Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Capital A’s CEO and the Advisor and Steward of AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, has been honored by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) with the prestigious Sabah Tourism Appreciation Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Sabah’s tourism sector. Over the past 22 years, under Tan Sri Tony’s visionary leadership, AirAsia has revolutionized air travel while significantly contributing to Sabah’s economic growth. This accolade highlights his unwavering dedication and AirAsia’s consistent efforts, as the airline of the people, in promoting the advancement and prosperity of Sabah.
As a co-founder, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has been instrumental in positioning Sabah as a thriving tourism and hospitality hub, particularly since AirAsia established its base in the state with support from STB. Through innovative approaches and a strong focus on making air travel accessible to everyone, AirAsia has opened new opportunities for Sabah’s tourism industry, generating thousands of jobs and providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Today, Sabah stands proudly as AirAsia’s second-largest hub in Malaysia, reflecting the airline’s deep commitment to the state.
Since its launch in 2002, AirAsia has been a leader in connecting Sabah to the rest of Malaysia and the world. Presently, AirAsia operates 13 domestic and 14 international direct routes to Sabah, supported by a fleet of 11 aircraft based in Kota Kinabalu, with plans to introduce anothe.