Tony Fernandes to close Twitter a/c by month-end

Says April 30 will be his last day on the social network

Social media site Twitter is set to lose one of its most-active high-profile users. AirAsia Chief Executive Tony Fernandes decided to quit the site saying he spent too much time on it.

All major announcements about the airline, offers, discussion on the sector, on his favourite sport activities, birthday wishes, workout in gyms and investors roadshows, among others, have been discussed on his account. On Friday, he started a discussion on nuclear power, saying ‘What is everyone's view on nuclear power’.

On Saturday, Fernandes tweeted, "reaching 50 years old. Think I spend too much time on it. It's been awesome but time to move on. April 30 will be my last day on Twitter. But will be at my best till then. Only one will be the same after that day and I'm a superhoop.”

Fernandes started tweeting on December 7, 2008. His account shows 96,383.9 million people follow him, and he has so far tweeted 10,993 messages. Followers include journalists from across the world.

Earlier, once he was asked why he was making all his announcements through Twitter, he replied, "I get very good response from you (the media) guys on Twitter. Tatas went mad when I announced first in Twitter about the joint venture. Later they called me, hey, put this in Twitter. The first time, they thought we were crazy."

An AirAsia official once said that "if you want to know all about AirAsia and need a comment from him, track his Twitter, it is the best way".

True, starting from AirAsia India joint venture announcement to Mittu Chandilya appointment as AirAsia India chief executive to airline getting no objection certficate, everything was first announced on  Twitter by Fernandes.

Here some of the important and interesting tweets by Fernandes:

February 20, 2013

AirAsia India entry into India. AirAsia will be making a significant step in our journey of being a ASEAN airline. Very proud day for me.

Welcome to the airline business. Dump the private jet in India. AirAsia India is the way

May 15, 2013

Mittu was appointed as AirAsia India CEO. Chandilya is an outstanding young man with great entrepreneurial skills. He is very passionate about the LCC business and possesses the crucial understanding on how our business model works

July 1, 2013

My new pilot Sir Ratan Tata flying me to Delhi. Another way Airasia cuts costs. The advisor is a pilot

January 17, 2014

My thoughts on Air Asia. Cost will win. And we are in superb place in the world.

February 12, 2014

Airasia India taking off quite well. Super excited to finally change the way Indians will fly. And open flying to the masses.

February 21, 2014

Heard that the Supreme Court rejected the court case of Mr Swamy and the Indian Airlines association. Nice way to end lunch

March 2, 2014

Proud of everyone at Caterham. Take a bow. When everyone is having a snigger we kept focused and we showed what we can do.

March 6, 2014

Asian currencies strengthening, oil going down. Many airlines who threw fares to buy market share in trouble.

March 20, 2014

I think there is little accountability in Malaysia. That really needs to change if we are to progress as a nation. Blame game must end.

Airlines. Airlines take all the risk on getting growth. Developing new routes, buying aircraft, fuel, losses.

On my way home. It's not good news but here's hoping that MH 370 is found.

March 21, 2014

Airasia India first aircraft arrives in India. In Chennai. Wow. Still a bit to do bit on the final straight.