AirAsia, SembMarine react to remote law enforcement action

MALAYSIAN low-cost carrier AirAsia had to cope with really bad news this weekend, and it had nothing to do with the mysterious coronavirus roiling air travel across the region.

On Jan 31, European planemaker Airbus reached a settlement to end a long-running corruption investigation that will see it pay some US$4 billion in fines to the authorities in France, Britain and the United States. Among other things, Airbus is said to have provided US$50 million worth of sponsorship to a sports team owned by AirAsia executives while negotiating orders for its aircraft. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has since said it is investigating the matter.

AirAsia says in a statement on its website that it "rejects and denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing". It also notes that it was not involved with the investigations, and was not given any opportunity to provide any information or clarification.