The Malaysian-based budget airline is currently the subject of four investigations by the Australian Transport Safety Group and was forced to overhaul flight crew training procedures as the result of another investigation.

AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the carrier received more attention than others because it was the most visible.

“There have been a couple of incidents but these incidents can happen to any airline,” said Mr Datuk.

“You can pick up any one of those incidents and it is not a safety issue because a car can break down even if you check it regularly - so does a plane.”

The airline has recruited Australian singer and X Factor judge Guy Sebastian to help shift the focus away from its safety and maintenance record.

Mr Datuk said he was thrilled to have Guy on board calling him a “natural fit for AirAsia”.

“Guy embodies AirAsia’s values and ideals with his support of the community through charity work and will promote AirAsia’s brand,” he said.

Among the incidents being investigated are a loss of separation (near miss) between an AirAsia X A330 and a Jetstar A320 over Gold Coast Airport, an engine shutdown on a flight to Kuala Lumpur and a near collision in Melbourne - when an AirAsia X A330 began taxi-ing before the pushback tug moved clear.

Another investigation finalised last month, revealed AirAsia X had overhauled training procedures after an A330 turned the wrong way on departure from Sydney because the flight crew had entered the incorrect information.

Despite several attempts they were unable to correct the error and the aircraft was diverted to Melbourne for landing with the assistance of Air Traffic Control.

Mr Datuk said as a budget carrier, AirAsia X was even more concerned about safety than other airlines because of the perception low cost meant unsafe.

“Any incident will be treated more harshly because you’re a budget airline,” he said.

“My whole family flies with AirAsia. I’m not just saying it, I’m living it.”

AirAsia X was planning to increase services in and out of Australia but not for another year or so, said Mr Datuk.

“You will see that growth, but this year and next year, we’re not buying more aircraft, we are consolidating and Australia is one of the main focuses,” he said.

“We’re providing people from southeast Asia to go and explore Australia.”

New ambassador Guy Sebastian said he believed AirAsia X was the right fit for him because of CEO Tony Fernandes’ passion for music.

http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/guy-sebastian-joins-air-asia-x-as-an-ambassador-for-the-airline/news-story/5f157362827dfda2352e9a15eddfe590