Super proud of my crew, says Tony Fernandes

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has praised the pilots and crew of AirAsia X flight D7237 for their "heroic job" in bringing all 359 people onboard the plane that "shook like a washing machine" to safety.
"Super proud of all my crew led by Captain Ibrahim," Fernandes wrote in a Facebook posting. "And first officer Vincent and Purser Ruijaruuneglai who did a superb heroic job bringing back everyone safely. AirAsia don't make engines and all airlines have engine failures. But when it does happen it takes great pilots and great leadership in times of crisis. I'm beaming with pride.
"From videos you can see all guests calm, and from the many emails and whatsapp I got, the Captain's announcements kept everyone calm. If it was a full service airline the pilot would have been a hero."
He said critics were unfair in blaming the captain for urging passengers onboard to pray for their safety during the incident.
"But because it's a low cost carrier press and so called experts make wild accusations and forget the heroics of our crew. I want to thank the many Australians who have praised AirAsia for all we have done despite all the adverse press. Adelaide here we come."
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old passenger has posted on Facebook that AirAsia and the pilot had done their best.
"It disgusts me that people are criticising our captain for telling us to pray and are trying to get him fired," Madeline Wright wrote on Tuesday.
"The full context was, 'everything is under control in the cockpit. If you want to say a prayer, that might help too'," she said, adding that his urge for prayer was said in a way that comforted them.
"He was a reassuring voice during this event and gave us hope, he is the reason I am still alive and I cannot thank him enough."