AirAsia's planned accounting change seen boosting transparency

Kuala Lumpur

AIRASIA's plans to consolidate its group's accounts will help dispel some criticism of its financials, though struggling affiliates are likely to drag down earnings at Asia's biggest budget carrier.

AirAsia Bhd shares have lost more than half their value this year following concerns about accounting practices and weakness at operations across South-east Asia. Executives considered taking the firm private, Reuters reported, and this month AirAsia said it was evaluating "all strategic options".