Budget airline AirAsia is seeking to discuss potential areas of collaboration with stakeholders of the new Malindo Airways.

Its Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said in this regard, he will be meeting with Lion Air's parent company, PT Lion Grup's (rpt Grup) President Director, Rusdi Kirana soon. However, he said the competition between AirAsia and Malindo Airways, is still on.

National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and PT Lion Grup will form the new frills-free Malindo Airways, which is poised to start operations in May 2013 using the soon-to-be completed KLIA2 in Sepang. It plans to offer flights within Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as to Thailand, China, India, Japan and Australia. Nadi owns a 51% stake in Malindo Airways, with the balance held by the Lion Grup.

- Bernama