AirAsia Aviation Group Welcomes Seasoned Aviation Leader Captain Suresh Bangah as the President & General Manager of AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL) announces the appointment of Captain Suresh Bangah as the President & General Manager (GM) of AirAsia Philippines, as the airline embarks on a new era of sustainable growth. A seasoned aviation professional with almost 30 years of experience, Captain Suresh brings extensive operational expertise and a strong leadership track record at AirAsia. He succeeds Ricky Isla, who retires after six years at the helm and will continue to serve as Chief Advisor to the GM during the leadership transition. 

Captain Suresh most recently served as Group Director of Flight Operations at AAAGL, and previously held key roles at AirAsia X Berhad (AAX) including Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations. He began his AirAsia journey in 2003 as a First Officer, Pilot Instructor, and an Auditor, progressing to senior leadership roles across AirAsia X and AAAGL.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, said: “Captain Suresh steps into this role at an important juncture. As AirAsia progresses into our next chapter, the Philippines remains a key pillar in our regional strategy—with strong potential in inter-island connectivity and broader regional integration into Asean and North Asia, among others. 

“With extensive management and industry experience—particularly in upholding the gold standard in safety and operational excellence, and a deep commitment to guest-centricity and Allstar values, Captain Suresh is well placed to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor, Ricky Isla. 

“Under Ricky’s leadership, the airline navigated one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history—stabilising operations, keeping our people grounded in purpose, and restoring confidence in the brand. We thank him for his steady leadership and are grateful that he will continue to support the transition as Advisor.”

In 2024, AirAsia Philippines flew almost 7 million guests. As it enters its next phase of growth, the airline plans to expand its operational fleet to 19 aircraft—a move that will boost capacity to meet rising demand while sustaining a 90% load factor in 2025. These ambitions are underpinned by a Group-wide strategy to elevate the end-to-end guest experience through digitally enabled services and ancillary innovations, while strengthening air connectivity from the Philippines across AirAsia’s network of over 130 destinations.

AirAsia Philippines President and General Manager, Captain Suresh Bangah, said: “I am honoured to serve at the helm of AirAsia Philippines and look forward to working with the board members from AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia Philippines, Group CEO Bo Lingam, Ricky and the local team in one of our core markets to champion a new era of sustainable and profitable growth for the future. In this role, I am committed to leading our talented team of Allstars to elevate our operations while raising the bar on the end-to-end guest experience.”

“We’re firmly aligned with national efforts to grow the aviation and tourism sectors—from meeting rising demand for travel to supporting connectivity and infrastructure developments that will shape the future of travel in the Philippines. At the same time, we remain focused on addressing key external challenges—including global supply chain delays affecting aircraft maintenance, rising fuel costs, higher airport charges, and environmental factors that can impact operations. 

“With strong foundations in place, we look forward to collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to strengthen the local aviation ecosystem, while advancing Asean connectivity to the world as we connect guests to what matters most, from education and work opportunities to family and new adventures.”

AirAsia Philippines Takes Travelers on a One-of-a-Kind Boracay Holiday Adventure

As more travelers seek authentic experiences through gastronomy and complete leisure experiences, AirAsia Philippines is inviting guests to explore Boracay’s food and leisure scene, beyond the usual tourist favorites and the week-long Love Boracay celebration.

Explore Boracay’s Rising Culinary Scene

Boracay has always been known for its pristine white beaches, but it’s quickly becoming a haven for food lovers too, offering a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and dietary need. The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline has curated a list of top spots for those seeking a food adventure:

• Little Taj: This Indian restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. It’s known for dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and naan, giving both locals and tourists a genuine taste of India.

• Island Izakya: A Japanese comfort food spot with a Boracay twist, featuring an open kitchen where guests can watch their meals being prepared.

• Muchos: A Latin-inspired venue offering a culinary experience that brings the flavors of Latin America to Boracay.

• Nonie's: Focuses on fresh, ethically sourced ingredients with a fusion take on traditional Filipino dishes, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.

“Boracay’s food scene truly has something for everyone, with options that cater to all kinds of tastes, dietary preferences, and cultural backgrounds.  As we see more and more stakeholders work together to champion inclusivity, we at AirAsia are proud to contribute to this journey, starting even before travelers reach their destination with our fully halal-certified meals on board and a diverse menu that caters to the varied needs of guests traveling to Boracay and beyond,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan said.

According to a report of the World Travel Association (WTFA), 34% of travelers now prioritize dining experiences as a way to immerse themselves in local traditions. In the Philippines, imarc Group reveals that the culinary tourism market is growing with forecasts predicting an annual growth rate of 11.3% from 2025 to 2033.

Discover a Holistic Boracay Experience

Outside of the dining experience, whether you’re a solo traveler or vacationing with family and friends looking for an all-in-one escape, guests can relax at The Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay, home to Boracay’s longest swimming pool.

The Mandarin Premier offers something for all types of travelers, with 5 hotels and resorts offering over 500 rooms, 7 restaurants and bars, and the soon-to-open Spa Village spread across some of Boracay’s best locations. Guests can go for the beachfront elegance of Mandarin Bay, the cozy, family-friendly feel of Mandarin Nest, the well-loved Mandarin Island Hotel, the laid-back comfort of Island Inn Boracay, or the peaceful getaway of Mandarin White Sand.

Guests can also look forward to exclusive offers, including early bird specials with discounted rates for advance bookings, summer family packages, and a range of dining and spa promotions available at www.mandarinpremier.com. 

AirAsia Philippines Launches Summer Food Adventure In-Flight

 As the summer season heats up, AirAsia Philippines is elevating guests' inflight travel experience with a variety of affordable summer menu options from Santan, the airline’s f&b service provider.

From light snacks to refreshing drinks, Santan has released its new season menu, where travelers can choose their favorite summer tastes while onboard with options including light snack combos paired with a choice of Santan beverages such as Hot or Iced Americano, Jasmine Tea, Hot Chocolate, or the crowd-favorite Coconut Latte for as low as Php 150.

Santan’s viral Halo-Halo Drink, once available only for pre-booking, is now available for onboard orders starting today for just PHP 150, alongside new beverages like Raspberry Lychee Jasmine Tea and Fizzy Raspberry Lychee.

“Gone are the days when inflight meals were ordered with hesitation because of its price. At AirAsia, we’re changing the game by making it more accessible through our Santan’s summer sips and bites to keep our guests cool and satisfied. Our brand promise of democratizing air travel goes beyond low air fares, it extends to every part of the journey, even 30,000 feet in the air,” said AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan.

Santan’s viral Halo-Halo Drink, once available only for pre-booking, is now available for onboard orders starting today for just PHP 150, alongside new beverages like Raspberry Lychee Jasmine Tea and Fizzy Raspberry Lychee.

“Gone are the days when inflight meals were ordered with hesitation because of its price. At AirAsia, we’re changing the game by making it more accessible through our Santan’s summer sips and bites to keep our guests cool and satisfied. Our brand promise of democratizing air travel goes beyond low air fares, it extends to every part of the journey, even 30,000 feet in the air,” said AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan.

Santan is also stepping up its sustainability efforts by replacing all inflight single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives made from renewable materials like corn and cassava. The eco-friendly switch is already underway in Malaysia and Thailand, with plans to roll out across the AirAsia Group. Santan is also stepping up its sustainability efforts by replacing all inflight single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives made from renewable materials like corn and cassava. The eco-friendly switch is already underway in Malaysia and Thailand, with plans to roll out across the AirAsia Group.

AirAsia’s “All Seats, All Flights” Promo Returns with Big Discounts

In celebration of Easter, AirAsia Philippines is bringing back its much-anticipated “All Seats, All Flights” promo, offering up to 25% off on 14 million seats across all domestic and international destinations operated by AirAsia Philippines.

Dubbed as an Easter Egg Hunt for flights, this special seat sale allows guests to book fares for as low as PHP 284 one-way base fare starting April 21 to April 27, 2025, for travel between April 28 and November 30, 2025.

“Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and fresh start. This seat sale is our way of celebrating the season by giving everyone the opportunity to take flight, create new memories, and enjoy more meaningful journeys without breaking the bank. We know many of our guests spend a lot on family gatherings and travel over the holidays, so any extra savings can go a long way in making the most of the summer ahead.”AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

Following the Holy Week travel surge, AirAsia Philippines anticipates a surge of guests flying back to work. AirAsia Philippines is actively monitoring passenger flow and flight operations across its domestic and international hubs to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.

AirAsia Philippines Takes Off as Official Airline Partner of Love Boracay 2025, Boosting Local Tourism

 AirAsia Philippines strengthens its commitment to promote local tourism as it takes flight as the official airline partner of the Love Boracay 2025 campaign.

As part of this commitment, AirAsia is offering an exciting Php 544 one-way base fare to Caticlan.The Boracay Summer Fiesta seat sale runs from April 7 to May 4, with a travel period from April 7 to September 30, 2025.

Beginning this summer, AirAsia Philippines increased its weekly flight frequency to Caticlan from 56 to 60 flights while keeping a strong 21 flights to Kalibo, generating an overall 81 weekly flight options to the island of Boracay. 

“The AirAsia Fiesta Series is a continuing journey of supporting local tourism, boosting economic opportunities and highlighting the best of the Philippines. Boracay remains a dream destination for foreign and local tourists alike—and through AirAsia’s affordable fares, this dream is well within reach. As the official airline partner of Love Boracay, AirAsia intends to actively take part in advocating responsible travels, giving more meaning to this annual island celebration. AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

As part of the festivities, AirAsia Philippines will host the AirAsia LFG! Love Boracay Fiesta 2025 on April 30 to May 1 at Station 2, Boracay Island featuring a vibrant beach party, music festival, and exciting on-ground activities.

Passengers holding an AirAsia Boracay Boarding Pass and flying to Caticlan between April 26 to May 1 will enjoy exclusive VIP access to the Love Boracay concert, headlined by popular Filipino bands The Juans, Itchyworms, and more.

In addition, travelers flying with AirAsia between April 1 to July 31 can enjoy up to 20% discounts from partner hotels and restaurants across the island.

Meanwhile , AirAsia MOVE is kicking off a hotel flash sale ahead of the event, offering travelers up to PHP 900 off on hotel bookings made through the AirAsia MOVE app using the code FLASHMOVE from April 24 to 27, 2025. For an even more seamless and value-packed journey, travelers can opt for SNAP (Flight + Hotel) bundles and enjoy a PHP 720 discount by using the code SNAPNOW.

AirAsia PH Alerts Passengers: Pre-Arrival TDAC Required for Thailand Travel

AirAsia Philippines wishes to inform all guests traveling to the Kingdom of Thailand of an important change in arrival procedures by the Thai Immigration Bureau. Effective May 01, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand via any mode of transportation, including flights operated by AirAsia Philippines (Z2), must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.

To enhance the immigration process and provide a faster, more secure travel experience, paper arrival forms will no longer be used.

Guests may register within 3 days before arrival at: https://tdac.immigration.go.th 

AirAsia Kicks Off 4.4 Summer Seat Sale – Book Now for as Low as ₱44!

AirAsia Philippines officially welcomes summer with its 4.4 Summer Seat Sale, offering flights for as low as PhP44 one-way base fare.

With over 400,000 seats up for grabs, travelers can book their dream summer getaways from March 31 to April 6, with travel dates available immediately from March 31 to September 30, 2025.

This limited-time promotion gives guests  the chance to explore a wide range of  domestic and international destinations, including Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, and Seoul.

"At AirAsia, we believe that each journey begins with a purpose. Filipinos look forward to taking a quick break, especially during the summer months, either going on a beach trip, reconnecting with loved-ones or simply heading home for Holy Week. AirAsia’s 4.4 promo makes all these much-needed

travels happen. Coupled with a lower fuel surcharge cost for the month of April, there’s no stopping from making that memorable trip, affordable and within reach," AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

As April begins, AirAsia Philippines is gearing up for a busy summer travel season, already recording over 500,000 forward bookings for April and May.

Boracay leads the list of top domestic summer destinations solidifying its position as a premier summer getaway. Cebu, Tagbilaran, Palawan, and Iloilo are also experiencing high demand, indicating a strong preference for the Philippines' renowned beach and nature destinations.

On the international front, Taipei and Narita rank among the most popular destinations. With Japan’s sakura season in full bloom, Narita has become a prime gateway for travelers seeking to experience spring abroad.

AirAsia Group’s 30-Route Growth Plan Highlights Philippines as Key Market

 AirAsia Aviation Group has announced exciting news for the Philippines, as it will be among the key markets to gain from over 30 new routes set to launch in 2025 as the Group pushes forward to achieve  strong recovery in strengthening Asean regional and domestic connectivity.

This year, AirAsia Group will be focused on optimising its route network with frequency increases across high-demand routes including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia aiming to support growth in high-demand destinations such as India, China, and throughout Asean.

As part of this growth, AirAsia Philippines confirms it will ramp up its Taipei service to 17 weekly flights from 14 times weekly starting in July 2025.

“We look forward to supporting AirAsia Aviation Group’s strategy  to  enhance connectivity for both domestic and international services focused on flying the most profitable and popular routes. The Philippines offers immense potential, especially in terms of global tourism with strong forecast demand. Increasing our Taipei flight frequencies is part of our forward strategy and brand promise in democratizing air travel while providing purposeful journeys that will endear travelers to explore their dream destinations,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla shares.

These efforts lay the foundation for a  sustainable,  viable and profitable future, ahead of the proposed acquisition of AirAsia by AirAsia X Berhad from Capital A Berhad when  the consolidation of both short- and medium-haul airlines into an enlarged and robust aviation group is complete.

“In 2025, as we return to full capacity, we’ll be balancing sustainable growth with profitability. Our network strategy will prioritise strategic, demand-driven connectivity across Asia. With over 30 new routes and increased frequencies on our most popular services, we are responding directly to market demand and Fly-Thru connecting opportunities. Our Fly-Thru traffic grew to 4.3 million in 2024, and we are targeting over seven million Fly-Thru guests this year, accounting for approximately 10% of total passengers. This growth supported by the reactivation of 16 aircraft and the delivery of 14 new aircraft in 2025 will form the backbone of our ongoing  expansion plans." said Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group.

This year, the airline expects to operate a fleet of 234 narrowbody aircraft across the airline’s five short-haul airlines, restoring full pre-pandemic capacity. Only 16 aircraft remain to be reactivated, while 14 new aircraft deliveries have been confirmed for 2025, four from Airbus and 10 via lessors.

AirAsia Philippines Welcomes Summer with 4.5 Million Promo Seats!

As the summer season is set to begin by the end of March, AirAsia Philippines is offering one-way base fares as low as Php 214 on all seats and flights to ensure everyone can take advantage of the upcoming peak season travel period.

With over 4.5 million seats available, guests can book flights with 20% off to the country’s top summer destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu including international destinations from March 10 to 16 2025, with a travel period running from March 24 to November 30, 2025.

“PAGASA’s announcement on the possible start date of the summer season is the perfect cue for guests to start planning their dream summer getaway. This time of the year, Filipinos are gearing up for beach trips, especially  with The Philippines being home to some of the best coastal  destinations in the world. AirAsia continues to offer extensive routes to top destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. To make sure travelers can enjoy their getaway without overspending,  we encourage guests to book early and take advantage of our ongoing fare sales.” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

AirAsia’s Summer Travel Hacks

Make the most of your summer trips with these simple travel tips from AirAsia Philippines.

 Travel Smart Book early and fly on off-peak dates to avoid the holiday rush and get the best deals with 20% off all flights and seats.

 Pack Smart Travel light with a free 7kg hand-carry bag and a personal item, or pre-book checked baggage at lower rates to save on excess baggage fees at the airport.

 Fly in Comfort Choose your perfect seat with Right Seat, Right Happiness window for views, aisle for easy access, Sit Together for families, or Hot Se ats for extra legroom with 20% off seat selections, available alongside AirAsia’s fare sale.

 Pre-book Your Cravings at 35,000 ft Reserve your Santan combo meal 24 hours before departure and savor ASEAN, and international favorites like Beef Tapa, Chicken Teriyaki, and Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice.