Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

Going off to London again on Friday. Among other things, planning to do a series of media interviews to promote AirAsia X's maiden Kuala Lumpur-London flight on March 11. It's a historical occasion, the first time a low-cost carrier is linking Asia, Europe and Australia. We're very excited about it.

For all who’ve been wondering, we will also be meeting Manchester United officials again while we are in Britain next week.The media coverage on us has been fantastic this past week on Man United's invitation to AirAsia to be their main shirt sponsor. More than 70 print, broadcast and online media worldwide worldwide reported the story, with most of them even quoting directly from my blog post. Will keep you posted.

Now, on to another subject. From the time the blog was launched, there’s been lots of questions on how to be a pilot, will you take me as a pilot, etc. Everyone, it seems, wants to be a pilot with AirAsia.

Well, here's the deal. The AirAsia blog will soon launch a competition and from the entries, we'll pick 10 qualified winners and give them an opportunity to become an AirAsia pilot.

Not going to say much here but if you want a chance to fly an AirAsia Airbus, check the blog this week for details.

Dear all,

In London, about to meet Manchester United. Thank you for all your wonderful feedback and comments.

There is no doubt that this would be great for AirAsia and as many of you have said, it is worth the money. To be honest, I don’t know what the entire package would amount to, as prices would have come down. But it must be stated that all our branding commitments to have always been about the impactto our bottom line. We would not be the global brand we are today if we hadn’t invested early on.

The question is whether we need to anymore. And that’s what I’ll be examining.

I was just thrilled that we have reached a stage where Manchester United would actually
1) Think that we are a big enough brand to afford them; and
2) That they would want our brand on them

Yes Proton was on Norwich as someone pointed out, but Norwich and Man U are two completely different type of clubs on two totally different levels.

Well let’s see. Remember, we are ruled not by our hearts but by our brains. Well, once in a while our heart leads us the wrong way…hahaha.
Who knows one one day Manchester United may want to sponsor us!!!!!

I don’t think this will happen as we have achieved a lot of what we want already with our brand, but who knows?
Believe the unbelievable , dream the impossible and never take no for an answer.
Will be keeping all of you posted.

Are you ready for this?

Manchester United have just approached me on whether AirAsia would be interested in becoming their shirt sponsor. Yes, you read that right. The world's most famous football club wants to proudly wear shirts bearing the name and logo of a Malaysian-born global brand. Doing this would be a first for a Malaysian company and would truly solidify us as a global brand. This pure acknowledgement of us, AirAsia as a global brand to be reckoned with is simply a moment where you just step back and say, “Wow! We’re actually there right now!”.

From the business front, its simply astonishing as it clearly shows how we have progressed as a brand and that this little Malaysian company has gone so far in a mere 7 years to raised our brand to such high levels.

Heres the million dollar question, or rather the multi-million dollar question: Do I commit to the shirt sponsorship of Manchester United?

What do you think? So, should AirAsia do it? Have your say on my blog, and you may, just may soon be seeing this:

Make some noise in here people.

Its the weekend again and its all about football, football and more football. I'm no Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or recent Chelsea fan. So its weird because although we sponsored Manchester United, I will be rooting for West Ham like always tonight. Got a big game coming up tonight with my team going in for a thriller against one of the best. Yes, I am a proud fan of West Ham United and tonight promises some great action. Have been a supporter since the Hammer's FA cup win in 1975 and have been hooked since then. Some call it a loyal following, to me, its more like a drug and West Ham has been among the most addictive.

Have been riding their highs and lows with them all these years; through their second FA cup victory back in in 1980, the European Cup Winner's Cup finals, 3 relegations and 3 promotions back to the top tier again and with the current new regime under Gianfranco Zola, who I feel is a superb player and a great coach. For us West Ham fans, its been mostly downs, but loyalty can't be bought and I will die a Hammer. All the greats have come from West Ham as the only team to play with style. Upton Park has seen its share of illustrious players from the likes of Trevor Brooking of the past and the current crop of stars such as Joe Cole and the father-son connection of Frank Lampard Sr. and Jr that rose through the ranks. That singular passion is simply going to take us over the top tonight.

There were two great days in the English league and I was there when on two occasions, West Ham grabbed their two FA Cup victories. Each has been sweet memories that will definitely go down in Upton Park lore. Was also at Upton Park when we last topped United 2-1 so the Devils know whats coming up tonight as we add another sweep over the reigning champions tonight in the history books. Theres Old Trafford and then again, theres Upton Park.

We are chasing a place in Europe next season and tonights game promises to be a cracker with the boys labelled the 'underdogs' and thats just the way we like it. Hope you got your tellys tuned and banners ready because I've got my money on West Ham taking the match tonight. Will hear from you guys and gals at the end of the whistle. I'm forever blowing bubbles.

Watch this space next to find out what Dato' Nazir Razak and Temasek has in common.