AirAsia’s top executive, Tony Fernandes, recently found himself in a unique situation, unable to secure a seat on his own airline, he had to book a flight with Thai Airways, sparking widespread online humour and speculation. On October 23, Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, shared the amusing travel mishap on Instagram, drawing attention and laughter from followers worldwide.

 

The post, which quickly went viral, featured Fernandes with a wide grin in a window seat on Thai Airways, en route to Beijing, China. In his signature humorous style, Fernandes captioned the photo, “Still on the go! I think I travel more than the flight crew. Flying to Beijing with @thaiairways because AirAsia is sold out once again.”

 

This isn’t the first time Fernandes has found himself on a competitor’s flight due to AirAsia’s popularity. Last year, he ended up flying Singapore Airlines for similar reasons.

 

Fernandes’ post fueled a flurry of lighthearted theories among fans, with one commenter playfully speculating, “Is he reviewing his competition again?” Another teased, “Love this ‘research’ trip for improving AirAsia! But I wonder, how did the person next to you feel?”

 

For many, the post showcases Fernandes’ down-to-earth personality and his willingness to embrace a good-natured joke, even at his own expense.

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

-- 2024-10-27

 

11 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

AirAsia’s top executive, Tony Fernandes, recently found himself in a unique situation, unable to secure a seat on his own airline

Who would believe that? Just kick of a fare paying passenger. 

 

I know people who have not flown because plane was overbooked and others who have lost their seat for other reasons. 

 

 

11 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

This isn’t the first time Fernandes has found himself on a competitor’s flight due to AirAsia’s popularity.

I reckon he doesn't like flying AirAsia. 

 

He probably made the mistake of trying to contact AirAsia customer service. 

Is he still in disgrace for painting his planes supporting the kleptomaniac Najib Rizak?

 

NR then lost, was arrested for the 1MDB scandal and Fernandes had to publicly grovel an apology on TV.

51 minutes ago, ricklev said:

He probably made the mistake of trying to contact AirAsia customer service. 

yes,   he didn't have time to send half a dozen emails just to inquire,  or he knew the response would be muted.   

It took me almost 8 months to get my refund back during Covid-19.  

They hate giving money back ....    they will do everything possible to avoid paying.

Hope they made him pay an extortionate amount for a checked bag

An airline CEO that can't grant himself cockpit permit, where there normally is an extra seat – sometimes even two...

On 10/27/2024 at 4:01 AM, Georgealbert said:

AirAsia’s top executive, Tony Fernandes, recently found himself in a unique situation, unable to secure a seat on his own airline, he had to book a flight with Thai Airways, sparking widespread online humour and speculation. On October 23, Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, shared the amusing travel mishap on Instagram, drawing attention and laughter from followers worldwide.

Absolute nonsense. He is clearly in business class in the picture - no way does he want to sit in a cramped AA flight for 4.5 hours, why would he?

He's good at publicity stunts, this is just another one.

On 10/27/2024 at 6:31 AM, ricklev said:

He probably made the mistake of trying to contact AirAsia customer service. 

He would also have been shocked at the baggage fee

publicity stunt...

Or was it that Air Asia don't have the business class he wants?