Tony Fernandes

Tony Fernandes founded Tune Air Sdn Bhd in 2001, with a vision to make air travel more affordable to Malaysians. With that in mind, he and his three partners purchased AirAsia from its owner DRB-Hicom. Fernandes's initial project was to remodel AirAsia into a low fare no frills carrier, taking inspiration from successful models like U.S.-based Southwest Airlines and Dublin-based Ryanair, and thus introducing a new aviation product in Malaysia.

Under Fernandes's leadership, the fledgling airline, which started with a RM40 million debt, became a thriving business. The airline repaid all debts and achieved profitability from the first day of operation. In less than 3 years, AirAsia grew from two modest Boeing 737-300 aircraft to 30 and subsequently expanded to operate over 100 daily flights from hubs in KLIA, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, and Jakarta. His visionary approach led to AirAsia pioneering the low-cost carrier model in Asia, significantly transforming the air travel industry in the region.

Fernandes is not only a prominent figure in aviation but also in sports and media. He is the president of the Asian Basketball League, a role showcasing his dedication to sports beyond aviation. Additionally, in August 2011, he became the majority shareholder and chairman of Queens Park Rangers, demonstrating his involvement in global sports management. Fernandes has graced the covers of Airline Business magazine and the Asian Wall Street Journal, and has been featured in the New York Times and International Herald Tribune, highlighting his influence and thought leadership across multiple industries.

Recognized for his unique leadership and entrepreneurial skills, Fernandes frequently speaks on the growing business market in India and Southeast Asia, advocating that employee prioritization, creativity, and innovation in business are essential for success. His recognition extends through numerous accolades, including being named Businessman of the Year by Forbes Asia in 2010, and appearing on the 2015 TIME 100 list, underscoring his impact on a global scale. His contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards such as the Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the Commander of the Legion d’Honneur for his substantial contributions to the economy of France through the aviation industry.