AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes held a press conference in Thailand to address liquidity concerns and heavy debt, clarifying that the airline raised $1 billion (not $3 billion as reported) for refinancing COVID-era obligations. He emphasized AirAsia's resilience through its low-cost model, strategic pricing, ancillary revenue growth, and fleet optimization—including returning 25 old fuel-inefficient aircraft and ordering 500+ A320/A321 units. Despite near-term headwinds (geopolitical uncertainty, volatile oil prices), Fernandes asserted the airline remains operational with strong network connectivity and is prepared to expand capacity into peak year-end travel season.