No Job Cuts In AirAsia, Says Group CEO

27 March 2009

SEPANG-- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd is on a hiring spree and has no plans to reduce its work force, group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said today.

"We have about 6,000 employees, with the bulk from Malaysia and we expect the number to grow to 6,600 by end of this year," Fernandes said.

The carrier's staff strength when it was first established was only 200, he said after AirAsia Academy's graduation ceremony here.

On the Penang-Singapore route, Fernandes said the route was important for AirAsia but no approval has been received as yet and "it is a missing link for us".

Once secured, the route will have two daily flights, he said.

On financial performance, Fernandes said: "Looking at our passenger numbers, we are happy with our performance at the moment. Business remains quite strong."

At today's event, a total of 100 flight attendant trainees together with their representatives of guest services cadets and ramp agents received their graduation certifications.

Fernandes said AirAsia has invested about RM300 million in the academy, which is equipped with six flight simulators comprising four Airbus A320s, one Airbus A330, and one Boeing 737.

The academy also provides trainning for staff of 15 other airlines, he said.

"So, what was built for AirAsia's training has become a profit centre," he added.

AirAsia Academy, which is touted to have the most advanced aviation training facilities in Asia, is committed to developing homegrown pilots, he said.