Did Airbus bribe AirAsia executives for plane orders?

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Airbus's Alleged Bribe to AirAsia Executives for Plane Orders Remains Unsubstantiated by Direct Contact

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) of the United Kingdom entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Airbus SE on January 31, 2020, which included a statement of facts alleging that Airbus paid US$50 million (RM200 million) to win plane orders from AirAsia and AirAsia X. This statement suggested Airbus sponsored a sports team owned by AirAsia executives during negotiations for aircraft orders, with the airlines ordering 406 aircraft between October 2005 and November 2014. However, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes have stated that the SFO never contacted AirAsia during its four-year investigation for any explanation or clarification regarding these allegations.
Deferred Prosecution Agreement and Allegations

As part of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) on January 31, 2020, Airbus SE agreed to pay a substantial fine and costs. A statement of facts within this agreement outlined allegations that Airbus provided a bribe of US$50 million (RM200 million) to secure plane orders. The document specifically mentioned that Airbus sponsored a sports team reportedly owned by AirAsia executives while negotiations for aircraft orders were ongoing.
AirAsia Executives' Claims of No Contact

Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes asserted on February 4 that the SFO did not approach AirAsia at any point during the four-year investigation into the Airbus matter. They claim that no requests were made for any explanation or clarification from the airline. To facilitate the probe, both executives had previously stepped down from their positions within the AirAsia Group.
Prime Minister's Perspective on Offsets

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad commented on the broader context of such deals, stating that obtaining offsets in significant business transactions is a common practice. He clarified that such offsets are not considered bribery unless the funds are personally pocketed by individuals. Dr Mahathir indicated that if an advantage is gained due to purchasing at a higher price, it can be viewed as an offset rather than a bribe, provided the money is designated for a specific purpose and not for personal enrichment.

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Did Airbus bribe AirAsia executives for plane orders?

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