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AIRASIA is offering a 50 per cent discount on fares to 12,000 eligible media personnel across ASEAN, enabling them to travel to 57 destinations in the 10-member regional bloc.
The initiative, announced in conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025, reflects AirAsia’s ongoing support for ASEAN inclusivity and is part of Malaysia’s efforts to champion meaningful regional engagement during its ASEAN chairmanship this year.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder of AirAsia and CEO of Capital A Bhd, said the move was inspired by the longstanding role of the media in supporting the airline’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the region’s leading low-cost carriers.
"To be honest, AirAsia is where it is today because of the media coverage we received from day one. The media helped share our story, our vision, and supported our growth... I truly appreciate the media’s contribution to the success of this airline,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
“From just two aircraft (in 2001) to 250 now. In our first year we flew 200,000 passengers, and this year we will reach the one billion mark,” he added.
Fernandes said the discount aims to give journalists the chance to explore and gain insights into other ASEAN countries.
“As I have said before, one of the best ways to unite ASEAN is by enabling its people to better understand each other,” he said. “This is our small way of contributing to that goal, by helping the journalists who have long supported us to experience ASEAN first-hand.”
In a further gesture of appreciation, Fernandes announced plans to name selected aircraft after journalists, complete with a commemorative livery design.
“I’ve long wanted to name our aircraft. So we plan to begin this at HAWANA. The names will be revealed in due course,” he said.
“With around 250 aircraft, this means not only journalists, but also musicians, actors, athletes, and street food hawkers – individuals who have shaped ASEAN culture, yet are often forgotten,” he added.
This campaign forms part of AirAsia’s broader commitment to celebrating cultural contributors and strengthening people-to-people ties across Southeast Asia.
HAWANA 2025, themed ‘Journalism in the New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics’, was officiated earlier today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Approximately 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and abroad gathered for the high-profile annual event, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as implementing agency. The celebration recognises the vital role of journalists in national development. - June 14, 2025
