Air Asia seeks new Japanese partner

AirAsia group CEO Tony Fernandes has indicated that the airline group is searching for a new partner in Japan to fly the domestic routes after its relationship with ANA Holdings recently ended. “We are looking for suitable partners there. There is no time frame fixed for reentering the Japanese market,” said Fernandes. Fernandes said AirAsia prefers organic growth rather than buying into an existing airline as the cultural matching will be difficult. Meanwhile, AirAsia Japan will cease all scheduled services on October 31, 2013. ANA will not merge the joint venture with Peach Aviation. All four Airbus A320s will be