AirAsia Wins Three Friendly Design Awards

Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X Recognized for Inclusive Employment at 2025 Universal Design Expo

Thai AirAsia (FD) and Thai AirAsia X (XJ) received the “Organization Promoting Employment for Persons with Disabilities” award at the 9th Universal Design Expo, held under the theme Equal Access for All. The two airlines currently employ 58 persons with disabilities and aim to increase this number to 61 by 2026. Both carriers continue to support employees with disabilities, with a focus on workplace inclusion and social contribution.

Tassapon Bijleveld, Executive Chairman, stated that the airline has aimed to make air travel convenient and accessible since the beginning. He noted that the airlines continue to improve services to support guests with a range of needs, including wheelchair users, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant travellers, and young children. He added that the airlines collaborate with the Friendly Design for All Foundation annually to enhance staff training and improve understanding of inclusive service practices.

Tassapon also highlighted that the airline prioritizes universal design across service, accessibility, and employment. Receiving this year’s award for promoting employment for persons with disabilities reflects the airline’s continued efforts to widen opportunities and foster inclusion.

In 2025, the airlines employed 58 persons with disabilities through partnerships with the Friendly Design for All Foundation and organisations supporting visually impaired communities. Employees are based across various provinces and help raise awareness of universal design, in line with the airlines’ policies. The plan to expand employment for persons with disabilities to 61 in 2026 signals an ongoing commitment to inclusive workforce development.

The Friendly Design Awards 2025 were presented during the 9th Universal Design Expo held at BITEC Bangna from 11–14 December 2025. The Friendly Design for All Foundation also presented a “Hall of Fame Award 2025” to Tassapon Bijleveld in recognition of his long-term contributions to advancing universal design within tourism and aviation.