KUALA LUMPUR: Capital A Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tony Fernandes says the group's bid to take over SriLankan Airlines (SAL) is done by its consulting unit, AirAsia Consulting Sdn Bhd and not AirAsia, its airline unit.
Fernandes said he had to clear the air on the matter as some media had reported that AirAsia had emerged as one of the six companies bidding for SAL.
AirAsia Consulting will raise its own fund for the acquisition if the move materialises, he added.
"Just to clear that up for everyone. AirAsia is not buying SAL. AirAsia Consulting, which will set up its own fund, is looking to buy SAL. It's not AirAsia…AirAsia is purely focused on Asean.
"AirAsia Consulting will be changing its name to Capital A Consulting very soon. That's for airlines who want to consult our 23 years of experience…Many airlines want us to help them to set up low-cost carriers.
"AirAsia Consulting is also looking for opportunities to invest in airlines outside of Asean," Fernandes said, adding that Bangladesh is another market that presents a good opportunity for AirAsia Consulting to invest in.
Fernandes was speaking to reporters at a media briefing after Capital A's announcement of his five-year contract extension as CEO.
Besides AirAsia Consulting, the other five bidders are Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding (Pvt) Ltd, FITS Aviation (Private) Ltd, Sherisha Technologies Private Ltd, Treasure Republic Guardians Ltd and Hayleys PLC.
The deadline for the submissions of the bid was Monday.
According to MIDF Research, SAL currently operates 24 Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft and serves a network of 126 destinations across 61 countries.
However, three of SAL's aircraft were grounded for over a year due to insufficient funds to cover mandatory engine overhauls, the research firm said.
