access the link of the subject and register.

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AirAsia denies bailout, Fernandes calls claims ‘ludicrous’

AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes dismissed bailout reports and government contingency talks, calling the claims ‘ludicrous’.

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AirAsia's Fernandes refutes financial concerns, points to new growth plans

AirAsia's Tony Fernandes pushed back against a report raising concerns over the airline’s financial health, while signaling plans to resume growth.

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AirAsia Pushes Back on Rivals Taking Its Place in Malaysia

AirAsia is defending its dominance in Malaysia as rivals eye its domestic capacity, while higher fuel costs and liquidity concerns test its advantage.

11 hours ago·New York, United States

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Reuters

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

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AirAsia's Fernandes says carrier can withstand jet fuel cost spike

AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes said on Friday that the low-cost carrier had "strong liquidity" to weather soaring jet fuel costs, as he sought to ease investor concerns about the airline's financial ‌health that have sent its shares to near four-year lows.

13 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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