Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes is a prominent Malaysian entrepreneur renowned for revolutionizing the airline industry in Asia. As the founder of Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., he acquired AirAsia, a struggling government-linked airline, and transformed it into a highly successful budget airline. Under his leadership, AirAsia achieved profitability within a year of his takeover, clearing its debts and becoming a publicly listed company by 2004. Fernandes’s innovative approach and strategic vision positioned AirAsia as a leader in the low-cost carrier market, significantly increasing air travel accessibility in the region.

Fernandes’s career began in finance, where he honed his skills as an auditor with Virgin Atlantic and later as a financial controller for Virgin Communications. His expertise in financial management laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures. After leaving Warner Music International, where he served as Vice President for ASEAN, he pursued his dream of establishing a budget airline, demonstrating his commitment to innovation and customer service.

In addition to AirAsia, Fernandes has diversified his business interests by founding the Tune Group, which includes a hotel chain and ventures in food delivery. His leadership extended to the sports arena as the owner of the Caterham Group and former majority shareholder of Queens Park Rangers F.C., showcasing his versatility and passion for sports.

Fernandes’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the title of Malaysian CEO of the Year and recognition as one of Forbes Asia’s most influential businessmen. His visionary leadership continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and reshape industries across Asia.