AirAsia sees strong demand despite crisis
Reuters reports that AirAsia expects stronger passenger growth next year as it adds new routes and planes, saying the darkening economic outlook will boost demand for its budget flights. Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost airline plans to add nine new aircraft in 2009 to its existing fleet of 72 planes, said boss Tony Fernandes. “I am very optimistic. I mean you just saw easyJet came out with some very aggressive numbers on passenger growth, and Europe is in a much worse position than Asia,” he said. The airline said on Monday passenger volumes grew 20% in September despite the global credit crunch, but it also warned of slowing demand. “I am not saying that the market won’t shrink, but I am saying that AirAsia is in a strong position to capitalise on whatever economic situation,” said Fernandes.
Prahok @ October 13, 2008