AirAsia X (AAX) was awarded the coveted Best International Airline Flying to Australia title by the aviation experts at the Australian Aviation Awards 2024 in Sydney last night.
The Australian Aviation Awards recognise excellence in the aviation sector through a rigorous and comprehensive judging process that combines both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Categories are evaluated based on growth, business development, diversity, leadership, innovation, business excellence, and contributions to Australia’s aviation industry.
AAX is the medium-haul airline which is part of seven airlines operating under the AirAsia brand flying from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Kuala Lumpur on the widebody A330 aircraft featuring three key zones – Premium Flatbeds, an exclusive Quiet Zone as well as Economy.
Currently, AAX flies to 23 destinations including Australian favourites such as India, Japan, South Korea, China and more. Recently the airline launched flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan and Nairobi starting this November offering more value and choice for guests down under.
AAX also connects Australians to six other AirAsia-branded airlines – three of which also fly to Australia from Cairns and Perth, offering access and low-fare connectivity to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Australia holds a special place in our hearts as the very first destination we flew to when operations first launched in November 2007. It remains one of our core markets and I am truly thrilled and honoured to receive this prestigious accolade.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the AAX incredible team, who have worked tirelessly to bring us out of the most challenging times in aviation history and I dedicate this award to them.
“Together, we have emerged stronger than ever, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the safest, most affordable, and reliable air travel experience for our guests with an exceptional inflight experience.
“We are continuously enhancing our products and services, and we have exciting plans for significant growth in the near future. Our ambition is to cover the majority of continents, ensuring that Australians have even more value and choice when it comes to their travel options.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Australian Aviation and Momentum Media events teams and the judges for this incredible honour. This recognition inspires us to continue striving for even greater excellence in everything we do.”
Australian Aviation Editor Adam Thorn said: “Huge congratulations to AirAsia X, who won International Airline of the Year at our Australian Aviation Awards. The judges were hugely impressed not only by its passenger performance, but technological innovations and commitment to sustainability.”
AirAsia as a Group flies up to 100 million guests a year. AAX was flying over six million guests annually in 2019. The strategic focus is on the active expansion of routes connecting Australians to both popular and new hidden gems across Asia and beyond.
The Australian Aviation Awards showcases the outstanding individuals and businesses positively shaping the growth and development of Australia’s aviation industry. In its third year, the annual event is tipped to become a universal benchmark for excellence in aviation across Asia Pacific and beyond. For full details on methodology, judging process and for all category descriptions, please see the Australian Aviation Awards methodology here.