AirAsia Triumphs As World's Best Low-Cost Airline For 16th Consecutive Year At Skytrax 2025
They've won at life! AirAsia has once again been named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025, marking its 16th consecutive win. This reflects the airline's strong presence across ASEAN and beyond, with a network of over 130 destinations, affordable fares, and a focus on operational excellence.
Through its multi-hub strategy in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, AirAsia continues to make travel more accessible, affordable, and seamless across Asia.
At the Paris Air Show 2025 in France, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Chairman of Capital A and Co-Founder of AirAsia, accepted the award, saying: 'Sixteen years on, this recognition remains just as meaningful as ever. We started with a simple dream to make flying affordable for everyone. To be recognised for the 16th time reaffirms that we have stayed true to that mission and continue to soar high in the minds of the many millions of passengers who choose to fly with us each year. While this award is truly another fantastic achievement, we never rest on our laurels and it inspires us to go even further.'
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Co-Founder of AirAsia, shared his thoughts on the win, saying: 'This is a deeply emotional win for me. From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year, this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars. Every challenge we have faced, every comeback we have made, was made possible by their trust and effort. We thank the Skytrax team for recognising our work, and I would like to share the award with my Allstars – it belongs to them. Thank you for believing in the dream.'
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: 'We congratulate AirAsia on this fabulous achievement at the 2025 World Airline Awards. This success for a record sixteenth time is a clear reflection of their dedication to providing quality, affordable travel options to customers. This is a most competitive and fast growing market for low cost airlines, and this award demonstrates AirAsia's success.'
The award also serves as a testament to the airline's contribution to connecting both primary and underserved secondary and tertiary cities. This model has enabled the launch of unique and strategic routes such as Kuala Lumpur-Labuan Bajo, Bangkok-Narathiwat, Manila-Tagbilaran, Jakarta-Silangit, and others expanding access to emerging travel corridors and tourism growth areas. Looking ahead, the airline is set to deepen its connectivity across Central Asia and the Middle East, marking a significant step forward in its ambition to become the first truly global low-cost network carrier.
At the same time, AirAsia's continued emphasis on guest experience sets it apart. Having flown close to one billion guests, the airline maintains high levels of customer loyalty and brand advocacy across its key markets. Ranked as the 24th most valuable airline brand globally with a value of US$1.93 billion (RM8.22 billion), AirAsia reflects both strong regional roots and global appeal.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards is one of the most prestigious honours in global aviation. The online survey ran from September 2024 to May 2025, with 22.3 million eligible entries from over 100 nationalities. More than 325 airlines were included in the results. The survey and awards are fully funded by Skytrax, with no fees charged to participating airlines.
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