Skymark shares get AirAsia boost

[TOKYO] Skymark Airlines shares gained the most in almost six years in Tokyo trading yesterday as AirAsia was said to be considering support, including taking a stake in the airline.

Skymark climbed 28 per cent, the most in intraday trading since 2008, to 230 yen. The stock held the gain even after Tony Fernandes, AirAsia group chief executive officer, said that his company wasn't interested in the Japanese carrier.

AirAsia, the region's largest low-cost carrier, is in discussions with financial institutions on ways to help Skymark, said a person familiar with the matter.