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Airline chief Tony Fernandes became top Airbus customer with massive deals
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Mr Tony Fernandes, seen in a 2011 file photo, was one of Airbus' most loyal customers. He will leave his role as AirAsia chief executive for two months while the government probes corruption allegations, according to a statement on Monday.
PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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LONDON/KUALA LUMPUR • Airbus and AirAsia, the discount airline built by Mr Tony Fernandes, were inseparable for years, with the boisterous aviation executive gorging on ever-larger aircraft orders to become the manufacturer's single biggest customer for single-aisle jets.
That happy marriage ended in acrimony last week after Airbus admitted to illegally trying to sway decision-makers in aircraft sales and agreed to a record US$4 billion (S$5.5 billion) bribery settlement.
