AirAsia's Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis 'far' less severe than COVID

Business Recorder reported that AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes described pressure from soaring jet fuel costs as far, far less serious than the strain the airline faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He made the remarks on Friday in Hong Kong at a media briefing. Fernandes framed the current challenges against that earlier period, when the carrier's difficulties were much greater.

According to the same report, Fernandes told the briefing that robust passenger demand for flying was continuing to underpin the business. The report did not include figures on passenger numbers, fares or fuel expenses. It also said AirAsia X has unveiled a fresh service linking Karachi with Kuala Lumpur, which the carrier describes as offering affordable access to the Malaysian capital.