In 2009, at the peak of the global financial crisis which saw credit lines drying up, Aireen assumed Treasury functions, and despite the volatility and pessimism of the economic atmosphere, she managed to raise funds for the entire Air Asia group. In doing so, she ensured that certain processes and plans, such as facilitating fleet expansion and the creation of various joint ventures, were carried out. Aireen has also been instrumental in innovating financing structures, such as the Islamic French Single Investor Ijarah, an initiative that earned the Air Asia group global recognition for its leadership in the finance world. She also played an instrumental role in leading the team responsible for the equity private placement that, in 2009, had raised more than half a billion Ringgit.
Aireen is also credited for having locked in financing at very competitive rates for the purchase of aircraft for the AirAsia group. This particular achievement has helped the group forge further ahead of its competitors, giving it a distinct strategic advantage. Subsequently, in 2011, Aireen was part of the team that negotiated the purchase of 200 Airbus A320neo aircraft from Airbus, the announcement for which was made at the Paris Airshow that same year. Under her dynamic leadership the area of Investor Relations has been restructured to facilitate greater transparency and improved engagement with the investment community.
