Air Asia Named World's Best Low Cost Airline For 7th Consecutive Year

AirAsia has been named the World's Best Low Cost Airline and Asia's Best Low Cost Airline for the seventh consecutive year at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show. The Malaysia based budget carrier has affiliates across Asia in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and the Philippines. 

Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG

According to Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group, although the past year was not without difficulty, he is honoured by the on-going support of the airline's staff and passengers. "We faced many challenges this year but I am proud to say that our staff banded together for our guests and we have emerged stronger than ever," said Fernandes. 

The AirAsia chief was on hand in Paris to accept the award on behalf of the entire company. "To be named the 'World's Best' for the seventh consecutive year is an incredible honour, and I dedicate it to the 17,000 AirAsia Allstars who are the force behind it all," said Fernandes. "We would also like to thank our guests and stakeholders for continuing to believe in us. We are committed to continue innovating on all fronts to provide our guests with not only the best value but also a superior travel experience and convenience using technology."

Image Source: AirAsia

The Skytrax World Airline Awards serve as the global benchmark of airline excellence and passenger satisfaction. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the airline industry, which are based on surveys submitted by nineteen million global air travellers from over 160 nationalities. Each survey covers 41 key performance indicators of an airline's products and services. 

Meanwhile, AirAsia's long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, was also recognized at the World Airline Awards for offering the World's Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin & Premium Seat. This is the third consecutive year that the long-haul budget carrier has earned the award. 

Image Source: AirAsia

The AirAsia X Premium Flatbed offers passengers universal power sockets, adjustable headrests, along with a number of other personal amenities. Passengers are also offered premium services including Priority Boarding and increased baggage allowance.

AirAsia X currently operates out of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It remains uncertain if AirAsia X's budget long-haul service will be offered from the Philippines in the near future. AirAsia currently operates one of the youngest fleets in Asia. The budget carrier has 475 Airbus A320 aircraft on order with deliveries continuing until 2028.

Neither Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines received any acknowledgements at the World Airline Awards. Cebu Pacific did not even rank in the Top Ten of Best Low Cost Airlines in Asia, while Philippine Airlines did not rank in the Top Ten Best Airlines in Asia. Out of the Top 100 Best Airlines in the World, Philippine Airlines increased from its position of 93rd in 2014 to 87th in 2015.