Bangkok--11 Sep--AirAsia For the third year running, AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia was voted the Best Budget Airline in Asia in the recent SmartTravelAsia.com ‘2008 Best in Travel Poll”, an annual poll that tabulates readers’ perceptions and favourite travel brands. Out of 10 budget airlines that made the cut, AirAsia garnered the highest percentage of votes at 30 percent. The leading low cost carrier in Asia outpaced its nearest rival, Jetstar Asia which is at second place, with a remarkable margin of 12 percent of votes. AirAsia has been voted tops in the Best Budget Airline in Asia category since it was first introduced in 2006. “The Best Budget Airline in Asia poll is a broad measure of the newer airlines' ability to deliver not just low prices and cheap tickets, but also reliable schedules, decent service - and the occasional smile. Route network and access play a major role,” says SmartTravelAsia.com in its review. AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes said: ““It is a great honour for us to receive this accolade, as it reflects on our commitment in providing guests with the best services. We strive hard to ensure that our guests derive utmost satisfaction when flying AirAsia, and being chosen as the Best Budget Airline will only make us strive even harder to deliver better services.” “Credit goes to all ‘AirAsians’ who have dedicated endless efforts in providing the very best service. We are proud to be standing next to other industry greats, which is truly an amazing achievement especially for a young airline like us,” added Dato’ Sri Tony. The title is truly justified by AirAsia’s commitment in providing its guests with not only low fares, but also the most extensive route network in South East Asia with over 105 routes. This is complemented by its affiliate airline AirAsia X that flies to Australia and Hangzhou in China. Accompanying the amazing features are Real 5 Star offerings such as comfortable leather seats and in-flight hot meals. Topping it off is the On Time Guarantee*, where AirAsia guests will be compensated with an RM200 e-voucher if flights are delayed for 3 hours. Hong Kong-based Smart Travel Asia is the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, offering review-based editorial to help people make the choices best for them. Votes are based on substantial hands-on travel experience, word-of-mouth, as well as an idea of the brand drawn from advertising and editorial exposure in the media. *For full terms and conditions on AirAsia’s On Time Guarantee, please log on to www.AirAsia.com AirAsia Media Relations Team: Hamdan Mohamad Office No : +603 8660 4265 HP : +6012 341 4164 Email : [email protected] Nazatul Ekma Mokhtar Office No : +603 8660 4013 HP : +6012 616 5493 Email : [email protected] June Chow Office No : +603 8660 4287 HP : +6012 388 0619 Email : [email protected]