AIRASIA WINS AWARD FROM AIRBUS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- AirAsia has received the A320 Family
Operational Excellence Award from Airbus in recognition of its service record
with the single aisle aircraft type.

In a statement here Friday, AirAsia said the award was presented in Paris
this week during Airbus' bi-annual symposium of all operators of the A320 Family
worldwide.

The selection criteria for the awards is based on data covering two years
of operation and takes into account the number of aircraft in the fleet, daily
utilisation rate, technical reliability and the number of delays caused to
flights for operational reasons.

"While the world A320 Family fleet continues to record outstanding
operational results, these awards recognise exceptional technical performance at
individual operators," said Charles Champion, Executive Vice President Customer
Services.

"AirAsia has established an extremely efficient operation with its Airbus
aircraft, including exceptionally high utilisation and an outstanding dispatch
reliability," Champion added.

AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes said the award from Airbus
accentuated the constant efforts of the airline, in striving for better
performance and greater flying experience for customers.

AirAsia is one of the largest customers for the Airbus A320 Family, having
placed firm orders for 175 aircraft, of which 59 have already been delivered.

All A320s ordered by AirAsia are in 180-seat configuration and powered by
CFM International CFM56 engines.

AirAsia in Malaysia now operates a fully Airbus A320 fleet and is in the
process of replacing its existing Boeing 737's in Indonesia and Thailand with
the brand new A320.

-- BERNAMA