Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist residing in Malaysia, has filed a lawsuit against AirAsia, alleging that the airline unlawfully used the design of one of his murals on its aircraft. The mural in question, painted in 2012, depicts two children riding a bicycle and is located on a wall in Penang, Malaysia. Zacharevic claims that AirAsia incorporated this art into their external branding for a plane without seeking his consent, authorization, or a licensing agreement, which is at the center of his legal grievance.

The artist expressed his frustration over the use of his work, emphasizing that such actions erode the rights of creators and highlight the importance of acquiring permissions before utilizing artistic expressions for commercial purposes. The aircraft featuring the mural was reportedly scheduled for operational use in October and November 2024. As of now, AirAsia has not issued a public comment regarding the lawsuit or the allegations made by Zacharevic.

This case underscores a growing concern in the creative industry regarding copyright infringement and the ethical use of artwork in commercial settings. It raises questions about how companies should engage with artists and secure rights to use their creations, as well as how the legal frameworks adapt to protect artists in an increasingly commercial landscape.