AirAsia Bhd will start on the second "chapter" of its plan to strengthen and expand its regional network, after spending five "fantastic" years building the AirAsia brand. Its CEO, Datuk Tony
Fernandes a) an avid Star Wars fan. He b) the no-frills airline's struggle
to expand its network and deliver on its low-fare promise to a battle in the popular sci-fi movie
series.
"It's almost like Star Wars. Part one is over and AirAsia has established itself in the industry."
he said, adding that the airline could now enjoy the results of its hard labour. He said the
airline c) now moving on to the second phase, in which he would have to fight
more battles. "My first battle will be for lower airport charges and my last will be to gain entry
into Singapore," he told reporters. "I just have to go in there like Luke Skywalker who d)in to the last Death Star, which in my case is Changi. If we e)
Singapore, we will have all the routes we want"
AirAsia is pushing for lower airport charges to encourage more people to travel and to attract
foreign visitors to Malaysia. Fernandes said that they have to make Malaysian Airport
Holdings Bhd. f)
that lower charges g) more travellers. He added
that the charges had been holding them back from delivering better service to their customers.
For him, it is the right time for a cut in airport charges as the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT)
with its basic facilities h) designed for budget airlines.​