BIG DOG
It is an open secret how PM ‘Flip-Flop’
Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s administration gave Fernandes so much
‘patronage’, room and opportunities to develop AirAsia into what it is.
It was said that in the infamous ‘airline rationalisation plan’ which
was presented to the Cabinet in mid 2005, Malaysia Airlines was
suggested to give away 110 of its domestic and regional routes to
AirAsia. Then again, the Cabinet also approved the directive that
Malaysia Airlines have a ‘floor’ fare price, to allow AirAsia to quickly
develop its market as a low cost carrier.
It was this time that AirAsia X was launched. It
is believed that personalities who are still within AirAsia X remained
the same. They key players and backers would remain constant.
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| (Riong Kali is an integral and pivotal part of AirAsia and AirAsia X) |
As it is, this Premium Class is in direct competition to Malaysia
Airlines, in lucrative sectors such as London, Perth, Incheon and
Sydney. So if AirAsia X were to expand and continue to offer this
service, it would be at the expense of Malaysia Airlines. Would Khazanah
now either ask AirAsia X to discontinue is expansion plan or refurbish
all existing aircrafts and discontinue the service that would be in
direct competition to Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Club Class?
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