AirAsia Wins Big at World Travel Awards 2024

AirAsia has won big at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024 by bagging three awards.

AirAsia X Wins Low-Cost Airline Award

AirAsia X (AAX) won the World’s Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline award for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024. The airline emerged as the category winner, surpassing five other global airlines and garnering the highest votes from industry professionals, consumers, and travel experts from across the region. 

The recognition highlights AAX’s commitment to excellence during a year of operational recovery and growth. In the third quarter of 2024, the airline achieved a strong passenger load factor of 84%, alongside a 34% increase in passengers carried and a 27% year-on-year capacity growth. Recent milestones include the launch of direct flights to Nairobi, marking its debut in Africa and paving the way for more long-haul connectivity to new destinations.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: "This recognition is a significant milestone for AirAsia X as we continue to grow and build on a strong operational recovery. With additional aircraft returning to service, we have successfully expanded into Africa with direct flights to Nairobi recently, and we are eager to introduce more exciting destinations.

"Our future integration with the AirAsia Group underscores the strength of collaboration, enabling us to deliver enhanced connectivity, superior value, and financial resilience while providing guests with more opportunities to travel further affordably. We are d grateful to our guests and industry peers for this accolade, and we remain committed to redefining the possibilities of medium-to-long-haul travel."

Graham Cooke, founder and president of World Travel Awards said: "AirAsia X has set new standards for long-haul low-cost carriers by combining exciting and exclusive route networks with consistent operational excellence and superior service. The airline continues to push boundaries in affordable long-haul travel, setting a benchmark for others to follow making them deserving of this award."

AirAsia MOVE: Best Travel Booking App

AirAsia MOVE has once again been recognized as Asia's Best Travel Booking App at the World Travel Tech Awards 2024, marking its second consecutive win. This award reflects AirAsia MOVE's ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, efficient, and user-focused travel solutions that cater to the needs of travelers across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE accepted the award in Madeira, Portugal yesterday. The World Travel Tech Awards celebrates excellence in travel technology, recognizing top-tier innovations, platforms, and companies shaping the future of the travel industry and is part of the broader World Travel Awards initiative, which highlights excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE commented, "Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to supporting and promoting travel across Asean and beyond. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and we will use this as motivation to continue enhancing our services, making travel more accessible and delightful for all travelers. I would also like to dedicate this win to our Allstars, who are the backbone of AirAsia MOVE. 

Throughout 2024, we have streamlined our business direction and realigned our focus on the core product of travel. It is all about enabling travelers to have a seamless experience throughout every part of their journey. As an OTA, we are proud to offer over 700 airlines and close to a million hotels and accommodation, aside from airport rides and access to live events and activities such as concerts, sports events and more on one single platform.” 

Mike Sawicki, director, World Travel Tech Awards, says “Congratulations to AirAsia MOVE for winning ‘Asia’s Best Travel Booking App 2024’. This outstanding accomplishment highlights how the brand is raising the bar in travel technology. The dedication of the AirAsia MOVE team is inspiring.”

Big Wins for AirAsia

AirAsia secured the most coveted titles at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024: World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for the 12th consecutive year and World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the eighth impressive year. The airline emerged as the winner in these categories, surpassing 15 other airlines, and garnering the highest votes from industry players, consumers, and travel experts from across the region. These recognitions follow AirAsia’s earlier triumphs as Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline and Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew at the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania held in Manila, the Philippines in September.

These victories come as AirAsia accelerates its expansion plans following strong travel demand across key markets. The airline has strategically expanded its network across the region and will continue to strengthen its footprint by connecting more secondary airports, laying the groundwork for broader growth in Asia-Pacific by 2027.

Bo Lingam, group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: "Winning these prestigious accolades year after year highlights our robust operational performance and strategic vision. By expanding connectivity, we have transformed Kuala Lumpur International Airport into a global low-cost carrier megahub, surpassing other global airports. We aim to replicate this success across our other AOCs, ensuring they grow into key hubs as the international segment continues to be a critical driver of growth, with passenger traffic consistently outpacing capacity increases.

"As we move into the next phase of growth, we look forward to enhancing our fleet and operational efficiency, providing seamless travel experiences, and offering millions of guests access to more destinations at competitive fares. We thank the World Travel Awards and the millions of voters who recognise our efforts, and we will use these achievements as a stepping stone to be even better."

Suhaila Hassan, head of Cabin Crew of AirAsia Aviation Group said: "Our cabin crew has been central to this success, setting a global benchmark for guest service excellence. As we expand our operations, we are excited to welcome thousands of new cabin crew across the region to support our ambitious growth plans. Their role is vital in delivering the outstanding service that has made AirAsia the world’s leading low-cost airline, ensuring every guest enjoys not only a safe journey but an exceptional one. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests for their trust and recognition of our cabin crew. This motivates us to continue delivering the world-class service that defines AirAsia, and we look forward to serving millions more in the years to come."

Graham Cooke, founder and president of World Travel Awards said: "AirAsia has redefined the low-cost carrier model by combining a vast and innovative route network with consistent operational excellence and superior service. The airline is an exemplary leader in the industry, setting benchmarks that other carriers aspire to achieve. AirAsia’s continued success is a testament to its vision and execution, making them truly deserving of these awards."

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are hailed as one of the most prestigious, comprehensive, and sought-after awards programs commemorating excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality.