AirAsia has bagged the Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier award from Asia Pacific’s travel news publisher, TTG, for the second time.The award went to AirAsia after industry stakeholders, including travel agents, tour operators and destination management companies voted for the airline in a three-month poll conducted by TTG.

AirAsia’s win in the TTG Travel Awards 2008 reflects the airline’s vast popularity in the travel industry. The airline had won the same award in 2005.

"AirAsia received the award for being the low-cost airline providing the best service, network and schedules; for being the most agent-friendly in terms of reservations, confirmations and for having the most professional sales and marketing teams in terms of innovative ideas, incentive programmes and servicing," said TTG.

AirAsia regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan received the award on behalf of the airline from TTG Asia Media managing director Darren Ng at the TTG travel awards ceremony at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, in Bangkok recently.

"We are extremely honoured to be named Best Asian Low Cost Carrier by TTG, and recognition of our low-cost model by our industry peers," said Tan.

"The aviation industry is going through turbulent times with uncertainties of where oil is heading. This is a period where airlines are consolidating, re-thinking strategies and deployment of route network.

"At AirAsia, we placed a huge order of 175 Airbus 320s and 25 Airbus 330’s for AirAsia X and we believe there is a silver lining in every cloud and are looking forward to have some exciting challenges ahead of us.

"Technology has changed the dynamics of air travel, consumers’ buying habits and patterns. With our low fares, we see more families, youths and even companies on incentives travel flying with AirAsia."

"AirAsia has so far flown over 55 million guests and we are certain, our innovation through the internet has made travel booking seamless, fast and convenient to the new generation of travellers, thus accelerating travel demand and changing travel landscapes."

Tan said the buzz in Asia was even more evident after the Beijing Olympics and AirAsia remains committed to make travel effortless with its low fares, allow more people to fly and connect more points to enhance our network and stimulate travel demand, especially for the leisure market.

The AirAsia Group operates an extensive network of over 106 routes and flies to all Asean countries, China and Australia from its six hubs – Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Jakarta and Bali.