September 2nd, 2009 | 
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Budget airlines are becoming increasingly popular mode of traveling in Asia. Below is a list of some of the most popular budget airlines in Asia.
AirAsia “Now Everyone Can Fly” (Malaysia)
AirAsia’s main base at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Currently, AirAsia also provides other products and services such as accommodation booking “GoHoliday” and “GoHostel”, travel insurance “GoInsure” and car rental “GoCar”. In February 2009, AirAsia launched its web check-in facility.
AirAsia X was introduced in 2007, covering destinations with more than 4 hours of flying time from departing city. Air Asia X has recently added two new routes, Abu Dhabi and Chengdu.
On-time performance: 83% (July 2009)*
Firefly “Your Community Airline” (Malaysia)
Launched in April 2007, Firefly is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Berhad. Firefly operates out of two hubs; Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang and Penang International Airport. Destinations include within Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
Travelers also have the option of booking accommodation only or flight and accomodation packages under “Firefly Holidays’.
On-time performance: 83% (July 2009)*
Tiger Airways (Singapore)
Operated since September 2004 and has three bases including Singapore, Melbourne and Adelaide. Travelers can book flight, accommodation and car rental from Tiger Airways website. Service add-ons include Luggage UpsizeTM, Sports Equipment Check-In and Seat Selector. Other products available include travel insurance “Tiger Purrtection”,
On-time performance: 82% (July 2009)*
Cebu Pacific (Philippines)
Cebu Pacific launched its international operations on November 2001. Its current international destinations include Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Travelers are able to book accommodation, tour packages, travel insurance “TravelSure”, car rental and event tickets. In August 2009, Cebu Pacific launched “GO Lite” fare, where travelers gets 100 pesos off from the fare paid if they do not have any check-in baggage.
On-time performance: 87% (July 2009)*
Jetstar/Valuair (Singapore)
Jetstar Asia and Valuair are part of the Jetstar Group. Flying since December 2004, Jetstar flies to Perth and Singapore from Kuala Lumpur. From Singapore, Jetstar and Valuair fly to Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia. Accommodation bookings are available online or by phone.
On-time performance: 92% (July 2009)*
*NOTE: All information is true at the time of writing.
