AirAsia CEO Supports Gulf Carriers in Open Skies Dispute
Photo Credit: Asia has Open Skies agreements but they are not as liberal as in Europe, said Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group. Fernandes (left) is pictured with World Travel & Tourism Council CEO David Scowsill during a press conference in Bangkok on April 27, 2017. Skift / Dan Peltier
Skift Take
The low-cost, long-haul model will come to Asia, says AirAsia's Tony Fernandes, if customers are willing to pay for it. Fernandes isn't shy about saying he's jealous about some of the moves Norwegian Air has made.
Gulf carriers such as Emirates should be allowed to benefit from Open Skies agreements and not be stifled by protectionist measures, according to AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes.
Fernandes, speaking with Gary Chapman, president of group services at Emirates Group at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Bangkok on April 27, said he's a big fan of Open Skies, noting that low-cost carrier AirAsia is set to start flying from Kuala Lumpur to Hawaii on June 28. "I've defended Emirates and I think they've done an amazing job and they should be allowed to do more," said Fernandes.
"We're about to start flying to America, to Hawaii, and I think the more liberalization the better," he said. "Let the market decide who it wants. Tourism is about open access and making it easier. I think it'd be a step backward if protectionism comes in."
If Emirates can do a better job, governments or other airlines shouldn't stand in the way, said Fernandes. "[Emirates is] bringing
