AirAsia Philippines expects to end 2024 on a high note, projecting a record 7 million passengers by year-end, surpassing the 6.6 million passengers it carried in 2023. The low-cost carrier estimates nearly 500,000 passengers will fly with the airline in December alone, with an additional 250,000 anticipated in January 2025.
The airline attributes this growth to several key factors, including a 77% expansion in its operational fleet, which now stands at 16 aircraft. AirAsia Philippines also launched promotional campaigns such as its popular “P1SO” fare deals, boosting demand across its network. The increased capacity has boosted its presence in popular leisure destinations, including Caticlan, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Narita, Osaka, Incheon, and Bangkok.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of parent company Capital A, expressed optimism about the airline’s role in Philippine tourism. “Our goal is to bring more tourists into the Philippines in 2025 and continue to strengthen our domestic operations,” Fernandes said. “We plan to add more aircraft, launch new routes, and introduce surprise destinations in the coming year.”
In 2024, AirAsia expanded its offline Travel and Service Centers to 34 locations nationwide, while its online platform, AirAsia MOVE, recorded 19.3 million visits. Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE, highlighted plans for continued digital innovation. “We are excited for 2025 as it will be a defining year for AirAsia MOVE,” Omer said. “Our focus is on delivering seamless travel experiences.”
Safety remains a cornerstone of AirAsia’s operations. The airline, part of the AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, received a perfect 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. It cited rigorous employee training, an experienced engineering team, and strict maintenance procedures as pivotal to this achievement.
AirAsia has also partnered with Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
“At AirAsia, we put a premium on the safety and well-being of our guests,” said Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines. He added that the airline’s low-cost model does not compromise service quality.
This year, the airline earned several accolades, further solidifying its industry leadership. Skytrax named it the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 15th consecutive year. It was also recognized by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the 12th year in a row and its cabin crew as the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the eighth consecutive year.
AirAsia Philippines also underscored its inclusivity efforts, introducing Halal-certified inflight meals. The airline is collaborating with the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) to support the country’s tourism goals for 2025.
“This year has been a transformative one for AirAsia Philippines,” Isla said. “Looking beyond 2025, we are committed to sustainable growth and stability, ensuring we consistently deliver excellence and reliability to our guests.”
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