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Artist files lawsuit against AirAsia for copyright infringement
Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist residing in Penang, has taken legal action against budget airline AirAsia and its parent company, Capital A Berhad, accusing them of using his artwork without permission on one of their planes.
Background of the dispute
Zacharevic claims that his 2012 street mural, Kids on Bicycle, was reproduced as part of an aircraft livery in late 2024 without his consent, authorization, or any licensing agreement. The mural, located in George Town's heritage district, features two children laughing on a bicycle and has become a popular tourist attraction in Penang.
The artist stated that the airline removed the livery only after he publicly raised concerns about its use. AirAsia has yet to respond to requests for comment from the BBC.
Artist's reaction and previous interactions
Zacharevic told the BBC he first noticed the artwork on an AirAsia plane in October 2024. He described the experience as "a little offensive" and immediately shared a photo of the aircraft on social media, tagging the airline and demanding a discussion about the unauthorized use.
While negotiations with AirAsia followed, no resolution was reached. The artist also accused the airline of previously using his work on a delivery bag for its food services division.
"I wish to be clear about one thing. I do not accept any characterisation of this use as merely a reference to cultural or geographical associations. The artwork in question is a distinct artistic creation. It is not a natural or generic feature, but the result of many years of professional training, skill and labour."
Ernest Zacharevic
Legal claims and prior discussions
According to court documents, Zacharevic had discussions with AirAsia in 2017 regarding a potential commission to create art for the airline's jets and an office mural. He alleges that the airline was fully aware of his work and standard business rates at the time.
Despite this, he claims AirAsia proceeded to reproduce and publicly display his artwork on an aircraft, infringing on his copyright and moral rights. The lawsuit leaves the determination of compensation to the court.
AirAsia's profile and recent developments
AirAsia, Malaysia's largest low-cost carrier, operates over 200 aircraft across more than 100 destinations. This week, the airline announced plans to resume flights from Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain, marking its return to the UK capital after a decade-long hiatus.
