Airbus Under the Spotlight: A Bribe Scandal in Malaysia
In a twist that feels straight out of a thriller novel, Malaysia’s top anti-corruption watchdog is poking into a claim by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO). The allegation? Airbus allegedly paid a whopping US$50 million in bribes to secure AirAsia’s hefty orders.
What the SFO’s Claim Looks Like
- Airbus allegedly sneaked money into the hands of key AirAsia executives through a sponsorship deal.
- Between 2013‑2015, Airbus supposedly granted US$50 million to the now-defunct Caterham Formula One team, which was co‑owned by AirAsia’s top brass.
- Airbus employees allegedly offered an extra US$55 million – a figure that, oddly enough, never reached the bank.
- The payments were said to be a sweetener to help seal a deal for 180 new aircraft.
AirAsia’s Counter‑Narrative
“We’re not about the sponsorship. We make decisions by the seat of our own pants,” AirAsia declared. They added they’ll wholeheartedly cooperate with Malaysia’s Anti‑Corruption Commission (MACC) but have no details to share about the SFO’s probe.
Airasia’s spokesperson added that they “have no visibility on Airbus’ internal procedures,” so they can’t comment on alleged lapses in the plane maker’s own policies.
Airbus’s Big Smack‑down
Just a day before the SFO’s accusations, Airbus signed a landmark US$4 billion settlement in France, the UK, and the US. That deal was about clearing a tainted history of bribery and a tangled web of global corruption, and it shielded Airbus from potentially losing public contracts in major markets.
The Malaysian Angle
Under the MACC Act, the commission has the right to investigate corruption that spills outside Malaysia. “We’re already liaising with UK authorities and digging into the matter,” said MACC Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya.
This investigation comes as the Malaysian government weighs five strategic investment proposals, one of which includes AirAsia’s partnership with the struggling national carrier, Malaysia Airlines. AirAsia operates an all‑Airbus fleet of 274 planes, so the stakes are high.
Key Take‑aways
- Airbus possibly paid bribes through a sponsorship linked to AirAsia’s leadership.
- AirAsia denies any role in these alleged mishaps.
- Airbus faces a three‑country settlement that keeps it in the game globally.
- Malaysia’s MACC is on the case, working hand‑in‑hand with UK authorities.
- The probe arrives amid plans to merge AirAsia’s operations with Malaysia Airlines.
