AirAsia emerges as market leader

AirAsia has once again emerged as market leader in the airline industry. The low fares airline came up tops on Boeing’s list for having the best utilization and dispatch reliability amongst players in the airline industry. What this means is that AirAsia is successful in operating more flights out of its aircraft schedule and is on time for all its departures.

Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Office, AirAsia said, “Efficient utilization and dispatch reliability are some of the key factors that helps keep our costs low. This in turn, enables us to offer our guests low fares and a high quality product. Thus being recognized for it (best utilization and dispatch reliability), is a wonderful achievement for all in AirAsia. It is my pleasure to have the best people to work with, i.e., people who understand the nature of our business and go all out to ensure the quality of our service without jeopardizing the essential values. Likewise, we are constantly measuring our performance. Last year (2003), we flew 3.1 million guests and our flights were 98% on time. Ultimately it all boils down to offering great choices and adding more value to our guests when they fly AirAsia.”

AirAsia is one of the few airlines that have the shortest turnaround time - it operates with a 25 minutes turnaround time, hence allowing the airline to benefit from more flights a day.

AirAsia was named Asia Pacific Airline of the Year 2003 by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) in an awards ceremony held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore on 12 feb 2004. The accolade was jointly shared with Virgin Blue.

Jim Belz, Boeing Sales Director for South Pacific and SE Asia says, "The best measures of an efficient fleet operation are high daily utilization coupled with high dispatch reliability. AirAsia excels on both metrics. In fact, the world's leader among operators of 737-300/-400/-500 aircraft with the highest composite score for these metrics is AirAsia. AirAsia's customers benefit from this very impressive performance by enjoying many flight choices and, by knowing that the flight they choose will depart on time. Boeing is pleased to congratulate AirAsia on this remarkable achievement, as well as for recently winning, along with Virgin Blue Airlines, the prestigious Asia Pacific Airline of the Year award.”

Belz continues, "Not only is AirAsia a market leader in stimulating travel and tourism in the region, it sets an outstanding example for providing maximum value to the customer through the importance it places on both the reliability and high utilization of its 737 fleet."

AirAsia currently operates 13 aircraft on a 12 aircraft schedule. AirAsia’s aircraft interior is outfitted with signature red carpeting and plush leather seats to enable its guests to travel in comfort.

Recently, the low fares airline has started operations in Thailand – a join venture with Thailand’s Shin Corporation. AirAsia Thai operations services Chiang Mai, Hadyai, Phuket and Khon Khaen from its hub in Bangkok International Airport. Its first international route - direct flights from Bangkok and Singapore commence later today. Low fares for the Bangkok - Singapore route start from Baht 1300 (from S$59.99) one way.