AirAsia Berhad is a low-cost airline, headquartered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was established in 1994 and was originally founded by a government-owned corporation. In 2001, it was bought over by Tony Fernandes’ company, Tune Air Sdn Bhd. Starting over for the brand Fernandes changed the company’s position, lifting its profits and introducing new routes. In the beginning of 2013, AirAsia saw huge profits, in comparison to the same period in 2012, representing growth of 168%. In 2013, an application was submitted to the Indian Foreign Investment Promotion Board to operate the company through a sister airline in India. Other sister brands are located in Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, to name a few. In 2012, the airline was recognized as the “World's Best Low-Cost Airline” at the World Airline Awards.
Air Asia Fleet
The group operates over 170 aircraft, including the Airbus A320-200 with passenger capacity of 180. It plans to expand its fleet with the Airbus A320neo by the end of 2016. It also offers charter flight services and group booking services.
Air Asia Destinations
AirAsia and its sister companies operate from five international hubs – Manila, Philippines; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; and Bengaluru, India. It covers destinations in Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, the Middle East, Nepal, Singapore, and South Korea.
Air Asia In-Flight Services
A few flights, like those of the A330, are equipped with business class seating and premium economy seats. As a low-cost carrier, most of AirAsia’s aircraft offer well planned economy class seating, and premium economy seating at the front, with a comfortable seat pitch. Since most routes are short-haul, complimentary meals are not provided on most flights, although passengers can choose from an extensive menu for hot snacks and combo meals, which are prepared with utmost hygiene and quality standards in mind. Such meals can also be pre-booked for the traveler’s convenience.
However, for certain long-haul routes and business class passengers, complimentary premium meals are available. A few flights are also equipped with TV screens, with unlimited movies, TV shows and audio programs to choose from. The Skyshop offers perfumes, jewelry, cosmetics, skincare, confectionary and much more as a part of the in-flight duty-free shopping experience.
Air Asia Ground Services
Business class passengers are treated to benefits such as preferred seating, preferred boarding, priority baggage handling and priority check-in. Economy class passengers are also treated to such services on upgrades. Passengers also have the option of web and mobile check-in. Special assistance is also given to passengers traveling with sports equipments and instruments.