KUALA LUMPUR: Raya Airways Sdn Bhd has refuted claims of being in talks with AirAsia Group Bhd or any other parties for an acquisition.

       A business weekly reported that AirAsia has approached businessman Datuk Ishak Ismail whose family owns Raya Airways, to acquire the carrier.

       “On behalf of Raya Airways and after consulting with Raya’s shareholders and board of directors, we would like to clarify that Raya and its subsidiaries/affiliate companies are not in any talks with AirAsia or any other parties for the acquisition of the company or any part of its businesses.

       “As such, we would like to categorically state that the article is factually incorrect and misleading,” Raya said in a statement.

       “We wish to assure all our stakeholders that Raya’s operational and financial position is growing in strength.

       “Going forward, we are committed to continue and further strengthen our operations and opportunities to take Raya to its next stage of growth,” it added.