AirAsia gave away free flights to Asean Paralympic medalists at a gala event held at the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (AACE) in Malaysia. Gold medal winners received a lifetime of free flights, while silver and bronze medal winners received five and three years’ worth of free flights respectively.
Medalists were given a special AirAsia BIG card in gold, silver and bronze that allows them to fly to any of the more than 120 destinations within AirAsia and AirAsia X’s extensive network in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.
AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said, “Once again, Asean athletes have made the region proud by showing we can be a serious contender on the world stage, and it is my great pleasure to present these fine sportsmen and sportswomen with free flights in recognition of their amazing achievements.
“These para-athletes prove that there is no limit to the human spirit, no obstacle to achieving our dreams that we cannot overcome with focus, determination and hard work. They are an inspiration to the region and to the world.”
AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “I am tremendously proud of paddler Josephine Medina for ending the Philippines’ 16-year medal drought at the Paralympics, equaling Hidilyn Diaz’s achievement just a month earlier. This has been a good Games for the Philippines, and I believe this is just the beginning of greater successes to come.”
AirAsia is Asia’s leading and largest low-cost carrier by passengers carried and jet fleet size, with an extensive network of more than 120 destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa. It is also the only airline to fly direct to all 10 Asean countries, including some 60 unique routes in the region. (PR)