AirAsia soars to new heights: Asia’s best low-cost carrier for 2024

AirAsia Group and its affiliates AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X have been crowned Asia’s Top Low-Cost Carrier for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com at their prestigious Airline Excellence Awards.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in AirAsia’s storied journey. Launched in 2001 by visionary founders Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes with just two aircraft, the airline has soared to unimaginable heights. Over the past two decades, AirAsia has transformed from a small operation in Kuala Lumpur into a powerhouse of the Asian aviation industry.

AirAsia’s meteoric rise is a testament to its resilience and innovation. The airline has successfully navigated a maze of regulatory hurdles, economic crises, and fierce competition, all while challenging policies that traditionally favoured national carriers. By democratising air travel, AirAsia has redefined the low-cost carrier landscape across the ASEAN region and beyond.

Today, the AirAsia Group operates an impressive fleet of over 255 aircraft, connecting more than 165 destinations from its bases in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings.com, praised AirAsia’s leadership for their extraordinary achievements.

“Tony Fernandes and his team, including Group CEO Bo Lingam and AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail, have propelled these airlines to market dominance.

“They’ve made travel accessible and affordable for nearly 800 million passengers, delivering exceptional value and a fantastic travel experience.”

Reflecting on this recognition, Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Strategic Advisor to AirAsia Aviation Group, expressed his gratitude.

“This award belongs to our airline CEOs, senior team members, and the countless ‘Allstars’ who’ve exceeded expectations.

“We are committed to significant growth and expansion, offering more high-quality, low-cost travel options across the globe.”

Bo Lingam reiterated this commitment, announcing the addition of over 400 new, state-of-the-art aircraft to meet rising travel demand, reported Aviation Source News.

“Low cost doesn’t mean low service. We’re dedicated to providing greater value and choice, not just within Asia, but worldwide.”

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the team’s resilience and looking forward to the synergies between Capital A and AirAsia Aviation Group.

“We’re not just surviving the pandemic’s aftermath; we’re coming back stronger.”