The goal, added this source, is to use AirAsia’s short-haul and long-haul units to connect passengers from North Asia to Southeast Asia and Australia. The Malaysia-based group is simultaneously looking for more aircraft to meet strong demand in North Asia and elsewhere, the people said on the eve of Britain's Farnborough Airshow. In mid-June, former senior AirAsia executive Kathleen Tan, seen as one of Fernandes' most trusted executives, rejoined the carrier to head its North Asia operations. AirAsia has been adding more point-to-point services from Malaysia and Thailand to North Asia. A Hong Kong listing could help to raise the company's profile, coming on the heels of the flotation there of aviation lessor BOC Aviation, and allow it to raise new capital.

Source: The Star July 10, 2016 21:33 UTC