Paris :  AirAsia is named the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline for the fifth consecutive year at the 2013 World Airline Awards.

AirAsia X, the low cost, long haul affiliate carrier of the AirAsia Group also received the World’s Best Low Cost Airline – Premium Class and World’s Best Low Cost Airline – Premium Class Seat title.

The Skytrax World Airline Awards is the global benchmark of airline excellence and one of the most prestigious accolades for the airline industry. This annual global survey is conducted over a 10-month period, covering over 200 airlines from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers and travelers from over 160 countries took part in ranking quality standards across more than 40 areas of airline front-line products and services.

Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia, who is also the Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X  and Dato’ Aziz Bakar, Chairman of AirAsia Berhad were at the Paris Air Show in France to receive the awards.

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia said, “We started over 11 years ago with RM40 million in debt, and today we are valued at around RM9 billion in terms of market capital. We have flown over 190 million guests to date and we look forward to welcome our 200th million guest on board soon. It is an honour to be ranked as Asia and World’s Best Low Cost Airline for the fifth time in a row, and we would like to thank all of our guests for their support. Our journey does not end here, as we strive to make flying even more enjoyable and affordable for our guests in the years to come.”

Tony also added “It is also a proud moment to be receiving both the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in Premium Class and Premium Class seat awards for AirAsia X, as it is a testament of our continuous effort to deliver one of the best in-flight comforts. We are consistently seeking ways to improve our service in providing world class flying experience to our guests.”

AirAsia was established in December 2001, with a mission to democratize air travel in the region and has been operationally profitable from day one of its launch as a low-cost carrier. As a pioneer in the low-cost carrier industry in Asia, AirAsia has set travel trends with many others following in its trail throughout the region. The airline also has affiliates in Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Japan in addition to Malaysia, servicing 85 destinations across 21 countries, with AirAsia India in the pipeline.

Throughout the past decade, AirAsia has established itself as a market leader and innovator in travel and technology, offering not just flights but a wholesome travel experience with the introduction of mobile apps, interactive travel guides of the countries and destinations that AirAsia flies to, self check-in options and more.

The AirAsia website is one of the most visited travel sites in the region with more than 100 million page views and over 11 million unique visitors in a month, with a healthy upward trend.

A strong and rapidly growing following of over 3.7 million fans on all its social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Sina Weibo (China), Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and its own blog has also enabled AirAsia to provide real-time interaction with its guests, as well as personalizing and enhancing their AirAsia travel experience.

All five AirAsia airlines – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Japan operate one of the youngest fleet of Airbus A320 in the world, with an average age of only 3 years groupwide; with firm orders of 475 Airbus A320 aircraft and deliveries up till 2026. Apart from a modern fleet, AirAsia offers consumer-friendly products and services complemented with everyday low fares, extensive route network and great flight frequencies; along with convenient booking and payment channels and value added services such as hot meals, seat allocations and baggage allowances.

AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Premium Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.

The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 25kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Duvet.

 

Source : Neha Mohanty