AirAsia on winning streak
> Region’s largest low-cost airline bags accolade for fifth year in a row
PETALING JAYA: For the fifth consecutive year, AirAsia has been voted as Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2017 World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia.
The award, chosen through votes by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, recognises AirAsia’s commitment to excellence in service, putting it ahead of its peers.
Asia’s largest low-cost carrier also won Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew, beating nine other contenders – Air India Express, Firefly, GoAir, JetKonnect, Jetstar Airways, Lucky Air, Nok Air, SpiceJet and West Air.
The awards were presented at an award ceremony held at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Shanghai, China yesterday.
“This award is a special win for us as it recognises our efforts to always do better. And we always strive to be better. This year, we are focusing on improving our check-in systems to make the whole process easier,” AirAsia co-founder and group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said.
He said that AirAsia is excited to bring uniquely Asean products to the rest of Asia and the world, as they have roKKi as an onboard WiFi portal that offers inflight entertainment and connectivity, and Santan, their in-flight food that offers Asian cuisine on board.
“I also want to say a big thanks to my amazing cabin crew. It’s so cool to get another cabin crew award and it’s all because of them. They are simply the best – special, warm and real,” he said.
AirAsia president of North Asia Kathleen Tan said, “We are truly honoured to receive the two accolades yet again. For 16 years we have listened to our guests and refined our vision of low-cost travel. We have continuously ensured that we only deliver services that epitomise the best of Asean hospitality.”
In a related development, AirAsia yesterday started its Kuching-Pontianak direct flight connecting the state capital to the capital of Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The carrier will operate seven flights a week between the two cities.