AirAsia Group, a leading low-cost carrier in Asia, has been bestowed the honor of Top LCC in Asia for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com at the annual Airline Excellence Awards. Founded in 2001 with just two aircraft, AirAsia has grown exponentially over the past two decades, establishing itself as a prominent player in the region’s aviation industry. Commencing operations from Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia’s journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability, overcoming external challenges, navigating regulatory landscapes, and challenging policies that favored national carriers. This journey has revolutionized the low-cost carrier sector within ASEAN and beyond, making air travel more accessible. Today, AirAsia operates an extensive fleet of over 255 aircraft, serving more than 165 destinations with hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings.com, lauded AirAsia’s win as “richly deserved,” commending the remarkable leadership of Founder Tony Fernandes and the executive team, including Group CEO Bo Lingam and AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail, in guiding the airlines to their dominant market position. He highlighted their success in making travel affordable for nearly 800 million passengers across Asia and the Asia Pacific region, while delivering exceptional value and a positive travel experience.Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Strategic Advisor to the AirAsia Aviation Group, expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the incredible journey of recovery post-pandemic. He attributed the award to the dedication of airline CEOs, senior team members, and the countless “Allstars” who have contributed to the group’s success. Emphasizing the strong foundations in place for significant growth, Fernandes revealed plans to expand flight operations to multiple continents, marking a pivotal moment in the group’s reincarnation story. He also highlighted the proposed divestment of the AirAsia Aviation Group of airlines from Capital A to AirAsia X, which is set to transform the industry and ensure more high-quality, low-cost air travel options for short, medium, and long-haul flights connecting Asia and the Asia Pacific to the world.Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, emphasized AirAsia’s commitment to redefining the low-cost carrier concept, ensuring that low cost does not equate to low service. With travel demand rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, the group has placed orders for over 400 new specification aircraft to fuel ambitious growth plans, including expanding to new destinations. He expressed optimism about the turnaround strategy and thanked the experts at AirlineRatings.com for acknowledging the AirAsia team’s dedication and operational excellence.Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, echoed the sentiments of recognition for the team’s resilience in overcoming pandemic challenges and emerging stronger than ever. He highlighted the exciting opportunities presented by the synergies between Capital A and the AirAsia Aviation Group, which will unlock value for guests in medium to longer-haul markets. AirAsia X’s “one airline strategy” positions the group as a formidable force in the global low-cost carrier network, connecting Asia to the world.
AirAsia Group Crowned Top LCC in Asia by AirlineRatings.com
