KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Group Bhd (AirAsia) aims to be part of the enabler in restarting Malaysia's tourism sector by facilitating the government to open up the economy via air travel.
Founder and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the low-cost carrier (LCC) had yesterday presented some recommendations to the National Recovery Plan (NRP) Council committee to facilitate the tourism recovery.
"It is an interesting plan. Yesterday (Tuesday), I went to the Finance Ministry to discuss restarting the tourism sector, which is exciting for AirAsia," he said in a virtual conference after launching his podcast show here today.
Fernandes was encouraged by the government on its potential to open up the economy.
"It is great…first time I have a chance to push tourism to any government. I'm excited, and we hope we can contribute and play a small part in Malaysia's recovery," he added.
Fernandes will launch his first podcast titled 'Talks with Tony' on August 1, whereby he will share his thoughts and views on various issues through conversations with prominent friends and partners.
The hour-long podcast will also cover his diverse experiences, adventures and lessons that have helped shape who he is today.
He reiterated that AirAsia was badly affected due to Covid-19, citing that it was unprecedented and beyond control.
"When you are doing great, everyone loves you, and everyone wants your business or going after you. But when things do not go so well, we really know who our friends are.
He said AirAsia would not forget its partners who had supported the group, including Airbus, leasing companies, Google, RHB Bank Bhd, and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd.
"We won't forget you for a long time. We gonna remember who our real friends are when we come out from this mess. I will never forget that and support them (partners)," he said.
In expressing his message to the business community, Fernandes said AirAsia would also not forget the minority partners who had mistreated the low-cost carrier.
He warned: "don't come asking for our business when we recover. Instead, we hope to grow with partners that stood by us."
Meanwhile, Fernandes said the podcast aims to inspire listeners throughout ASEAN. The content would not be about AirAsia but rather on business, branding, marketing, and politics, among others - another platform to get the news across.
"We have eight episodes. We might add the ninth episode if we have time. This podcast is not about AirAsia. We hope there will be bits and pieces of the podcast that will inspire others," he said, adding that it would be worth listening to the content for inspiration, ideas and entertainment.
Fernandes said podcasting would be a new way of connecting with people, sharing views, but more importantly, as a platform to share his many experiences and thoughts with some friends and colleagues, who can add value and enrich people's lives.
"I want to allow listeners to learn a little bit from me and get up close and personal with my dear friends, discussing not just the successes but also the failures, even the problems everyone is going through now dealing with Covid-19.
"It's going to be with people from business, my friends from the sporting industry and obviously music because it's been a large part of my life, as well as other prominent figures and entrepreneurs," he added.
The eight-part series is expected to reveal views of Tony and his way of thinking and his relationship with guests, including Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, UFC president Dana White and producer and composer David Foster.
Talks with Tony will be accessible through the Syok app from August 1, on his podcast website talkswithtony.co from August 2, and other podcast directories, including Spotify, Google and Apple podcasts from August 8.