Debt-ridden AirAsia's super app ambitions fly into murky skies

Shaky finances shackle investment in food delivery and ride-hailing service

20210901N AirAsia Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia is stepping up investment in digital operations to diversify from its core budget airline business. (Photo by Yumi Kotani) 

MAYUKO TANI and MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writers

SINGAPORE/BANGKOK -- Gojek motorbike drivers clad in AirAsia's corporate color of red have been delivering takeout meals to app users in Bangkok since mid-August.

The Malaysian budget carrier acquired Indonesian ride-hailing and payment company Gojek's Thai operations in July, part of its effort to expand super app operations.

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