AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said earlier this week that he flew Singapore Airlines as Air Asia was booked out for three straight flights.
The Indian-origin executive even shared a glimpse of his seat inside the Singapore Airlines flight, in what appeared to be the economy class.
“No seat on @flyairasia for three flights so had to take @singaporeair. Hehehe,” he wrote on Instagram, sharing two photos.
In October, Tony Fernandes, 59, received flak for attending a virtual meeting shirtless while getting a massage. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Fernandes had praised Indonesia and the work culture at AirAsia that allowed him to get a massage while attending a management meeting. However, many in the comments section criticised the act as unprofessional.
The flamboyant aviation executive has carved an image for himself as Asia's answer to Richard Branson, shaking up Southeast Asian air travel with his carrier's slogan "Now everyone can fly".
Fernandes, an ex-music executive, has not been shy in flaunting his wealth and once co-owned the now-defunct Caterham Formula One racing team, while also being a majority owner of London football club Queens Park Rangers.
In 2020, he had briefly stepped aside from the company while authorities probe unusual payments at the Malaysian carrier, as the fallout from a $4 billion bribery fine at Airbus.
He soon returned to his post after being cleared by an independent probe.
Born in Kuala Lumpur to an Indian father and a mother of mixed Indian and Asian-Portuguese descent, Fernandes was raised in Malaysia’s Malacca.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
