Divvy Leigh

First off, do forgive me for the lack of Facebook updates this time around as I was feeling a little under the weather throughout the day. That being said, I had a marvelous time attending AirAsia’s 2017 AGM this year with my newfound friends – Steve and Heng.

I arranged to meet up with them at Subang’s LRT station at 8 am. Steve had graciously volunteered to give us a ride to the Asian Aviation Centre Of Excellence where AirAsia’s AGM was to be held at 10 am. We arrived with an hour to spare and set about registering ourselves for the meeting first. Next up was the food!

The Food

There were significantly fewer shareholders attending the AGM this year so registration was swift and smooth for us.

We headed for the food next and this was what AirAsia served up. I think it’s similar to what you’d get on their flights. Compared to some of the other AGMs I attended, AirAsia’s nasi lemak was amazing!

The Annual General Meeting

AirAsia’s 2017 AGM was truly well run. The questions posed by shareholders were well-thought out and intelligent. The management revealed their capabilities and experience through their answers as well as video presentations.

AirAsia 2017 Doorgift / Goody Bag

The doorgift this year was similar to the previous year’s. All attending shareholders got a RM500 flight voucher. Holiday, here I come!

The terms and conditions of the voucher will be delivered together with the vouchers. I’ll update accordingly. Another fantastic thing about AirAsia is their annual report, they’re actually making money through endorsements and sponsors with their reports! I’ve requested for mine to be delivered so again, I’ll update when I get it.

My very lucky friend Steve managed to get his cap signed by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Ms. Aireen Omar.

Findings from AirAsia’s 2017 AGM

Logistics for AirAsia

The management’s plan to venture into the logistics industry was one of the airline’s strategies I found to be the most exciting. With over 200 aircraft at AirAsia’s command and tons of belly space in those said aircraft, the plan seems to be a remarkably viable one.

“Companies like Amazon were planning to buy airlines and incorporate them into their logistics operations. AirAsia already has an airline.” Tony Fernandes on the management’s vision of AirAsia as a future logistics player. AirAsia is currently in talks with POS Malaysia and Singapore Post with possible partnerships and cooperations.

No Merger with AAX

At the AGM today, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the merger was never tabled to the board of directors, and the management remains in their belief that both short and long haul operations should be separated.

“AirAsia’s position is very clear, the board has never discussed this and there is no merger at all,” he said.

“The whole purpose of setting up AAX as a separate company, is because we believe it should be separated, and 10 years on we still believe that,” he added.

This came amid wild speculations from research analysts on potential mergers between the two airlines. The statement from Fernandes should put them to rest.

Special Dividends

Tony Fernandes also mentioned his plans for several special dividends for shareholders as AirAsia unlocks value from the assets it currently owns. Currently in the mix are the sale and disposal of Asia Aviation Capital (AAC), AirAsia’s leasing arm. Other potential assets mentioned were the 50% owned Academy – Asian Aviation Centre Of Excellence as well as stakes in companies such as Expedia.

Fernandes plans to pay out special dividends every 2 -3 years if and when AirAsia manages to dispose of their many assets and stakes.

Digitalization and Market Share

AirAsia is moving ahead of its competitors through technology. The airline plans to utilize their vast database of customers via their many planned digital platforms. From increasing ancillary sales on flights by understanding their customers better to grabbing and retaining market share through their BIG loyalty program.

There are many innovations and new things coming to AirAsia in the not too distant future. While I’m excited by some, I’m equally unsure about some of the initiatives mentioned. We shall see.

End.

At 6 pm yesterday, AirAsia released their Q1 2017 results which saw net profit drop by 29.8% to RM615.81 million. A key contribution to the drop in net profit is the sharp increase in staff cost by 27% as the airline aims to prevent a shortage of pilots by offering more attractive remuneration packages.

Many of you would’ve been shocked at the dip in AirAsia’s price on 24 May 2017 mainly due to the bad results of AAX. I am hoping for a further drop in price today as I am looking to purchase more of the stock.

I very much still believe in the management team at AirAsia and I’m confident of a good year ahead for the airline.

What do you think of AirAsia? 

Thanks for reading and a special thanks to Steve for the ride to the AGM!

http://dividendmagic.com.my/2017/05/26/airasia-agm-2017/