MAS, AirAsia may look at joint maintenance facility

Neelam Mathews

Sept 29, 2011

AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are  said to be discussing joint collaboration in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Tony Fernandes of AirAsia Group said to a Malaysian publication if that happened, a mega MRO between MAS and AirAsia could challenge Singapore's MROs.

MAS has a JV in MRO with GMRs Hyderabad International Airport.

With both companies having skills in training, it is likely they will tap their joint assets for the region. AirAsia is also looking at collaboration in cargo and catering with MAS to help cut costs said Fernandes.

Fernandes said more details on cost and revenue joint ventures with MAS would be announced soon.

Recently, under a share-swap deal, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the major shareholder of MAS, said it would take up 10% stake in AirAsia while Tune Air Sdn Bhd, the investment vehicle of Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun, would own a 20.5% stake in MAS.