KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 2): AirAsia Group Bhd was named the world’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC) for the sixth year running at the World Travel Awards Grand Final ceremony in Lisbon yesterday.

AirAsia emerged top in the category after receiving the most votes from travellers and industry executives, beating Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Norwegian Air, West Air, flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas, and fastjet.

In a statement today, AirAsia said it also took home the award for world’s leading low-cost airline cabin crew for the second time in a row.

AirAsia deputy group chief executive officer (airlines) Bo Lingam said over the past year, the LCC has worked hard to improve customer experience to make travel more convenient, while also personalising the end-to-end journey.

“In addition to a slew of digital initiatives, such as our fast airport clearance experience system (FACES) facial recognition boarding system and Freedom Flyer Programme, we’ve built up our Customer Happiness team to ensure we continue to improve on our ability to serve our guests (passengers)," he added.

AirAsia Group head of cabin crew Suhaila Hassan said from 30 cabin crew and two planes operating Malaysian routes, the airline now has more than 5,900 cabin crew from all over the world including Australia, Brazil, Zambia and the US.

Established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality industries, the World Travel Awards is now recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.