Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes

Now, everyone can fly—not just through the skies, but through possibilities. What was once a distant dream for the privileged few is now an accessible reality, powered by the bold vision of Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes, widely known as Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and the evolution of Capital A Berhad. From the roar of jet engines to the era of digitalisation and logistics, Capital A transformed air travel into a right and digital convenience into a way of life.

Once just a whisper in the winds of ambition, Capital A Berhad, formerly known as AirAsia Group Berhad, has transformed from a humble low-cost airline into a multi-faceted digital travel and lifestyle powerhouse. With Tan Sri Tony at the helm as Non-Independent Executive Director and CEO, the company’s evolution is nothing short of a modern-day business fable. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he turned a floundering airline with RM40 million in debt into the region’s most iconic budget carrier, empowering millions of dreamers to take flight. Through his leadership, AirAsia soared to become Asia’s fourth-largest airline and the world’s premier low-cost carrier for 15 consecutive years.

A man of many hats and unmatched tenacity, Tan Sri Tony’s journey, from his early days at Virgin Group to leading Warner Music Southeast Asia, and eventually conquering the skies, is a masterclass in fearless reinvention. His credentials as a Fellow of ACCA and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), coupled with his knack for storytelling and marketing genius, became the winds beneath AirAsia’s wings.

Resting on laurels was never his style. When the world stood still during the pandemic, he shifted gears and soared into uncharted skies. Today, Capital A is a bold, diversified conglomerate, bringing together Asia Digital Engineering (maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft), AirAsia MOVE (comprehensive online travel agent that offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, activities and ride-hailing), Teleport (Southeast Asia’s eCommerce logistics specialist with the region’s largest air network), Santan (f&b committed to redefining culinary experiences both in-flight and on the ground), AirAsia brand co (manages intellectual property for Capital A Group), BigPay (fintech that puts the customers’ needs at the centre, focusing on transparency low fees and secure technology) and Ground Team Red (Malaysia’s leading ground handling services provider).

With a ringgit and a rebellious dream, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes turned AirAsia into an icon and Capital A into a living, breathing ecosystem of innovation. From flying passengers to empowering communities, Capital A’s mission is bold yet heartfelt: Connecting People, Transforming Lives. Having flown over 800 million guests, Capital A and AirAsia continue to sculpt a legacy that transcends borders. Because when you give wings to ordinary people, they don’t just fly, they transform nations.