AirAsia - Top 5 airline brand in Asia-Pacific

AirAsia has emerged Top 5 among airlines in the Asia-Pacific region in a recent survey conducted by leading market insight company TNS. The ‘Top 10 Asia-Pacific Airlines’ category forms part of the Asia Pacific Top 1,000 Brands 2008 survey which was produced in cooperation with the Hong Kong-based Media magazine.

A total of 3,600 people were surveyed across 10 countries, covering 12 major product and service categories.

At a time when many airlines are cutting back on routes, AirAsia is expanding its market share and introducing more aircraft. The airline has recently updated its entire Malaysian fleet with the more modern and fuel efficient Airbus A320, making it the the youngest, all brand new fleet in Asia.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes said: “To be the only low-cost carrier featured in the ‘Top 10 Asia-Pacific Airlines’ category is a great achievement for AirAsia and recognises our pioneering efforts to revolutionalise air travel across Asia. AirAsia’s low-cost model, with its ultra low fares and modern fleet of comfortable and spacious aircraft, is an attractive customer proposition which is strong enough to compete with premium airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.”

Dato’ Sri Tony said, “Besides our brand new fleet and superior leather seats, AirAsia’s great cabin crew and ground staff, vast array of food selections, largest number of destinations, highest flight frequencies, unmatched On Time Guarantee plus the 5-Star smile allow us to challenge the very best of premium airlines.”

Dato’ Sri Tony added: “Over the last seven years AirAsia has quickly become a household name, and with flights operating from every ASEAN country, we are making air travel an affordable reality for everyone across Asia.”

Commenting on the study, Guy Hearn, Director, Client Services and Insight, TNS Hong Kong & Singapore says: “These rankings are a key indicator of the success with which these brands continue to lead in understanding, engaging and meeting the needs of Asian consumers.”

Meanwhile, in its report announcing the Top 1000 Brands 2008 listing, Media magazine said: “Low cost carriers such as AirAsia have sought to make air travel available to a massive new audience with low prices.”