KUALA LUMPUR — AirAsia is set to honour Malaysian journalism in a unique way—by featuring the name of a selected journalist on one of its aircraft, the airline announced during the Hawana 2025 celebration today.
AirAsia co-founder and Capital A Bhd CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said discussions will be held with the government to decide on the individual, whose name will be chosen by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
“It will be launched at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 once the name has been selected,” Fernandes told reporters after attending the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2025 event at the World Trade Centre, Bernama reported.
Fernandes said he had long imagined dedicating an aircraft in this way, and saw Hawana 2025 as the perfect occasion to bring that vision to life.
Along with the journalist’s name and image, the aircraft will feature customised liveries and onboard content spotlighting Malaysia’s media landscape for passengers.
On the question of discounted flights for media professionals, Fernandes said a dedicated AirAsia webpage will be created, where journalists can redeem a 50% discount using a special voucher issued by the Information Department (JaPen).
In his speech earlier, Fahmi announced that accredited media practitioners holding JaPen-issued press cards would be entitled to a one-off 50% discount on return flights to 57 Asean destinations.
The offer forms part of a strategic partnership between the ministry and AirAsia in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean 2025 Chairmanship.
Bookings will remain open until December 31 this year for travel between April and September 2026.
JaPen will announce further details, including the booking process, in due course. — June 14, 2025