AirAsia chief says Malaysia hub is the key for new Qantas Asian arm

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes has told Qantas it should base its Asian operations in Malaysia rather than Singapore if it is serious about expanding in the region. Fernandes is in talks with Qantas and Malaysia Airlines on a three-way alliance. Although Singapore is a business hub, Fernandes says Kuala Lumpur would be a stronger option especially as its cost-base would be significantly lower. Qantas aims to establish an Asian hub feeding traffic Jetstar’s networks. “Our aim is to position ourselves within the Southeast Asian marketplace in advance of planned aviation liberalisation,” Joyce said Monday. “This is how we will end