Malaysian air cargo airline Raya Airways has denied being in talks with AirAsia Group over a potential acquisition deal.
News about AirAsia Group intentions to acquire Raya Airways appeared on January 22, 2022.
Multiple media outlets have reported that AirAsia was considering purchasing the Subang Airport (SZB)-based cargo carrier. It was also alleged that AirAsia had initiated discussions with Raya’s top executives regarding a potential deal.
According to Planespotters.com, the cargo carrier currently operates a fleet of four freighters, including a single Boeing 737-400 and three Boeing 767-200s. A potential merger between the two Malaysian airlines could significantly boost AirAsia’s freight capacity and strengthen the group’s position across the domestic and international air cargo market.
However, on January 24, 2022, Raya Airways refuted the claims and announced that news regarding ongoing talks about the acquisition was false.
“After consulting with Raya’s shareholders and Board of Directors, we would like to clarify that Raya and its subsidiaries/affiliate companies are not in any talks with AirAsia Group Berhad or any other parties for the acquisition of the Company or any part of its businesses,” Raya Airways told Reuters.