From Music to Airlines: Tony Fernandez's Entrepreneurial Journey

Tony Fernandez, CEO of AirAsia, shares his journey from the music industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the airline industry. Despite starting as an accountant in the music industry, Tony left due to the industry's constant changes, particularly with the rise of Napster. He then entered the airline industry, inspired by budget airlines like Ryanair and the vision of making air travel more affordable. Tony purchased an ailing Malaysian airline for a nominal price and turned it into AirAsia, democratizing air travel in Southeast Asia. Faced with challenges such as the 9/11 attacks and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Tony's impulsive management style guided him in navigating these difficult times and implementing innovative strategies for survival and growth.