AirAsia is among the few airlines across the world that has chosen to keep all of its staff amidst the global crisis.
AirAsia is among the few airlines across the world that has chosen to keep all of its staff amidst the global crisis. COVID-19 took a major toll on the aviation industry which has led most airlines to ground their fleet.
On 11th April 2020, Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Group released a statement addressing the situation. In his statement, Tony urges customers to accept AirAsia credit instead of opting for refunds. He also mentioned that more than 80 percent of the customers had chosen AirAsia credit. Instead of refunds and extended his appreciation for them.
The AirAsia credit comes with a 365-day validity, allowing passengers to change flight dates for an unlimited number of times. The airline accepts requests for refunds on a case by case basis as well. However, according to Tony’s statement. Due to the overwhelming number of requests received, the refunding process may take 12 to 16 weeks.
I know many of you have expressed frustration with not receiving a refund for your flights but I encourage you to accept a credit as a good alternative. More than 80 percent of you have accepted our credit offer and we truly appreciate this. Please know that our policy is in line with many operators in the travel industry and reflects our focus on coming out the other side of this difficult period and flying with you again as soon as possible. We have ensured that we adhere to all regulations and requirements of respective governments and consumer authorities and believe this is the best solution. You are among the over 600 million guests who have flown AirAsia and can’t wait to fly with you again once this is over.
Tony Fernandes , Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Group
Tens of thousands of staff depending on the business for their livelihoods and well being. The decision to retain the staff had to be made. Tony, along with the Chairman Kamarudin Meranun, has decided not to take salaries during this period. In order to share the impact of the pandemic, the staff accepted temporary pay reductions ranging from 15% to 75% depending on seniority.
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you for your loyalty to AirAsia and I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and well throughout this trying time. I’m truly sorry that many of your travel plans have been affected.”
Tony Fernandes , Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Group
Furthermore, Tony stated that the AirAsia team is working around the clock to provide assistance to the customers. Live agents are available for customer enquiries 24/7 through LiveChat, Facebook Messenger, Twitter & WeChat.
In spite of all the challenges, Tony assured that AirAsia is strong and remains firmly focused on the future. The aviation industry being greatly affected by the surge of COVID-19. Tony reassured that once this is over, the airline will be back stronger, and making sure everyone can fly again.
Maldives has been shining at the World Travel Awards (WTA), especially in the last few years. The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 and soon became the global awards program. The award program recognises excellence in the travel and tourism industry, and note-worthy destinations such as the Maldives take home honourable titles each year. Just like 2023, Maldives resorts won an impressive number of titles in the WTA Indian Ocean category. These amazing resorts took home some new titles as well as some repeated titles. Here are all the Maldives resorts that shone during the World Travel Awards 2024!
This year Lily Beach Resort & Spa took home the title of Maldives leading all-inclusive resort yet again. This is not the first time that Lily Beach Resort & Spa won this title. The resort has been winning this prestigious title consecutively since 2016! The resort is well known for its award-winning all-inclusive platinum plan, which has made it popular among travellers.
Diamonds Thudufushi – Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort 2024
Maldives is a destination known for its beautiful beaches, and it appears that Diamonds Thudufushi might feature the most beautiful beaches. This resort has been taking home the title of Maldives’ leading beach resort since 2018! Guests can explore these pristine beaches, located just 20 minutes by seaplane. This Maldives paradise is surrounded by untouched nature, ready to welcome guests who are really looking for a beachy summer getaway.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort 2024
This year, Huvafen Fushi Maldives won the title of Maldives’ leading boutique resort category. Prior to this, the resort also won the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury water villa category back in 2016. If you’re looking for a little boutique getaway, Huvafen Fushi Maldives resort is where your dreams will become your days! This is the second time the resort has won this title at the World Travel Awards show.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Family Resort 2024
Over the years, the Maldives has become a popular destination for family travellers. If there’s a place to make memories you will cherish forever, it might be Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. The resort has been winning the Maldives’ leading family resort title since 2020, making it the perfect spot for a family trip. This slice of tropical paradise, located in Lhaviyani Atoll is the perfect blend of luxury, adventure and lush greenery to spend a summer with your family.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu – Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2024
As sustainability becomes the focus, many Maldives resorts have moved towards greener practices as well. Over the years, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has picked up on quite a bit of green initiatives, leading to garnering the title of Maldives’ leading green resort this year. This is the second consecutive year that Coco Plam Dhuni Kolhu has won this title at WTA. Some of the resort’s biggest green initiatives include being a nesting site for green sea turtles and rescuing and rehabilitating turtles among the on-resort practices as well.
If 2023 and 2024 have proved anything, it’s that there is no Maldives resort like Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa for a honeymoon spot. This Maldives resort has taken home the title for two years in a row! Whether it’s the signature collection villas that are surrounded by lush greenery and amazing interiors, or the gourmet culinary experiences, this Maldives resort is honeymooners approved!
Vakkaru Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite
This year Vakkaru Maldives’ Vakkaru Over Water Residences won the title for Maldives’ leading hotel suite. What makes the Vakkaru Over Water Residence so special? This is one of the largest overwater residences in the Maldives. Not only do travellers get privacy and tranquility but also amazing ocean and sunset views. Additionally, guests can also enjoy an infinity pool in this amazing villa along with a dedicated chef on standby.
Royal RESERVE @ OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa
If you’re visiting OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi, book your stay at the Royal Reserve for some of the most luxurious villas. This luxury abode houses guest villas and private pools where resident hosts can regale their friends and family. The villa can host 6 to 7 adults and 3 children. This lavish sanctuary is made better with exquisite champagnes and an elegantly sumptuous floating breakfast. The Royal Reserve @ OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi won this title for the second consecutive year as well.
Cheval Blanc Randheli – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024
Cheval Blanc Randheli took home the title for Maldives’ leading luxury island resort this year at WTA. This is a resort well-known by travellers looking for a luxury getaway. Known as the hushed haven of the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers luxury villas, amazing culinary experiences, wellness & relaxation as well as fun activities for kids. In 2019 & 2020, Cheval Blanc Randheli also won the title for Maldives’ leading luxury villa resort.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort
This year The St. Regis Maldives won the title not only for Maldives’ leading luxury resort but also for Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resort title as well. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been taking home honourable titles every single year since 2017. This property by Marriott Bonvoy continues to bring travellers serenity in style, making it one of the ultimate Maldives luxury resorts to visit.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2024
Emerald Maldives resort has been shining at the World Travel Awards since 2020. Each year, the resort takes home an honourable title. This year, Emerald Maldives won the title of Maldives’ leading luxury villa resort. The resort has won this title in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as well. In addition to the WTA awards, the resort has also won Travelers’ Choice awards, Travelers Review Awards as well as GBAC Star Faculty Award.
Varu by Atmosphere – Maldives’ Leading Resort 2024
Varu by Atmosphere has really marked itself in the tourism industry in 2023 & 2024 by winning the title of Maldives’ leading resort at the World Travel Awards two years in a row. This beautiful Maldives resort brings travellers a natural Maldivian escape. Not only is this dreamy island escape surrounded by uninterrupted blues, but you can also enjoy an intimate yet larger-than-life and heartwarming hospitality. Located just 40 minutes by speedboat, Varu by Atmosphere offers a blend of cultural elements with contemporary elegance.
Constance Halaveli – Maldives’ Leading Villa Resort 2024
Constance Halaveli has been taking home the title of Maldives’ Leading Villa Resort since 2019. What makes the Villas at Constance Halaveli so amazing? Located just 25 minutes by seaplane, this beautiful Maldives resort offers a 5-star Maldives experience. Every villa category from the water villa to the beach villa offers the charm of sea and sand. Here, travellers can enjoy amazing views of the Indian Ocean and the charming white sandy beaches of the Maldives.
Baros Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort 2024
Baros Maldives is yet another remarkable resort that has been shining at the World Travel Awards each year. After winning the title of World’s most romantic resort in 2023, this year the resort won the title of Maldives’ leading water villa resort. The water villas at Baros Maldives offer direct lagoon access, as well as sun loungers and dedicated 24-hour villa hosts. The luxurious furnishing and bespoke artwork add to this beautiful villa category, which already has a welcoming ambience.
