AirAsia has ambitious plans of growing its network into Africa and Europe, and making its foray into North America in the coming years, shared Capital A CEO, Tony Fernandes. This will ultimately solidify Kuala Lumpur as the world’s leading low-cost carrier megahub.
The airline was recently recognised by OAG’s 2024 Megahubs Index as the leading contributor to Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s status as the top global low-cost carrier megahub.
By 2025, AirAsia plans to increase its operational fleet from 63 to 73 aircraft, supporting growth in daily flights from 230 to 258, and boosting its network by adding eight new destinations, thus expanding its current network from 98 to 106 destinations.
Fernandes shared that AirAsia also plans to strengthen its presence in existing markets while exploring opportunities to open new secondary airports across key regions in Asia by next year.
The focus for 2026 and 2027 will be on expanding into strategic markets in the Pacific, East Asia and Africa. In 2028, AirAsia aims to expand its network in the Middle East and to Europe and North America by 2030.
“By 2030, we should be covering the world,” said Fernandes at a press conference.
Its newest service expansion on the cards will be four weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi on November 15, marking its entry into Africa. Fernandez shared plans to connect Tanzania with Kuala Lumpur in the near future.
At an extraordinary general meeting on October 14, 99.97 per cent of Capital A shareholders voted in favour of the proposed disposal of its aviation business to AirAsia X, thus paving the way for Capital A’s restructuring and exit from PN17 status.
PN17 stands for Practice Note 17/2005 and is issued by Bursa Malaysia relating to companies that are in financial distress. Companies that fall within the definition of PN17 will need to submit their proposal to the Approving Authority to restructure and revive the company in order to maintain the listing status.
Capital A shareholders approved a proposed plan to overhaul the airline business, which includes consolidating the group’s short- and long-haul operations under a new company, AirAsia Group.
Fernandes told reporters that the restructuring makes “so much sense as we combine the strengths of both airlines to create one global airline”.
Approval from shareholders enables Capital A to sharpen its focus on its four strategic pillars – Capital A Aviation Services, MOVE Digital, Teleport, and the Brand AA company (also known as AirAsia brand co.) – while unlocking synergies between short- and long-haul operations for greater growth and shareholder returns.
The final approval being sought from AirAsia X shareholders on October 16 will further cement these plans, positioning both companies for stronger growth as they work toward a combined airline group by the end of the year.
