NO SCALEBACK IN FUTURE PLANS FOR AIRASIA DESPITE MAS TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama)-- Tony Fernandes, Group Chief
Executive Officer of AirAsia Tuesday said that there will be no scaleback in
the company's future plans to expand its fleet and air destinations despite the
Comprehensive Collaboration Framework signed with Malaysia Airline System Bhd
(MAS) and AirAsia X Sdn Bhd.

Entering into the framework will not change AirAsia's identity as it is
aimed at focusing on the core competency of each airline company, he told
reporters after the signing ceremony here Tuesday.

He added that the framework was also timely for the company in light of the
growing competition in the aviation industry across the globe.

"By reaping the benefits from this framework, we can also compete with big
players in the aviation world especially those coming from the Middle East," he
said.

Commenting on the issue of possible monopolisation due to the framework,
Fernandes said this will not happen as the focus was more on putting energy into
a positive direction in terms of providing benefits to the industry such as
promoting tourism and job opportunities.