Photo Caption: (Middle) Aspa Linda, Manager of the Cabin Crew Department at AirAsia X Malaysia, receiving the World's Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline 2024 award on behalf of AirAsia X at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024, held in Madeira, Portugal, last night.

MADEIRA, 25 November 2024 - AirAsia X (AAX) continues to elevate the benchmark for long-haul low-cost carriers globally, winning the World’s Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline award for the second consecutive year at the prestigious World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024.

The airline emerged as the category winner, surpassing five other global airlines and garnering the highest votes from industry professionals, consumers, and travel experts from across the region.

The recognition highlights AAX’s commitment to excellence during a year of robust operational recovery and growth. In the third quarter of 2024, the airline achieved a strong passenger load factor of 84%, alongside a 34% increase in passengers carried and a 27% year-on-year capacity growth. Recent milestones include the launch of direct flights to Nairobi, marking its debut in Africa and paving the way for more long-haul connectivity to new destinations.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: "This recognition is a significant milestone for AirAsia X as we continue to grow and build on a strong operational recovery. With additional aircraft returning to service, we have successfully expanded into Africa with direct flights to Nairobi recently, and we are eager to introduce more exciting destinations.

"Our future integration with the AirAsia Group underscores the strength of collaboration, enabling us to deliver enhanced connectivity, superior value, and financial resilience while providing guests with more opportunities to travel further affordably. We are d grateful to our guests and industry peers for this accolade, and we remain committed to redefining the possibilities of medium-to-long-haul travel."

Graham Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said: "AirAsia X has set new standards for long-haul low-cost carriers by combining exciting and exclusive route networks with consistent operational excellence and superior service. The airline continues to push boundaries in affordable long-haul travel, setting a benchmark for others to follow making them deserving of this award."

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are hailed as one of the most prestigious, comprehensive, and sought-after awards programs commemorating excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality.