The low cost man who gave me the final push.
Jun 03, 2009
| Categories: Business & Entrepreneurs |
I spent the past week in France. Went to see Airbus and then took a few days off cruising on a boat with my dear friend Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of the Easy Group. It was great fun.
Few know how we got acquainted. I had been working in Warner Music for 15 years. First as Warner Communication then Time Warner. In between, we merged with CNN and finally became AOL Time Warner. That was one merger too many for me and I was against it so in 2000, I stood in the Warner office in Rockfeller Center, New York and I quit. It was impulsive but then I knew that I didn't believe in their vision and I was having problems with my boss anyway so it was time to go. I had no idea what I was going to do but I just felt that the time had come for me to go. I guess I was always aware when my sell by date was.
So I walked. I think my boss was really happy I did. I flew from New York back to London which, in many ways was my home as I had spent such a long time there.
I was watching the telly in a pub and I saw Stelios on air talking about Easyjet and running down the national carrier, British Airways (Sound familiar? Hahaha). I was intrigued as I didn't know what a low cost carrier was but I always wanted to start an airline that flew long haul with low fares.
So I went to Luton and spent a whole day there. I was amazed how people were flying to Barcelona and Paris for less than 10 pounds. Everything was organised and everyone had a positive attitude. It was then at that point in Luton airport that I decided to start a low cost airline. in January 2001, armed with one million I went about building AirAsia. The rest is now history.
So I owe a lot to Stelios. I emailed him a few times. He always replied but was not keen on investing. We became good friends after we met at the World Economic Forum.
Since then we have seen each other quite a few times. The great thing about Stelios is his humility and that's very endearing. He has moved on from Easyjet to Easyhotel, Easycruise, Easycinema, Easybus and even Easypizza.
I watched the Monte Carlo Grand Prix from his apartment. He is right above the start line as you can see from the pictures.
The Monte Carlo GP start line
Million dollar view
Stelios is like Richard who was also there. These are serial entreprenuers. They like to start a business and then move onto another one. I love his energy, his drive, his desire to have fun but above all, his humility.
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24 comments
Nice to see you write another blog. Although i was busy to work, but i still have to pull out a minute or two to type something here.
LCC is really good idea, i wonder who ever actually brought this idea up first? I am not insulting Sir Freddie, but i think there must be someone earlier then that.
Since the start of the commercial air travel, flights are classified as a luxurious product/public transport. And the bigger airliners keep ripping passengers off for greater profit, that obvious for business, i understand it.
But what about those who are slightly unfortunate? Why the fate have to determine their lifestyle and limit there footstep to overseas. Life is too short!!!
Easyjet is one of several LCC pioneer who gave the working class group to have an opportunity to whereelse, especially gave a great opportunity for the soccer fans to watch the top 4 football league in the world, this will best to be reflected when there are home & away games, eg: UEFA Cup/Euro Champions League. etc!!!
(I think Air Asia should do something similar later on, for soccer fans go the away ground to watch ACL & AFC Cup!!! But Air Asia's regional network has to be built up more broadly to other Asian region, since Asia has the biggest continent out of all!!)
Tony, i remember that you have mentioned before that you weren't like the other entrepreneurs who kept opening the business. Now you got your Tune group, Tune Money, Tune Hotel, Air Asia and Air Asia X.
I think that can well linked up for the traveller's need, from transportation to accommodation. So i think, if you want to expend your business, i think a franchise of fastfood shop would do. To fight against Mc_______, or a coffee shop would be great.
P.S:
What a shame that Nico lost the Monte Carlo F1. By the way, What do you think of Nakajima? He wasn't going that well as what my expectation~!!!
Sounds great, its always good to have another entrepreneur to inspire you & sharing among each others.
But you're the person who has done a way better service to the society by making people fly in a region where air travel was strange ! Keep up the great work !
P.S: Of course, why not, let's start a TuneBus service !
Amazing stories here, Tony. A very enjoyable read. I'd like to think you will compile them all into a book (or many books) one day. It will be a legacy not just for this generation, but for many more to come.
That people will remember you as the man who started the low cost airline in Malaysia, against all odds. I salute men like these, the Walt Disney's, the Colonel Kentuckys. Names of people who believed ina a dream and dared to make sure the dream come true. These names live on forever. And I believe yours will too.
Well done! Such great passion.
intresting story,well done datuk,all the best in everyting,tq
It's so good to read a new posting. I wish you could post more often. I enjoy reading your blog. You're an inspiration to me and some of my friends.
I'm going to, set up a dog grooming business in the future... And I'm going to make it affordable for every one. It's also going to be packaged differently from other dog grooming services in Malaysia. I'm still working on the plan & financial calculations...
Thank you for inspireing and educating me through your blog Tony.
In my opine its only people with great pride of their job and professionalism will stand up and admit they have past their sell by date. Its takes an equally honourable person (which is rare in today's world) to admit that he or she has given their best shot and will have to move on to the next chapter to improve their selves professionally. Indeed one will not deny that you made a seismic shift career wise.
You took the leap of faith....the result - you have rocked the aviation world and changed people's lives forever. The man & women on the street who previously had a psychological barrier that flying was meant for an elitist group is now able to not only fly but travel with comfort. I've always been told that everything happens for a reason and never look back to the past. In addition, I guess you have shown me that making an impulse decision (when you quit your job) may not be a bad thing afterall. Steve Jobs in addressing a group of Standford students during their graduation said "The dots will connect" he was saying this in reference to the bitter and sweet experiences in life. Well Tony, the dots did connect for you...from the music industry to an aviation mogul...
Albert Einstein's quote probably best fits your revolutionary idea of creating AirAsia - "You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." ....and you have done that exactly.
I'm positive and confident that the story of Tony Fernandes and AirAsia will be in the very fabric of the aviation history for a long time to come...
Hi Tony, first of all its good to know you are well and just needing rest. As we grow older, we should learn not to over stretch ourselves so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labour!
History will show that most successful businesses are the ones that cater for the masses. Before Microsoft, computer software was highly expensive and only large companies can afford it. Before Laker Airways, few people could afford to fly between the UK and the US. I was lucky enough to be living in London during Laker Airways' heydays and I see the same buzz in Malaysia these days. Now we have AirAsia, Malaysia's homegrown success story.
Tony, thanks to you and your dedicated and passionate team, many people in this region are now able to travel. Travel is good as in broadens minds and boosts economies. Many countries failed to appreciate the impact of having tourists in their countries. Low cost carriers play their part and bring volume to economies. That is good.
I look forward to seeing AirAsia grow in the coming years. If you get it right, AirAsia can indeed be a truly Asian carrier. Now, that will be something, won't it?
Dear Tony,
Hope you are doing good ! Heard you FAINTED three days back. at the LCCT. Thank havens the docs gave you a clean bill of health :-)
The Malaysian Entrepreneur Circle needs you, MAS aren't done with their beatings and SIA needs more teases.
So...Get up on your feet already !!...Just Kidding
Take Care Mate, God Bless !!
Chief nice piece..as always it is inspiring, the energy is just flowing..! cool view from the top tho viewing the F1 grid line..!! seems like a parade!
From a million to an Empire, looking forward to your best seller! a true story to tell.. :) anyway hope your feeling better now, get good rest... ya! cheerios.
Hi Tony,
To me you are the guy with the MIDAS TOUCH (everything you touch turns to gold). I read in the papers lately that you fainted, during some function, I guess you have been pushing youself a little too much with no break. I also read about the few days off cruising on a boat with your dear friend Stelios, the founder of the Easy Group in your blog, I think you should take a longer break cruising, with your cell phones off.
Tony have you gone through my blog about the book.
Bye and TAKE CARE mate,
Peter (PJC)
To me you are the guy with the MIDAS TOUCH (everything you touch turns to gold). I read in the papers lately that you fainted, during some function, I guess you have been pushing youself a little too much with no break. I also read about the few days off cruising on a boat with your dear friend Stelios, the founder of the Easy Group in your blog, I think you should take a longer break cruising, with your cell phones off.
Tony have you gone through my blog about the book.
Bye and TAKE CARE mate,
Peter (PJC)
Hi Tony, I don't know how to express it but seeing AirAsia grow and grow amidst economic recession and yet available free flights....its truly amazing indeed. Tony, you have the hearts of every person who would love to see other parts of the world, amazingly with your ideas and staff who are devoted to their work effortlessly it work and every person in this world recognize AirAsia as truly a remarkable airline. I remember when I booked my first flight to Langkawi with my wife and son, its truly save a lot of money..... thanks to AirAsia! From now my son will always y "Dad...its AirAsia...that bring us to Langkawi" Imagine for a boy so lucky to have a chance to sit on a plane at a very young age, myself don't have such privilege as my father always told me "Only rich people can fly"... but Today history, changed this mindset.... "No more rich can fly, but we all fly together"...and all this contribution comes from our very kind hearted person Sir Datuk Tony... hope you will receive Nobel prize award for your kind contribution. I do sincerely hope can work with your company one day if my age not older than I think its old.
Once again, may God bless such a generous person and protect all his great plan until one day we all can see as it helps our lives.
Thank you Datuk Tony! We all love you....have my salute Sir....
Its very inspiring how you can leave your job when you felt something was not right.Just like Richard who could give away his car which was a wedding gift to settle a music deal.Its fascinating to me on the "risk" taken and how creating business opportunities is like a walk in a park.I know there is alot of hard work involved but its impressive that while people are planning and planning to create the best idea , others are practicing the idea and evolve to be a great idea.
Hey Tony,
I bet that million dollar view was an inspiration to follow your heart and soul to build a billion dollar view for yourself and the people of Malaysia.
Steven Covey should add that as the 9th habits to his next publication!!!!!! Plus he could have also used your "Sell by Date" concept and publish a whole new book for the most successful people who left at the right time!!!!!
Good going mate and 1Asean can become a reality if enough drivers push the gears.
very inspiring story Tony, thank you for sharing.
The Flu outbreak is getting severe, wonder if Airasia could sell masks on board. Glad you are getting better. :)
Hi Sir,
There is a something i should have let u know...Please check it out here.. http://cweezzz.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-tony-fernandes-should-know.html
kudos tony clap clap for the purchase 10 A350.
Please remember my name as one fine day will you find me in charge of the cockpit of Airasia's A350!
dear tony,
wat is your 2 cents on entreprenuers, are they born or made ?
it would be interesting to hear your opinion on ts as you are
close to Steliaos and Richard. Hence, your an entreprenuer
yourself.
Hi, sir. I am your fan admire. I hope Airasia become more bigger and gorw fast very rapidly. I love Airasia
Hello Tony,
Im an ardent fan of your blog but this is the first time im writing in. Your success has motivated many young Malaysians to excel their dreams and im no exception. Do share out more of your inspiring stories whenever you're able to. Thanks a million Datuk! We Salute you!
Hi Tony! Thank you so much for the luncheon talk today organized by the Asia Society, HK. You have made my day! I very much look forward to seeing you again and I'm sure all our LSE alumni in HK would love you meet you too. Please feel free to join our LSE group on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=2376469330&ref=ts
Isa.
Come on, Tony!!!! Write something up here!! Lift up the game, mate!!! Ur last blog was a month ago!!! (JOKES!!)
datuk amat berharap air asia dapat realisasikan satu lagi cabang 1malaysia....datuk capailah bersama air asia dengan membikin 1 projek tahunan untuk 1malaysia dengan TANAM 1JUTA POKOK 1TAHUN DI MALAYSIA SEBAGAI SALAH 1 ACARA TAHUNAN DI MALAYSIA DARI AIR ASIA...http://projektanam1jutapokokdimalaysia.blogspot.com/
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