KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia Group Bhd has been repaying the RM300 million it loaned from the Sabah Development Bank during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Capital A chief executive officer and AirAsia strategic adviser Tan Seri Tony Fernandes said that RM130 million has been repaid and the remaining RM170 million amount will be paid in the next two years.
Politicians have been questioning about the loans being approved by SDB to companies outside of Sabah including AirAsia.
"We have been good customers. We paid the bank RM69 million of interest and it has been a good deal.
"It saved AirAsia. It has kept a lot of jobs. It continues tourism. It is not only about Sabah saving AirAsia, but we continue to carry 80 million people," he told a press conference at the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) office here.
Earlier, Fernandes had received the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Award for his outstanding contributions to the state's tourism industry.
STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai also presented him a Sigah, which is a symbolic headgear for the paramount leader in Sabah.
Since the establishment of the air hub here in 2002, AirAsia has expanded its network to connect Sabah with the rest of Malaysia and the world.
Currently, AirAsia operates 13 domestic and 14 international routes directly to Sabah, using 11 aircraft based in Kota Kinabalu and plans to increase the number of aircraft by the end of this year.
Additionally, starting from Aug 30, AirAsia will launch daily flights between Kota Kinabalu and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, further enhancing connectivity from Sabah.
The airline is also set to introduce 10 new destinations in the next six months, including routes to China and Vietnam, highlighting its commitment to making Sabah a preferred tourist destination in the region.
As of Aug 1, AirAsia has contributed 55 per cent or 216 out of the 392 weekly domestic flights; and 54 per cent or 84 out of the 156 weekly international flights, with 12 international destinations to and from Sabah and more to come.
"Sabah has always held a special place in my heart. We are committed to continuing the development of Sabah and appreciate STB for recognising our significant contributions to the state in various sectors, including tourism and logistics.
"This award is not only an honour for me but also for the entire Capital A and AirAsia family, who have made a significant impact in ensuring that this beautiful state continues to grow and prosper.
"I am proud of what we have achieved together and will continue to strive towards a brighter future for Sabah," he said, adding that out of 20,000 staff, 1,000 of them are our Sabah-based workforce," he said.