AirAsia

AirAsia is a modern-day fairytale airline. Capital A Berhad, operating as AirAsia is a Malaysian multinational low-cost airline headquartered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

In 2001, 5 men – Tony Fernandes, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Aziz Bakar, Conor McCarthy, and Datuk Pahamin Rajab – set out on a dream. A dream to build a brand that Asean would be proud of, and one that would allow everyone to fly. In a time when flying was viewed as an activity reserved for the wealthy, Tony Fernandes dreamed of allowing everyone to fly. It began with 1 ringgit, 40 million in debt, and 2 airplanes. Today, AirAsia has cemented its reputation as one the biggest low-cost airlines in the world and a brand that has changed Asia forever.

AirAsia operates scheduled domestic and international flights to more than 166 destinations spanning 25 countries. 

AirAsia's registered office and head office is at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Its main base is KLIA Terminal 2, the low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. Its affiliate airlines AirAsia Cambodia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, and Philippines AirAsia have bases in Phnom Penh, Bangkok–Don Mueang, Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta, and Manila–Ninoy Aquino airports respectively, while its sister airline, AirAsia X, focuses on long-haul routes. 

According to planespotters.net, as of 29 March 2024, AirAsia has a fleet of 241 planes in service + 8 on order, mostly Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

AirAsia offers a "Santan" menu, with options to buy onboard offering food, drinks, merchandise and duty-free purchases. Pre-purchase of "Santan" meals is available at a lower price than on board, and with additional options, AirAsia is accredited by the KL Syariah Index of Bursa Malaysia, and by Shariah principles, it does not serve alcohol or pork. However, this applies only to the regional AirAsia group flights, and not to the AirAsia X flights, which do sell wine and beer on board.

In 2007, The New York Times described the airline as a "pioneer" of low-cost travel in Asia.

AirAsia is Certified as a 3-star Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for the quality of its airport and onboard products and staff service. Product rating includes cabin comfort, baggage/seat charges, buying onboard food & beverages, cabin cleanliness, and service rating for cabin and ground staff.