Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and the driving force behind AirAsia, has been awarded the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Award for his outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism sector. This recognition is a testament to his vision and AirAsia’s dedication to fostering Sabah’s growth and prosperity.
Over the past 22 years, AirAsia has revolutionized air travel, making it more accessible to all, and significantly contributing to Sabah’s economic development. Under Tan Sri Tony’s leadership, AirAsia has cemented its position as the ‘airline of the people,’ opening up new opportunities for tourism and generating thousands of jobs.
Sabah has become AirAsia’s second-largest hub in Malaysia, reflecting the airline’s unwavering commitment to the state. Since its launch in 2002, AirAsia has connected Sabah to the rest of Malaysia and the world, currently operating 13 domestic and 14 international direct routes to Sabah. The airline, with a fleet of 11 aircraft based in Kota Kinabalu, plans to add another aircraft by the end of the year.
To further enhance connectivity, daily flights between Kota Kinabalu and Subang Airport will commence on August 30th. Furthermore, AirAsia plans to introduce 10 new destinations over the next six months, including routes to China and Vietnam, solidifying Sabah’s position as a premier travel destination in the region.
Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Chairman of AirAsia Aviation Group, praised Tan Sri Tony Fernandes for his unwavering dedication to Sabah’s development. He stated that Tony’s commitment will drive the airline’s growth, enabling AirAsia to continue contributing to Sabah’s vibrant future.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes expressed his deep gratitude for the award, emphasizing his personal connection to Sabah and AirAsia’s unwavering commitment to the state’s development. He recognized the efforts of the entire Capital A and AirAsia family in achieving this significant impact.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, and Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, expressed immense appreciation for AirAsia’s ongoing support. He highlighted the significant benefits AirAsia has brought to Sabah, including increased tourist arrivals, job creation, and economic stimulation.
Julinus Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board, emphasized AirAsia’s vital role in Sabah’s tourism growth, contributing 55% of domestic flights and 54% of international flights weekly. He lauded AirAsia’s remarkable growth, positioning Sabah as a premier nature, adventure, and culture tourism destination.
AirAsia’s impact extends beyond the skies. AirAsia Ride, the e-hailing service under AirAsia MOVE, provides reliable ground transportation, enhancing the travel experience for visitors and locals. Teleport, Capital A’s logistics division, has significantly impacted Sabah’s logistics and e-commerce industries, enabling the delivery of 7.29 million e-commerce parcels this year.
The ongoing collaboration between AirAsia and the Sabah Tourism Board continues to drive the state’s tourism growth. A recent strategic agreement aims to further boost Sabah’s tourism over the next five years, focusing on enhancing air connectivity between Sabah and key regions.
The recognition of Tan Sri Tony Fernandes with the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Award underscores the significant role AirAsia has played in shaping Sabah’s tourism landscape and driving its economic growth. The airline’s commitment to the state and its future is evident through its continued investments, strategic partnerships, and unwavering dedication to connecting Sabah to the world.
