AirAsia Group Shares Gain 2 Pct In Early Trade

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Group Bhd’s share price rose two per cent in early trade on Friday, despite reporting a net loss for the second quarter of 2026 (2Q 2026) yesterday.

The airline company posted a net loss of RM527.16 million for 2Q 2026, mainly due to higher fuel expenses and foreign exchange losses, while revenue stood at RM5.08 billion for the quarter.

At 10.03 am, its shares gained two sen to RM1.02 with 16.10 million shares traded. 

In a note today, Public Investment Bank Bhd said AirAsia has temporarily suspended some routes and strategically reduced its capacity by 11 per cent in 2Q compared to the prior year.

It said the group has further strengthened its balance sheet, preserved cash, and secured favourable financing to refinance debt and ease this year’s principal repayments.

“Going forward, the group continues to collaborate with financial institutions, vendors, and regional authorities to optimise its working capital through cost reductions and further support measures for the rest of the year. 

“All told, we cut our financial year 2026 to 2028 forecasts by an average of 27 per cent to account for weaker demand, capacity reduction and lower yields,” it said.

Hence, the investment bank maintained its “neutral” call on AirAsia Group, with a lower target price of RM1.05, from RM1.29 previously.

-- BERNAMA