JEF 2014: AirAsia says it created more than 25,000 jobs

Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia has created over 25,000 job opportunities in Asia for the youth, the airline’s CEO said on Wednesday at the 2014 Jeddah Economic Forum.

Tony Fernandes said the transportation sector has about 12,000 employees, highlighting that the aviation sector is rich with job opportunities, and considered a connecting link to tourism and other businesses.

"Just like women lead the world, they can pilot a plane. There are many female elements in AirAsia, and through them and teamwork, we increased our routes by 50%, and seek to add more, so that we can expand the domain of our business," Fernandes said.

Saudi Arabia is one of the Middle East’s strongest economies, said Joanna Rees, board member at Endeavour Global, a nonprofit develops emerging countries by support high-impact entrepreneurs.

Rees also noted the wide-reaching steps that have been taken in executing infrastructure projects, and education, health, and sustainable development policies in the kingdom.

The second session of the first day of the Jeddah Economic Forum focused on “Enabling links between investors and business.”

The panelists agreed that development can be achieved through efficient entrepreneurs and successful and effective funding, resulting in job creation and a qualified youth population able to meet those opportunities.