SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was given the title of 'Father of Low Cost Air Travel' by AirAsia group CEO and AirAsia X co-group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Fernandes announced this today at the launch of the carrier's headquarters, called RedQ, here.
Najib said he was honoured to be given such a title by the airline and vowed to continue helping the low cost carrier sector to flourish.
"Thank you for 'bestowing' me title. Now that you have given me the title, I will have to look after you.
"The Malaysian government and my colleague (Transport Minister Datuk Seri) Liow Tiong Lai will ensure that you thrive and succeed beyond our wildest imagination," he said to loud applause from the floor.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and AirAsia Bhd executive chairman and AirAsia X group chief executive officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
The success of AirAsia, Najib said, was not only due to having strong staff behind the brand, but also due to good leadership under Fernandes and his team.
Just like Fernandes who was responsible for the wellbeing of 20,000 staff in AirAsia, the prime minister said he had similar responsibility as the CEO of Malaysia.
"Thus, it is my responsibility to implement policies which enable the private sector to grow and grow.
"The government must act as the enabler and facilitator to embark on policies which create support, ecosystem and ambience for the private sector not only to survive, but to thrive," said Najib.
On the tourism industry, the prime minister said in the recent budget, the government had dedicated significant resources to continue promoting and improving tourism facilities.
He cited the RM400 million for clean air and ecotourism, an extension of the pioneer status given to 4 to 5-star hotels; increased tax deduction for private sector sponsorship of local and foreign arts, culture and heritage shows; extending eVisas to South Asian and Balkan nationalities as well as promoting Malaysia through Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"But all of that means nothing if tourists cannot get here easily and within their means.
"This is where AirAsia and the connectivity it provides into Malaysia plays a critical role.
"We are proud of how AirAsia as a home grown airline has gone on to become probably the world's best low cost carrier again and again," he said.
AirAsia, Najib said, had a very humble beginning when it first started in 2001 from two leased Boeing 737s to more than 230 Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
"I have been told that you plan to expand and expect to carry 89 million passengers this year from more than 70 million last year.
"This means more people will get to see the world and the world can see Malaysia," said the prime minister.
Najib also praised AirAsia for its initiatives of being first in many aspects of airlines services.
"Most recently, AirAsia unveiled its Fast Airport Clearance Experience System (FACES) and I have tested it (when arriving at the RedQ launch venue), it works," he said.
Later, Najib was given a private tour of the RedQ headquarters.
AirAsia and AirAsia X employees in Malaysia officially moved into RedQ in November 2016.
Designed with an industrial aesthetic, the office spans 18,000 square metres and housed more than 2,000 employees.
RedQ's facilities include a Lil Star Child Care, physiotherapy centre, Allstars clinic, a gym with personal trainer, sleeping pods, cafeteria, T&Co coffee bar, salad bar and a three-storey spiral slide.
Report by Azura Abas, Ayisy Yusof, Mohd Husni Mohd Noor and Nurhayati Abllah