Malaysian-Indian Fernandes becomes Airline CEO of the Year

Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), Nov. 29 (ANI): Tony Fernandes, the Indian-origin CEO of low cost Malaysian airliner - AirAsia - has been named as the Airline CEO of the Year by Jane's Transport Finance magazine in London.

"The award recognises Fernandes' vision and AirAsia's success in the toughest airline market in decades," The Star Online quoted the Britain-based publication, as saying.

Jane's Transport Finance magazine, a provider of market intelligence and integrated solutions to the transport, public safety, defence, security and law enforcement sectors in more than 180 countries, gives annual awards to outstanding achievers in the airline, airport, rail, road and shipping sectors.

Fernandez attributed his achievement to his workforce of 6,500 and the airline's culture of innovation.

"We have grown AirAsia together, with everybody pitching in with ideas, actively finding new ways to increase efficiency, improving service by effectively combining technology and personal touch while aggressively and smartly marketing our brand," he said in a statement on Saturday.

AirAsia currently has 82 aircraft that fly 120 routes to more than 60 destinations across Asia.

The airline has flown more than 75 million passengers in less than eight years. (ANI)