Kuala Lumpur, Nov 29 (IANS) AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes, whose father is from Goa, has been named the Airline CEO of the Year (2009) by Jane's Transport Finance magazine in London.

Born in Kuala Lumpur to a Goan father and Malacca Portuguese mother, 45-year-old Fernandes is the pioneer of budget airline who influenced the country's open sky aviation policy.

Jane's, a Britain-based publication which is a provider of market intelligence and integrated solutions to the transport, defence and security sectors in over 180 nations, gives annual awards to outstanding achievers in the airline, airport, rail, road and shipping sectors.

"The award recognises Fernandes' vision and AirAsia's success in the toughest airline market in decades," the publication said.

In a statement Saturday, Fernandes attributed his win to his workforce of 6,500 employees and the airline's culture of innovation.

"We have grown AirAsia together, with everybody pitching in with ideas, actively finding new ways to increase efficiency, improving service by effectively combining technology and personal touch while aggressively and smartly marketing our brand," he added.

AirAsia currently has 82 aircraft that fly 120 routes to more than 60 destinations across Asia.

The airline has flown more than 75 million passengers in less than eight years.

Prior to debuting in aviation, Fernandes had a long stint in the field of music, becoming the youngest chief of Warner Music. Before that he was with Richard Branson's Virgin Music.