AIRASIA

CEO SAYS PASSENGER VOLUME UP 21% FOR 1QE MAR 2009

AIRASIA is optimistic that its passenger growth will be intact for 2009 despite the global recession which has significantly impacted the aviation industry.

AIRASIA CEO - TONY FERNANDES said Apr 9, 2009 that the low-cost carrier was confident that it would still capture passenger growth via its expanding route network and competitive fares.

PASSENGER GROWTH UP 21% FOR 1QE MAR 2009 " .... We are very focused and we have a fantastic first quarter (as) our passenger numbers are up 21%. Our fares have remained competitive ...." TONY FERNANDEZ told reporters after launch of the online savings account, CIMB BANK AIRASIA SAVERS ACCOUNT.

The 1QE Mar 31, 2009 results are due for release by end May 2009. The price of AIRASIA was hovering at around 90 sen up to Apr 2, 2009 when it closed at 98.5 sen. The price surged on Apr 6, 2009 to 1.08 for an intra-day high with high volumes and closed at RM1.06 suggesting insider trading or price manipulation.

FERNANDES said both AIRASIA and long-haul budget airline AIRASIA X had seen good growth, in line with their capacity. " .... Our passenger numbers are growing, and destinations and route network continue to grow ...." he said.

Commenting on AIRASIA's and TUNE MONEY's latest tie-up with CIMB BANK, FERNANDES said the product would give added value to the 60m people who had flown with AIRASIA, through the payment-and-savings convenience the product offered.

" .... This product can go outside of Malaysia. Both AIRASIA and CIMB have the vision of (an) Asean (brand). What we develop here can be brought into those places ...." he said.