Flying High: My Story: From AirAsia to QPR

by Tony Fernandes

The inspiring story of business hero and Apprentice Asia star Tony Fernandes As a boy, Tony Fernandes wanted to be a pilot, a footballer or a racing driver. By 2011 he'd gone one founding his own airline and his own formula one team, and becoming Chairman of Queens Park Rangers, helping them reach the Premier League again after a 15-year absence from the top flight. Flying High is the memoir of an exceptional business leader; the man who created Asia's first budget airline, democratizing air travel in Asia and building AirAsia into a multi-billion-dollar company in the process. Published as Tony returns as the face of the second series of Apprentice Asia , this inspiring personal story will be a major global publishing event.

Genres: Biography, Business, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship

244 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2014

Reviews

[GrabAsia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be another book by a billionaire about how great he is. Tony runs an airline (amongst other things) and as I love planes, I went to the book launch. Am v glad I did. Tony is a superb speaker and reading his book is like having a conversation with a fun guy with normal experiences & emotions like most of us, mixed with the dare devil things we only wish we had done.

The best part is the beginning when talks about his parents, the special things his mom & dad did, then being sent off to school in Epsom in England all alone at 12, how he found his feet, went on a gap year (rare in the 80s), became of all things an accountant, bamboozled his way into the music industry, then spread his wings by buying AirAsia for 25cents (and $10million in debt) just after 9/11.

The post AirAsia story of Tony is well known, but his interesting life before that is what I really enjoyed.

[Dan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting, which might make it an easy read but also a captivating one. Some great insights into what made AirAsia the business it is today and how childhood, perseverance and determination can get you something if you work hard enough. Interesting outlook into how to run a modern day business and get the best out of people. A bit less sure about the hot takes on Joey Barton and the future of F1, but you can’t get everything right. A good read while in Malaysia and seeing KLIA full of red AirAsia tail wings.

[X10sapient · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical biography book. The book is narrated in an interesting way just the like personality of Tony. This book is so inspiring and if you believe in your dream, every thing is possible.

[Jodie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I admire Tony for his tenacity in building AirAsia up, he’s not quite the business owner I look up to. Yes he has created an amazing culture in AirAsia and at many points I even thought of applying a job there. But I didn’t one important attribute I think every successful businessman should have - humility. Still it’s a good book but towards the last 30 pages I didn’t bother finishing them.

[Nimantha Deshappriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a humble man he is !! Great example for many CEO's who sit in the corner offices and feel too important to mix with the employees..

His story tells us if you have a passion and a dream,Sky is the limit. All you have to do is to fly high!! His journey from havig failed in A/Ls to buying an airline, Formual 1 team and QPR encourages many individuals out there. Hope still alive for those who want to achieve extraordinary things in their lives. I can clearly say his story changed my life.

[Fezile Simelane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Fernandes is an inspiring business leader whose work and achievements I've followed for a number of years now.
This story of his life;the loss of his mother at a young age, his "wild and wondering" years and how he eventually came to start and grow the business he is most known for,AirAsia, was well written.

He also offers a few lessons on business that are worth taking in.

[Jess Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near-to-home inspiring hero. Perseverance, adaptability, agility are the key to success.

[Noral · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring story. i like his style!

[Kamil Goungor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am traveling a lot and I love sports. I found this book one day at a bookstore in one airport. I was curious who was Tony, I took the book and saw that he has an airline and huge sports involvement (similar passions to mine) so I decided to buy it. One month later I am happy I did it. Tony seems a very cool guy and a great role model. Would love to meet him, ask a few questions and even suggest some ideas. Will definitely text him. As he claims in the book, he reads every single message he receives. Let's see ;)

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and humble. Worth every minute spent reading it.

[Tomi Perdana]

menjadi CEO tidak hanya memerlukan kecerdasan dan skill, tetapi juga kepekaan terhadap tantangan. Buku ini juga mengajarkan bahwa untuk mewujudkan mimpi, seseorang harus berani membangun bisnis yang berbeda dari yang lain, dan terus belajar, berinovasi, dan berpegang teguh pada prinsip
ada 5 hal yang bisa dipelajari dari buku Flying High: Kisahku Membangun Airasia:
1. Tony Fernandes berharap pemerintah bisa memfasilitasi pelaku penerbangan untuk bisa berkembang
2. Tony Fernandes berhasil membuat orang-orang di Asia Tenggara saling terkoneksi, dan bisa terbang ke banyak tempat dengan biaya murah
3. Tony Fernandes berharap pemerintah tidak terlalu mengatur secara ketat mengenai tarif penerbangan
4. Tony Fernandes, CEO AirAsia, berhasil mengubah maskapai yang nyaris bangkrut menjadi industri besar di Asia
5. Tony Fernandes berani membangun bisnis dengan branding yang berbeda dari yang lain, yaitu maskapai penerbangan murah yang belum ada di Asia.

[iis]

Buku ini sangat menarik menurut saya, didalam buku ini ada beberapa poin yang menjadi pelajaran yaitu:
- kita harus ambil pekerjaan apapun yang menjadi pekerjaan kita pertama, khususnya bagi yang baru tamat sekolah, maupun itu pekerjaan yang meresahkan, kita harus coba dahulu.
- kemudian, ketika kerja sambil cari riset dan fokus untuk mengasah skill yang kita punya.
- kemudian, cari tahu CEO atau Pimpinan idaman kita, riset tentang orang tersebut
- jangan takut say "hi" dan kenali diri ke orang (ntah itu di acara pesta), karena kita tidak tahu apa yang terjadi setelah kita ngobrol dengan orang tersebut
- harus punya inisiatif dan inovasi agar kerjaan kita lebih mudah
- perusahaan harus bisa beradaptasi berubah
- perusahaan harus memiliki orang-orang yang tepat (jadi kalau ganti ganti karyawan itu no problem)

[Isnaini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini sangat menarik menurut saya, didalam buku ini ada beberapa poin yang menjadi pelajaran yaitu:
- kita harus ambil pekerjaan apapun yang menjadi pekerjaan kita pertama, khususnya bagi yang baru tamat sekolah, maupun itu pekerjaan yang meresahkan, kita harus coba dahulu.
- kemudian, ketika kerja sambil cari riset dan fokus untuk mengasah skill yang kita punya.
- kemudian, cari tahu CEO atau Pimpinan idaman kita, riset tentang orang tersebut
- jangan takut say "hi" dan kenali diri ke orang (ntah itu di acara pesta), karena kita tidak tahu apa yang terjadi setelah kita ngobrol dengan orang tersebut
- harus punya inisiatif dan inovasi agar kerjaan kita lebih mudah
- perusahaan harus bisa beradaptasi berubah
- perusahaan harus memiliki orang-orang yang tepat (jadi kalau ganti ganti karyawan itu no problem)

[Erixon Saruksuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ceritanya menarik, memberi motivasi bahwa dari kegagalan selalu ada cara lain untuk mecapai kemakmuran. Segala sesuatu yang di manage tidak selamanya lurus, selalu ada trouble apalagi di ruang lingkup maskapai yang notabene berhubungan dengan transportasi menyangkut keselamatan nyawa para customer. Dengan menjamin kenyamanan dan kepercayaan mereka dapat tumbuh dan berkembang serta pola pikit membatasi adanya perbedaan sosial kasta jabatan dalam perusahaan, penulis memberikan gambaran perusahaan harusnya bagaimana bertindak. Penulis menerapkan sebuah relasi yang baik didalam hubungan antar pegawai.

[Hanisah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku yang bagus dan memberikan beberapa pengajaran yang baik. Walaupun, mungkin kita tidak la di tahap Tony, tapi kesimpulannya mudah: jangan pernah putus asa dalam menghadapi kegagalan.

Penceritaan yang menarik dan detail seperti diari. Menunjukkan steps yang diambil untuk menjayakan setiap fasa hidup. Walaupun saya (sebagai bukan peminat bola) agak pening di bahagian QPR. Haha.

Dari segi penulisan, dapat di agak yang ini adalah alih bahasa daripada bahasa inggeris. Terdapat beberapa kesalahan penulisan, dan terjemahan yang tidak tepat. (E.g. Heart in the right place jadi Hati di belah kanan).

Banyak ilmu dan fakta baru yang diperolehi. Tony beli AirAsia dulu RM1 je? Wow.

[Faizah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Autobiography book of how Mr Tony Fernandes manage his businesses including attaining new businesses.

He also share tips on doing multiple businesses.

This book is suitable for new entrepreneurs too or someone who dreams to open new business.

One of tips he shared was, you have to have good network or connection in able to get businesses. Surround yourself with right people. Never underestimate other people's idea be it from the lowest ranking person in the company.
As a leader, we have to be open minded, good listener, and be creative.

[Ravi Shankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review might be a bit biased but, I’m one of the lucky all stars currently working for Mr.Tony. The energy he brings into the meetings is amazing, he is one of those CEOs who manages to push people to their full potential. The amazing culture he built in AirAsia makes it a unique place, I am not eggzattsrating when I say that out of 22k Allstars (AirAsia employees) anyone can reach him directly and express his/her views. I’m hoping he would add more chapters to this book

[Indah Rahayu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kehidupan tony kecil dimulai dari usia 13 tahun yang sudah diajarkan mandiri ,bersekolah di luar negeri yang jauh dari orang tua.bagaimana dia diawal -awal memasuki asrama tersebut bersusah payah untuk menyesuaikan diri .Rasa rindu terhadap keluarga harus dirasakannya pada saat itu karena tiket pesawat sangat mahal yang membuatnya tidak bisa setiap saat berjumpa dengan keluarga.Dengan adanya pengalaman masa kecil ini ,justru hal inilah yang menjadi bibit lahirnya air asia.

[' Syamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebahagian impian pasti akan menjadi realiti, maka teruslah berimpian.

Kisah Tony yang menukar AirAsia kepada syarikat penerbangan tambang murah memberi peluang kepada masyarakat menaiki kapal terbang dan melawat negara lain dengan harga yang mampu.

Pemilik kelab bola QPR, kereta jenama Caterham, hotel Tune dan Yayasan AirAsia

Berimpian untuk menubuhkan hospital AirAsia sebagai bakti kepada masyarakat.

[Larry Hou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Fernandes, the legend that brought #AirAsia from just 2 leased airplanes to a fleet of 250+ airplanes and another 200+ in order 😲😲 all of these done without any prior aviation experiences.

I could still vividly remember one of his sharing session a few years back, he’s really a charismatic business leader, just the same energy and passion while reading his autobiography, and super inspirational read indeed👏👍

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku ini sangat menginspirasi saya karena menunjukkan kegigihan seorang anak yang profil keluarganya biasa saja di mana dia selalu berusaha mengejar mimpinya yang setinggi langit dan tidak pernah menyerah untuk menggapai impiannya tersebut sehingga pada akhirnya berbuah manis yaitu Tony Fernandes sekarang sudah menjadi pebisnis sukses dan miliarder dunia. Semua orang sudah mengenalnya berkat bisnis maskapai berbiaya rendah kepunyaannya yaitu AirAsia

[Simrenjit Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerita dalam buku ini juga membuktikan bahwa mimpi akan menjadi realita jika kita berani melakukannya. Lewat buku ini Tony memotivasi pembaca agar mempercayai kekuatan dari sebuah impian. Juga, percaya pada hal-hal yang sulit dipercaya dan mengatakan tidak, meskipun kita sempat gagal melakukannya.
pesan Tony kepada semua pemimpi di dunia sederhana saja: "Beranilah bermimpi karena sebagian impian bisa menjadi kenyataan."

[Miguel David · Rating 2 out of 5]

After flying air Asia for the first time this year, I was very well impressed (they would do super well in Europe) and wanted to know more about the founder. The book though is one that would be better written by a ghost writer, I’m afraid, as the story arc is non existent and it seems like but if stories one after the other.

[Jude Ripin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most inspiring book I have read this year... Tony Fernandes proves to all of us that if we dare to dream, someday we might just turn it into a reality..! As I completed reading the last page of this book, I got the feeling that the chapter is not closed yet. I suspect there will be more to come for sure from the great Malaysian..! I can't wait to read about it...

[Henry Suryawirawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book! Tony's story is truly remarkable and the book shares so much about his journey from the beginning, the career and ventures that Tony started, and his philosophy in life and work. His message to dream big (i.e. fly high) is truly shown by his life examples. A must-read book from one of Southeast Asia's well-known inspiring entrepreneurs!

[Varun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying High gives a good glimpse into Tony Fernandes' life, and it presents challenges faced by the AirAsia CEO. I guess why I gave it such a good review is because it is a really recent book, and I also am one who has applied for a job with AirAsia and looks up to him as a leader.

[Aziz Amirudin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aslinya jarang baca nonfic, terus harus baca ini buat kerjaan, dan ternyata bagus. Narasinya menarik dan faktor kontennya juga (Tony's fascinating real-life story) yang bikin terbawa arus buat terus baca sampai habis. Recommended for those who are looking for autobiography or inspirational book.

[Faradila Putri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a particularly pleasant time reading this. Easy to pick up on and the flow of the book makes it easy to keep on reading. Filled with Tony Fernandes' sense of humor here and there. I loved the last chapter because it hood a lot of future insight and brilliant ideas for his company.

[Joshua Tanuwidjaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew that Tony was a very humble guy. This book really sums up his life from his childhood up until now that he’s flying high in the sky. A good read to accompany you when travelling or seeking a motivation nowadays.

[Wen Jun Ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony reiterated the importance of personal branding and PR in the book, which in turn is a form of PR for him as well. His decision to be asset-light and undergo digital transformation may turn out be an inflection point for AirAsia.