Still flying high: AirAsia bags double win in Asia’s skies

Insider Spotlight

  • AirAsia secures “Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline” for the 13th year
  • Cabin crew excellence wins 9th straight recognition
  • Airline eyes Middle East and Central Asia expansion
  • Digital innovations like Auto Visa Check drive seamless travel

AirAsia just proved it’s still king of budget skies. At the World Travel Awards (WTA)  Asia and Oceania 2025 in Hong Kong, the airline clinched Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the 13th time and Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the 9th year running. 

The wins underscore how the carrier continues to outpace rivals with a blend of affordability, network breadth, and customer-focused service.

Why it matters

AirAsia has ferried nearly a billion travelers since inception, cementing its role as the backbone of affordable travel across Asia-Pacific. In an era where budget carriers are scaling aggressively, repeat recognition signals enduring trust from passengers and peers alike. The awards are a nod not just to competitive pricing, but also to service quality—proving low-cost doesn’t have to mean low-care.

Expansion beyond Asia

Looking forward, AirAsia is betting on new routes into the Middle East and Central Asia to evolve into a truly global low-cost network carrier. That move is strategic: tapping into corridors with booming demand from migrant workers, students, and tourists eager for cheaper connectivity.

AirAsia celebrates a double win at the World Travel Awards 2025 as Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline and Best Cabin Crew. | Contributed photo

Digital push as a differentiator

Beyond route growth, the airline is betting heavily on tech. Through its AirAsia MOVE app, guests can manage trips end-to-end, from flight booking to contactless boarding. Its new Auto Visa Check feature simplifies compliance hurdles for travelers. Add in personalized in-flight experiences, and AirAsia is positioning itself as more than just a cheap ticket—it’s an ecosystem.

Voices from the top

Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “This recognition belongs to the people at the heart of our growth, namely our guests and our 21,000 plus Allstars. Many have been with us since our early days and together we have built not just an airline, but a movement that believes in making travel accessible for everyone.”

Bo Lingam ​
AirAsia Group CEO

Group head of Cabin Crew Suhaila Hassan added: “I couldn’t be prouder of our cabin crew, they are our foremost ambassadors in the air. This recognition belongs to every Allstar, because their smiles, energy, and care make all the difference.”

WTA founder Graham Cooke said: “Congratulations to AirAsia on this outstanding double win. The AirAsia team’s dedication to exceptional service standards has been undeniable this year.”

The takeaway

As rising costs and fierce competition test budget airlines globally, AirAsia is leaning on customer loyalty, regional expansion, and tech-driven convenience to stay ahead. 

For millions of flyers, the message is clear: the airline synonymous with cheap seats isn’t just staying relevant—it’s setting the pace. 

According to AirAsia’s press release, this latest recognition reaffirms its leadership in shaping the future of low-cost travel, combining network expansion, innovation and consumer-centric service to connect more people and places than ever before. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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