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AirAsia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Air Asia" redirects here. For other uses, see Air Asia (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Asia Airways, Asian Airlines, Asiana Airlines, or TransAsia Airways.

AirAsia
IATA ICAO Call sign
AK AXM RED CAP
Founded20 December 1993; 30 years ago (1993-12-20)
Operating bases
Frequent-flyer programAirAsia Rewards[1]
Subsidiaries
Fleet size255 (including subsidiaries)
Destinations166 (including subsidiaries)
Parent companyTune Group
Traded asMYX: 5099
ISINMYL5099OO006
HeadquartersKuala Lumpur International Airport
Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Key people
RevenueIncrease RM 14.70 billion (2023)
Operating incomeIncrease RM 145 million (2023)
Net incomeIncrease RM −96 million (2023)
Total assetsIncrease RM 28.46 billion (2023)
Total equityDecrease RM −10.63 billion (2023)
Employees23,000 (2023)
Websitewww.airasia.com

Capital A Berhad (MYX: 5099), operating as AirAsia (stylized as airasia) is a Malaysian multinational low-cost airline headquartered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Established in 1993 and commencing operations in 1996, the airline is the largest in Malaysia by fleet size and destinations. It operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 166 destinations across 25 countries.[2] Its primary hub is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where it utilizes Terminal 2, the low-cost carrier terminal.

AirAsia has a network of affiliate airlines catering to regional markets, including Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia and AirAsia Cambodia, which have bases in cities such as Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Phnom Penh. AirAsia X, the airline’s long-haul subsidiary, primarily serves long-distance routes. Together, these carriers form an extensive network connecting Southeast Asia with other parts of Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

In 2007, The New York Times described AirAsia as a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia.[3] The airline is known for its innovative approaches, including introducing ticketless travel through online bookings in 2002. It has received numerous accolades, including being named the world’s best low-cost carrier by Skytrax for 15 consecutive years, with the latest recognition in 2024.[4]

AirAsia has played a significant role in establishing Kuala Lumpur International Airport as a leading low-cost carrier hub. In the 2024 OAG Megahubs Index, KLIA ranked as the world’s second-most connected airport, with over 14,500 potential low-cost connections. AirAsia accounts for 43% of all flights at KLIA and 74% of the airport’s low-cost carrier capacity, operating 112 international and 14 domestic routes.[5]

Beyond aviation, AirAsia has sponsored various sports teams, including the Malaysia national football team, Singapore national football team, Jamshedpur FC and Queens Park Rangers in England. The airline has also supported major events, such as the Asia leg of Taylor Swift's Red Tour. With its extensive network and strategic partnerships, AirAsia remains a key player in the global aviation industry.

History

[edit]

1993-2001: Foundation and Early Years

[edit]

AirAsia was established on December 20, 1993, by DRB-HICOM, a Malaysian government-owned conglomerate, as a full-service carrier. The airline commenced operations on November 18, 1996, with its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, utilising a Boeing 737-300.[6] In its early years, AirAsia faced challenges such as high operating costs and competition from established carriers like Malaysia Airlines.

A Boeing 737-300 in AirAsia's original livery at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, during its tenure as a government-owned full-service carrier

By the late 1990s, AirAsia had accumulated substantial debts, amounting to approximately MYR 40 million (around US$10.5 million).[7][6] Efforts to stabilise the airline included route expansion, leasing aircraft for Hajj charters and internal discussions about potential management changes. However, these initiatives were insufficient to address the airline's structural issues. The situation deteriorated further following the global aviation downturn after the September 11 attacks. By September 2001, AirAsia’s debt had risen to around US$11 million, leaving the company on the brink of collapse.

2001-2002: Transformation into a Low-Cost Carrier

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On September 5, 2001, Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun acquired AirAsia through their company Tune Air Sdn Bhd for a nominal sum of one ringgit (approximately US$0.26), taking on its considerable liabilities.[8] Fernandes, a former executive at Time Warner (now known as Warner Bros. Discovery), saw an opportunity to transform AirAsia into a low-cost carrier, inspired by the success of airlines such as Southwest Airlines and Ryanair. This acquisition marked a turning point in AirAsia’s history, setting the stage for its reinvention as a budget airline.[9]

An AirAsia Boeing 737-375 in the livery used between 2002 and 2005, reflecting the airline's transition to a low-cost carrier model following the Tune Group acquisition

After the acquisition, Fernandes and his team rebranded the airline as a low-cost carrier on January 15, 2002. This strategic shift involved adopting a no-frills service model, enabling AirAsia to offer fares that were significantly lower than those of its competitors, particularly Malaysia Airlines.[9] Promotional fares began as low as MYR 10 (approximately US$2.63), which attracted a large number of passengers.

In its first year under the low-cost model, AirAsia achieved profitability, marking a significant recovery from its previous financial challenges.[9] The airline focused on point-to-point routes and utilised secondary airports, which helped lower operational costs and improve overall efficiency.

2003-2006: Entry into New Markets

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Between 2003 and 2006, AirAsia embarked on a rapid expansion of its routes and infrastructure.[9] In December 2003, the airline established a second hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, expanding its operational reach.[10] AirAsia also began its international operations with flights to Phuket in December 2003, followed by services to Bangkok in February 2004.[10] By April 2005, the airline further broadened its network by adding Manila and Xiamen to its destinations.

AirAsia was also quick to embrace technological advancements, becoming a pioneer in the region. In 2002, the airline introduced ticketless travel via online bookings, becoming the first airline in Asia to do so. This innovation revolutionized ticket purchasing. Additionally, the airline launched SMS booking services, allowing customers to book flights directly from their mobile phones.[10]

The growth of affiliate airlines played a key role in AirAsia’s expansion strategy. In 2003, Thai AirAsia was founded, and in 2005, Indonesia AirAsia was launched.[10] These affiliates allowed the airline to enter new markets, strengthening its regional presence across Southeast Asia.[10][9]

By the end of 2006, AirAsia’s fleet had seen substantial growth, consisting of 35 Boeing 737-300s and eight Airbus A320s. Additionally, the airline placed orders for 100 more Airbus A320 aircraft, which helped increase its capacity and frequency of flights, supporting its expanding network.[10]

2006-2012: Market Expansion and Hub Development

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In late 2006, AirAsia's CEO Tony Fernandes introduced a five-year plan designed to strengthen the airline's presence across Asia. The strategy focused on enhancing connectivity between existing destinations and expanding into new markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Southern China and India.[11] As part of this effort, Kota Kinabalu became a hub on 7 July 2006, followed by Kuching on 20 July 2006.[10] These initiatives led to a significant increase in passenger traffic, with AirAsia carrying about 13.9 million passengers in 2007, compared to 5.7 million in 2006.

AirAsia expanded its offerings further in 2009 by launching Redbox, the world’s first low-cost courier service. The same year, the airline began flights from Penang to Hong Kong, adding Penang as another hub in its network.[10]

In 2011, AirAsia entered into a controversial share swap agreement with Malaysia Airlines, aiming to reduce competition between the two carriers. However, due to regulatory concerns, this partnership was dissolved in early 2012, marking a setback for AirAsia's ambitions to strengthen its domestic market.[12] Despite this, the airline remained committed to its strategy of expanding its regional and international networks.[13]

2013-2019: Regional Network and Service Advancements

[edit]
Airbus A320, the backbone of AirAsia's fleet since 2005

In 2014, AirAsia made another significant advancement by becoming the first Malaysian airline to offer onboard Wi-Fi services through its subsidiary, Tune Box. This innovation responded to the increasing demand for connectivity among travelers, reinforcing AirAsia's reputation as a leader in in-flight services.[14]

Between 2015 and 2019, AirAsia continued its expansion strategy, both by launching new routes and growing its affiliate network. Notably, the airline established Philippines AirAsia in 2012 and AirAsia India in 2013. However, despite several attempts, AirAsia's plans to enter the Chinese and Vietnamese market with its own airline were eventually abandoned after facing multiple setbacks.[15][16]

During this period, AirAsia continued to earn accolades for its service quality, further solidifying its position as a leading low-cost airline. The airline was awarded the title of World's Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for an impressive eleven consecutive years, from 2009 to 2019.[10]

2020–2023: Navigating the Pandemic and Recovery

[edit]
Teleport, the cargo division of AirAsia, departing from Hong Kong International Airport

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the global aviation industry, and AirAsia was no exception. In March 2020, the airline suspended most of its flights due to travel restrictions, resulting in significant revenue losses.[17] This unprecedented situation forced AirAsia to rapidly adapt in order to survive. The airline grounded its fleet and implemented various cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and salary reductions for employees. AirAsia also focused on maintaining liquidity by securing loans and receiving government support.

During this challenging period, AirAsia accelerated its digital transformation. In late 2020, the airline launched the airasia Super App, diversifying its business model beyond air travel to include services such as food delivery, e-commerce and logistics.[10] This move was aimed at adapting to changing consumer behaviors and maintaining a steady revenue stream in the face of reduced air travel.

As vaccination rates increased and travel restrictions began to ease in 2021, AirAsia gradually resumed its operations.[18] The airline restarted domestic flights within Malaysia in April 2021, focusing initially on rebuilding its domestic network before reintroducing international routes. By late 2022, AirAsia began reinstating international routes, prioritizing key markets within ASEAN and beyond. The airline targeted popular destinations in Thailand, Indonesia and India to restore its pre-pandemic network.

AirAsia's recovery continued throughout 2022, as demand for travel rebounded.[18] By the end of the year, the airline had carried approximately 9.95 million passengers. In 2023, AirAsia significantly increased its capacity, with a nine-fold increase in available seats compared to the previous year. This expansion was driven by the resumption of routes and the addition of new aircraft to its fleet. AirAsia X reported a passenger load factor of around 80%, reflecting strong demand as restrictions eased further. Additionally, the airline expanded its international network by reintroducing routes between Thailand and China, capitalizing on the growing demand from travelers eager to visit these popular destinations.

2024–Present: Strategic Reorganisation and Global Ambitions

[edit]
An AirAsia Airbus A321neo at Perth Airport, Western Australia

On 8 January 2024, AirAsia X signed a non-binding agreement with Capital A to fully acquire AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), which oversees AirAsia’s affiliates outside Malaysia. The plan involves merging AirAsia Malaysia, Indonesia AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia and AirAsia Cambodia under the AirAsia X brand. Initially, the creation of a new entity, AirAsia Group Berhad, was proposed, but by August 2024, the decision was made to directly acquire AirAsia and AAAGL instead.[19][20]

This acquisition, expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, is projected to provide access to over 200 aircraft and 361 future aircraft orders from Capital A's aviation portfolio, integrating narrow-body and wide-body aircraft into a unified fleet. This enhanced fleet aims to improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings and bolster AirAsia’s competitive position across key market segments.[21]

In late 2024, AirAsia outlined ambitious plans to position Kuala Lumpur International Airport as a key global aviation hub.[22] As part of this expansion strategy, the airline aims to increase its fleet size from 79 to 92 aircraft by the end of 2024, while boosting daily flights from 230 to 258. Additionally, AirAsia plans to add eight new destinations to its network, bringing the total number of destinations to 106, up from 98. The airline’s focus on strengthening regional connectivity involves opening new routes to secondary airports across key regions in Asia, enhancing accessibility for both travelers and businesses.[23]

AirAsia is also concentrating on its key markets, particularly China and India. In response to Malaysia’s decision to grant visa-free entry to travelers from these two countries starting in December 2023, the airline has significantly ramped up its services. By early 2024, AirAsia plans to operate approximately 230 weekly flights between Malaysia, China and India.[24]

Looking beyond the immediate future, AirAsia’s long-term vision focuses on expanding its reach to strategic markets across the Pacific and East Asia, with further ambitions to enter Africa, Europe and North America by 2030. This global expansion strategy underscores AirAsia's aim to enhance its position as a leading low-cost carrier, connecting more regions and catering to a broader, international customer base.[23][22]

Corporate affairs

[edit]
KLIA LCCT, which housed the AirAsia head office until the opening of RedQuarters

The head office is the Red Quarters (RedQ) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Selangor.[25] This facility also serves as the company's registered office.[26]

The airline has moved its head office to a new 56,985.1 m2 (613,383 sq ft), RM140mil facility constructed at klia2 on 7 November 2016.[27] Until the new head office opened, the airline's head office was located in the KLIA LCCT. The new klia2 head office has been scheduled to open at the end of 2015.[28] The former registered office was on level 13 of the Menara Prima Tower B in Petaling Jaya.[29]

RedQ is scheduled to hold about 2,000 AirAsia and AirAsia X employees.[27] Aireen Omar, the AirAsia Country CEO of Malaysia, stated that the headquarters needed to be redesigned because in the klia2 plans the location of the control tower had been changed.[30] Construction on the facility was scheduled to begin in July 2014.[31] Malaysia Airports Holdings is leasing the land that will be occupied by the headquarters.[30] An AirAsia X flight attendant gave the building the name "RedQuarters" or "RedQ", and its groundbreaking ceremony was held in November 2014.[27]

Business highlights

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AirAsia Group/Capital A business highlights[32]
Financial performance (RM million) Operating highlights (group)
Fiscal year Revenue Expenses Operating income Net income Assets Liabilities Equity Pax Available seats Load factor (%) RPK (million) ASK (million) Fleet size
2008 2,855 3,207 −352 −496 9,406 7,800 1,606 11,808,058 15,744,077 75.00 14,439 16,890 65
2009 3,133 2,220 913 506 11,398 8,777 2,621 14,253,244 19,004,325 75.00 16,890 22,159 84
2010 3,948 2,881 1,067 1,061 13,240 9,599 3,641 25,680,609 33,058,197 77.45 29,612 38,704 90
2011 4,495 3,332 1,163 555 13,906 9,870 4,036 29,975,005 37,505,692 79.81 35,090 43,940 97
2012 4,946 3,917 1,029 790 15,729 10,869 4,860 34,137,594 42,974,280 73.83 38,699 48,581 118
2013 5,112 4,249 863 362 17,856 12,855 5,001 42,431,075 53,777,570 75.59 47,880 60,261 154
2014 5,416 4,590 826 83 20,664 16,109 4,555 45,578,458 58,185,900 77.41 52,183 66,625 172
2015 6,298 4,702 1,596 541 21,316 16,865 4,451 50,258,794 62,809,426 79.46 58,479 73,209 171
2016 6,846 4,735 2,111 1,619 21,986 15,358 6,628 54,778,693 63,826,307 85.61 65,971 77,266 174
2017 9,710 7,549 2,161 1,571 21,674 14,964 6,710 63,385,096 72,283,184 83.75 74,986 85,961 205
2018 10,638 9,419 1,219 1,695 18,550 12,365 6,185 72,907,649 86,089,380 81.98 84,490 101,446 226
2019 11,860 11,136 725 −283 25,595 22,684 2,911 83,107,856 97,585,626 80.18 96,245 112,995 246
2020 3,274 8,697 −5,422 −5,888 19,866 23,436 −3,570 22,800,877 30,584,954 74.76 21,642 29,296 247
2021 1,836 4,682 −2,846 −3,721 20,030 26,453 −6,423 7,740,504 10,808,358 71.78 6,231 8,724 213
2022 6,437 7,831 −1,394 −3,304 19,928 29,445 −9,517 34,197,289 40,833,504 83.72 33,005 39,773 209
2023 14,693 14,547 145 −96 28,455 39,080 −10,625 49,250,326 55,907,707 88.09 57,389 66,164 216
Notes
  • Data before 2008 were excluded from the table as figures from 2000 to 2007 were compounded using a different fiscal year period.
  • The financial highlights table only includes figures from the Capital A Consolidated Airlines Group consisting of its main affiliate in Malaysia, and sub-affiliates Indonesia AirAsia and Philippines AirAsia.[33]

Affiliate airlines

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AirAsia Cambodia

[edit]
Main article: AirAsia Cambodia

In May 2017, AirAsia planned to open a subsidiary company in Cambodia to handle an increase of tourists from Malaysia visiting to the Cambodian cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.[34] On 9 December 2022, AirAsia and Sivilai Asia signed a joint venture agreement to establish AirAsia Cambodia,[35] with AirAsia owning majority of the airline.[36] The airline commenced operations on 2 May 2024.[35]

AirAsia India

[edit]
Main article: AirAsia India

AirAsia India was the Indian affiliate of AirAsia. The airline was announced as a joint venture between AirAsia, Arun Bhatia, and Tata Sons on 19 February 2013. It commenced operations on 12 June 2014.[37] The airline is headquartered in Chennai,[38] with its primary hub at Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore.[39][40]

In November 2020, AirAsia reviewing its India operations run in partnership with Tata Sons signalling a possible exit from the country.[41] The airline was later sold to Tata Sons in 2022, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited.[42][43] The airline merged with Air India Express in 2023.[44]

AirAsia Japan

[edit]
Main article: AirAsia Japan

AirAsia Japan was the Japanese low-cost airline affiliate of AirAsia based in Nagoya and formerly in Narita. The airline was first announced as a joint venture between AirAsia and All Nippon Airways in 2011.[45] It flew its first flight in August 2012.[45] The joint venture was terminated in June 2013, which led to the airline ceasing operations on 27 October 2013.[46]

A relaunch of AirAsia Japan was announced in 2014.[47] It recommenced operations on 29 October 2017, but due to low passenger demand caused by COVID-19 pandemic, it ceased operations on 5 October 2020.[48]

AirAsia X

[edit]
An AirAsia X Airbus A330 taxiing on the runway at Seoul Incheon International Airport
Main article: AirAsia X

AirAsia X is the long-haul operation of AirAsia. The franchise is able to keep costs down by using a universal ticketing system.[49] AirAsia X is also affiliated with Virgin Group[50] and Air Canada. On 17 May 2007, Tony Fernandes announced plans to commence flights from Malaysia to Australia. Fernandes said he would be avoiding Sydney Airport due to its high fees. Instead, the airline would concentrate on cheaper alternatives such as Melbourne's Avalon Airport, Newcastle and Adelaide Airport. Sustained fares were predicted to be around MYR 800 (A$285) for a return fare, plus taxes.[51] Interest was also expressed in using Gold Coast Airport as another Australian destination.[52] AirAsia X began operations on 2 November 2007, with its first flight from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast.

Indonesia AirAsia & Indonesia AirAsia X

[edit]
Main articles: Indonesia AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia X

Indonesia AirAsia serves as the Indonesian affiliate of AirAsia, It operates scheduled domestic and international flights from Indonesia, with its main base at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta.[53] The airline was established as Awair in 1999 by 4th President of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid, of which he had a 40% stake in that he relinquished upon his election. On 1 December 2005, Awair changed its name to Indonesia AirAsia in line with the other AirAsia branded airlines in the region. AirAsia Berhad has a 49% share in the airline with Fersindo Nusaperkasa owning 51%. Indonesia's laws disallow a foreign-majority ownership on domestic civil aviation operations.

Indonesia AirAsia X is a joint venture of AirAsia X. It serves Indonesia AirAsia's regularly scheduled long haul international flights from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. Indonesia AirAsia X launched its first flight to Taipei on 29 January 2015. It ceased scheduled operations in January 2019.

Philippines AirAsia

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Main article: Philippines AirAsia

Philippines AirAsia is a joint venture between Filipino investors and AirAsia. The Filipino group include Antonio Cojuangco, Jr., Yancy Mckhel Mejia, former owner of Associated Broadcasting Company with flagship television station TV5, Michael Romero, a real estate developer and port operator, and Marianne Hontiveros. The airline is 60% owned by the Filipino investors and the remaining 40% is owned by AirAsia.[54] The airline was launched on 16 December 2010[54] and commenced operations on 28 March 2012.[55]

In 2013, it partnered with Zest Airways, a Philippine low-cost airline. It operates scheduled domestic and international tourist services, mainly feeder services linking Manila and Cebu with 24 domestic destinations in support of the trunk route operations of other airlines. Less than a year after AirAsia and Zest Air's strategic alliance, Zest Airways was rebranded as AirAsia Zest on 21 September 2013.[56] It merged with Philippines AirAsia in 2015.[57]

Thai AirAsia & Thai AirAsia X

[edit]
Main articles: Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X

Thai AirAsia is a joint venture between AirAsia and Thailand's Asia Aviation. It serves AirAsia's regularly scheduled domestic and international flights from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. Prior to 2016, Thai AirAsia was 55% owned by Asia Aviation and 45% owned by AirAsia International. King Power acquired 39% of Asia Aviation in 2016. The airline sponsors the Thai football teams Buriram United, SCG Muangthong United, Chonburi, Osotspa Saraburi, BEC Tero Sasana, Chiangrai UTD, Esan United, Chainat, Samut Prakan CUTD, Bangkok United, FC Phuket, Krabi, Air Force United, Nakhon Phanom, Loei City, Trang and the referee of Football Association of Thailand.

Thai AirAsia X is Thailand's first long-haul low-cost airline. It was scheduled to begin operations in June 2014. After putting off the launch that had been planned for the first quarter, Thai AirAsia X was to launch its maiden service from Bangkok to Incheon, South Korea on 17 June and then begin regular flights to Japan's Narita Airport in Tokyo and Osaka around July.[58]

In May 2022, AirAsia announced the introduction of its ride-hailing service in Thailand, AirAsia Ride.[59][60] Thailand is the second country AirAsia is expanding the e-hailing services in, directly competing with the dominant player, Grab.

Destinations

[edit]
Main article: List of AirAsia Group destinations
Countries in which AirAsia operates (June 2024)[61][62]

The AirAsia Group operates flights to 165 destinations in 25 countries worldwide. 24 of its destinations are its bases, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport being the largest base of the group.

Fleet

[edit]

Current fleet

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As of July 2024, AirAsia Malaysia operates the following aircraft:[citation needed]

AirAsia fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
C Y Total
Airbus A320-200 69 — — 180 180
186 186
Airbus A320neo 29 — — 186 186
Airbus A321LR — 36 TBA Delivery will commence in 2025.[63]
Airbus A321neo 4 324[64] — 236 236
Teleport fleet
Airbus A321-200/P2F 3 —[65] Cargo 9M-TLA, 9M-TLB and 9M-TLP
Total 106 360

Private aircraft

[edit]
AirAsia Private fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
Bombardier Global Express 1 0 13 9M-CJG
Total 1 0 13

Fleet renewal and development

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Previously operating the Boeing 737-300, AirAsia has now completely converted to the Airbus A320 family.

A lineup of AirAsia Airbus A320s at KLIA Terminal 2 in September 2022

In June 2011, AirAsia ordered 200 Airbus A320neos at the Paris Air Show.[66][67] The planes were originally due to become available in 2015, and the deal was one of the largest ever for commercial aircraft in a single order.[66] The deal was worth US$18 billion at list prices, although AirAsia will have obtained a substantial discount from those prices.[67] The deal makes AirAsia Airbus' single biggest customer.[68] On 13 December 2012, AirAsia placed an order for an additional 100 Airbus A320 jets, splitting it between 64 A320neo and 36 A320ceo.[69]

At the Farnborough International Air Show in 2016, AirAsia ordered 100 A321neos at an estimated cost of US$12.6 Billion dollars at list prices.[70] AirAsia planned to fly these larger aircraft to airports that had infrastructure constraints.[71] AirAsia received its first A320neo in September 2016.

At the 2019 Farnborough Air Show, AirAsia further increased its orders for A320 aircraft, in the process also becoming Airbus' largest customer for the A321neo variant.[72] With this order, the total number of orders that AirAsia had placed for the Airbus A320 family climbed to 592, reaffirming the carrier's position also as the largest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line.[73] However, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation, the orders for the new A320 family of aircraft were reworked by mutual agreement between AirAsia and Airbus in October 2021, with deliveries now scheduled to extend to 2035, among other undisclosed changes in purchase terms.[74]

Former fleet

[edit]
An AirAsia Boeing 747-200 (N620FF) in a hybrid AirAsia-Tabung Haji livery leased from Tower Air for charter operations during the Hajj season in 2000

AirAsia formerly operated the following aircraft:[citation needed]

AirAsia former fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Replacement Notes
Boeing 737-300 32 1996 2009 Airbus A320-200
Boeing 747-200B 2 2000 2000 None Leased from Tower Air
3 2003 2003 Leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic and European Aviation Air Charter.
McDonnell Douglas MD-11ER 1 1999 2000 Leased from World Airways

Services

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On board

[edit]
Chicken rice meal served on a flight from Malaysia to Singapore.

AirAsia offers "Santan" menu, with options to buy on board offering food, drinks, merchandise and duty free for purchase. Pre-purchase of "Santan" meals is available at a lower price than on board, and with additional options [75] AirAsia is accredited by the KL Syariah Index of Bursa Malaysia, and in accordance with Shariah principles, it does not serve alcohol or pork. However, this applies only to the regional AirAsia group flights, and not to the AirAsia X flights, which do sell wine and beer on board.[76]

Frequent-flyer program

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AirAsia is taking the first steps towards starting its own frequent-flyer programme. The airline has signed an agreement to start a joint venture with financial services firm Tune Money to launch a programme called "BIG". Under this programme, it will issue loyalty points to AirAsia customers and third-party merchants. Points can then be used to redeem AirAsia flights.[77]

Awards and recognitions

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  • Skytrax
    • World's Best Low-Cost Airline (2009–present)[4]
  • World Travel Awards
    • World's Leading Low-Cost Airline (2013–present)[78]
    • World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew (2017–present)[78]
    • Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline (2016–present)[79]

Criticism and controversy

[edit]

Barisan Nasional-themed flight

[edit]

Before the 2018 Malaysian general election, AirAsia received criticism for seemingly backing Najib Razak and his Barisan Nasional coalition, a move seen as politically incorrect by some political commentators.[80] Najib was seen returning from Sabah to Kuala Lumpur after a campaign trip on an AirAsia flight together with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes. The aeroplane that Najib flew was draped in the blue of BN with the air stewardesses dressed in that same blue, instead of the typical AirAsia red. The words "Hebatkan Negaraku" (English: "Make my country greater") can also be seen across the fuselage of the aeroplane. After Najib was defeated in the general election, Tony Fernandes issued an apology, claiming that he had buckled under the intense pressure from Najib's government.[81]

Other controversies and issues

[edit]

In 2007, passengers from "The Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Transport Group" protested against the airline over its refusal to fly passengers who were completely immobile.[82] They claimed that people with disabilities were discriminated against when booking tickets online; the CEO of the airline said it did not turn away passengers in wheelchairs.[83]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "AirAsia Rewards". Airasia.com. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  2. ^ "AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 165 routes covering destinations in and around Asia". routsonline.com. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  3. ^ Kurlantzick, Joshua (23 December 2007). "Does Low Cost Mean High Risk?". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  4. ^ a b "AirAsia is Skytrax's World's Best Low-Cost Airline for 15th Consecutive Year". Newsroom AirAsia. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  5. ^ "AirAsia boosts Kuala Lumpur International Airport as global LCC Megahub with new route launches in Q4". Newsroom AirAsia. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Aviation.MY - AirAsia", Aviation.MY, 21 September 2020, retrieved 25 November 2024
  7. ^ "Tony Fernandes". Bloomberg Businessweek. 11 July 2004. Archived from the original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  8. ^ "Datuk Kamarudin Meranun". newsroom.airasia.com. 28 March 2018. Archived from the original on 27 December 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Tony Fernandes: The Indo-Malaysian businessman who made flights affordable through AirAsia", Global Indian, 17 October 2024, retrieved 25 November 2024
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Aviation.MY - AirAsia", AirAsia Museum, retrieved 25 November 2024
  11. ^ Leong Hung Yee (27 December 2006). "AirAsia embarks on 2nd chapter". The Star. Kuala Lumpur.
  12. ^ "Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia scrap share swap deal". BBC News. 3 May 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  13. ^ Lopez, Leslie (10 August 2011). "Major Overhaul of Malaysia's Airline Sector". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012.
  14. ^ "AirAsia acquires 73% stake in Tune Box", The Edge Malaysia, 2 December 2015, retrieved 25 November 2024
  15. ^ "Malaysia's AirAsia drops joint venture plan to set up base in China". Reuters. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  16. ^ "AirAsia fails in fourth Vietnam joint venture bid". VnExpress International. 21 April 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  17. ^ "AirAsia announces resumption of domestic flights". AirAsia Newsroom. 17 April 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  18. ^ a b "AirAsia on aircraft reboot path", The Star, 19 September 2023, retrieved 25 November 2024
  19. ^ Curran, Andrew (11 January 2024). "AirAsia X to buy AirAsia, AirAsia Aviation Group". ch-aviation.com. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
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