# AirAsia

> Malaysian low-cost airline

**Wikidata**: [Q406643](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q406643)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirAsia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/airasia

## Summary
AirAsia is a Malaysian low-cost airline founded on December 20, 1993, and listed on Bursa Malaysia. It operates as a public company under the Tune Group, offering affordable air travel across Southeast Asia and beyond. Known for its extensive route network and use of Airbus A320-family aircraft, AirAsia has become a major player in democratizing air travel in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: December 20, 1993
- **Headquarters**: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (originally at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, later moved to Petaling Jaya, Selangor)
- **Parent Company**: Tune Group (founded in 2001)
- **Stock Exchange**: Bursa Malaysia (ticker: 8662)
- **IATA Code**: AK; **ICAO Code**: AXM
- **Subsidiaries**: Indonesia AirAsia (2004), Philippines AirAsia (2010), AirAsia X (2007), and others
- **Key People**: CEO Riad Asmat; founder Tony Fernandes (Malaysian entrepreneur)
- **Aircraft Fleet**: Primarily operates Airbus A320-family jets
- **Notable Incident**: AirAsia Flight 8501 (2014), an Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 crash into the Java Sea
- **Public Company Status**: Listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2007
- **Related Entities**: Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Selangor, Airbus A320 family, and AMOS aircraft MRO software

## FAQs
**What is AirAsia and when was it founded?**  
AirAsia is a Malaysian low-cost airline founded on December 20, 1993. It is headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and operates as a public company listed on Bursa Malaysia.

**Who owns AirAsia?**  
AirAsia is part of the Tune Group, a Malaysian entertainment and leisure company founded in 2001. Key figures include CEO Riad Asmat and founder Tony Fernandes.

**Is AirAsia a public company?**  
Yes, AirAsia has been a public company listed on Bursa Malaysia (formerly Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) since 2007, with the ticker symbol 8662.

**What subsidiaries does AirAsia operate?**  
AirAsia operates multiple subsidiaries, including Indonesia AirAsia (2004), Philippines AirAsia (2010), and AirAsia X (2007), which focus on regional and long-haul routes.

**What happened to AirAsia Flight 8501?**  
AirAsia Flight 8501, operated by Indonesia AirAsia, crashed into the Java Sea in 2014, resulting in the loss of all 162 lives on board. The incident led to improved aviation safety protocols in Southeast Asia.

**Where is AirAsia headquartered?**  
AirAsia’s headquarters are in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, with primary operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

## Why It Matters
AirAsia revolutionized air travel in Southeast Asia by pioneering the low-cost carrier model, making flying accessible to millions. Its extensive route network connects major cities and remote regions, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. As a publicly traded company, AirAsia contributes to Malaysia’s economy and influences aviation trends globally. Its subsidiaries and partnerships have reshaped the region’s travel landscape, emphasizing affordability and efficiency.

## Notable For
- Pioneering low-cost air travel in Southeast Asia since 1993
- Operating one of the world’s largest Airbus A320-family fleets
- Expanding through subsidiaries in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan
- Public listing on Bursa Malaysia (2007) and membership in the Tune Group
- Implementing safety improvements following the 2014 Flight 8501 incident
- Strategic use of Kuala Lumpur International Airport as a regional hub

## Body

### History and Corporate Structure
AirAsia was founded on December 20, 1993, as a Malaysian low-cost airline. It became a public company listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2007 under the ticker symbol 8662. The airline is part of the Tune Group, a conglomerate founded in 2001 by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes. AirAsia’s corporate headquarters are in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with operational bases at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other regional hubs.

### Operations and Fleet
AirAsia primarily operates Airbus A320-family aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and suitability for short- to medium-haul flights. The airline’s route network spans domestic and international destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. Its low-cost model emphasizes point-to-point travel, minimizing operational costs through streamlined services and high aircraft utilization.

### Subsidiaries and Expansion
AirAsia’s regional expansion is driven by wholly-owned subsidiaries:
- **Indonesia AirAsia** (2004): Headquartered in Jakarta, it operates domestic and international routes, notably involved in the 2014 Flight 8501 incident.
- **Philippines AirAsia** (2010): Based in Manila, it serves the Philippine market and connects to broader Southeast Asian destinations.
- **AirAsia X** (2007): Focuses on long-haul flights using Airbus A330 aircraft, linking Malaysia to destinations like Japan and Australia.

### Leadership and Ownership
Key figures include CEO Riad Asmat and founder Tony Fernandes, who played a pivotal role in AirAsia’s growth. The airline’s affiliation with the Tune Group provides strategic and financial support, enabling investments in technology, fleet modernization, and market expansion.

### Technology and Innovation
AirAsia utilizes AMOS aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) software developed by Swiss AviationSoftware, enhancing fleet management efficiency. The airline also emphasizes digital integration, offering booking and customer service platforms through its website and mobile app.

### Safety and Incidents
The 2014 AirAsia Flight 8501 crash, involving an Indonesia AirAsia A320-216, led to rigorous safety reviews and improvements. Investigations highlighted weather monitoring and pilot training enhancements, contributing to improved aviation safety standards across Southeast Asia.

### Geographic and Economic Impact
Based in Malaysia, AirAsia leverages Kuala Lumpur’s strategic location as a regional aviation hub. The airline’s operations support tourism, business travel, and economic connectivity in Southeast Asia, particularly in archipelagic nations like Indonesia and the Philippines, where air travel is critical for inter-island mobility.

### Related Entities and Infrastructure
AirAsia’s operations are closely tied to:
- **Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)**: Primary hub for domestic and international flights.
- **Selangor**: Home to AirAsia’s headquarters and a key economic region in Malaysia.
- **Bursa Malaysia**: The stock exchange where AirAsia is listed, facilitating public investment and capital raising.

### Cultural and Market Influence
AirAsia’s low-cost model has democratized air travel, enabling middle-income populations to fly frequently. The airline’s brand is synonymous with affordability and accessibility, reshaping travel behaviors and expectations in Southeast Asia. Partnerships with tourism boards and travel agencies further amplify its role in promoting regional destinations.

## References

1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20140903151743/http://www.airasia.com/docs/common-docs/investor-relations/annual-report-2013.pdf)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20140605031526/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/airasia-denies-funding-issues-in-moving-hq-to-klia2)
3. [Source](http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2012&dt=0618&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Ekonomi&pg=ek_04.htm)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Google Knowledge Graph
6. [Source](https://www.airasia.com/my/en/our-fares/fees-and-charges.page)
7. Quora
8. [Source](http://archive.is/2022.03.24-204851/https://careers.airasia.com/where-we-are1)
9. [Source](http://web.archive.org/web/20141118202611/https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/15/RedQuarters-set-to-become-AirAsias-global-HQ-by-2016/)
10. [Source](https://www.capitala.com/misc/ar2020.pdf)
11. [AIRASIA latest news & coverage](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/topic/airasia)
12. [AirAsia Culture | Comparably](https://www.comparably.com/companies/airasia)