Airline review: AirAsia Premium Flatbed

Airline review: AirAsia Premium Flatbed
By Alexandra Coulton


“The Google of Asia” creates a unique culture where people actually do come first and it shows in the service and well-being of the company’s staff, now numbering in excess of 17,000.

Air Asia’s cool company Head Office in Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia’s cool company Head Office in Kuala Lumpur

The relationship between a great company culture, where staff feel valued and excellent service has long been proven by the research.  But can you be a low-cost carrier and still invest in your staff to be the best they can be?

AirAsia proves low cost doesn’t have to equate to cheapskate on the employee relations front.

At AirAsia, the commitment to staff wellbeing is evidenced in their flagship corporate headquarters where staff can enjoy a visit to the hairdresser, a wide variety of international and local cuisine in their staff food court, a child care centre, a company-sponsored physiotherapy, a medical centre and a fully decked out gymnasium with a private trainer available.

Air Asia Image 2

yes, a slippery dip for the kid at heart

yes, a slippery dip for the kid at heart

All the staff actually seem really happy

All the staff actually seem really happy

The origins of the current company are the stuff of company culture folklore. CEO Tony Fernandes bought the struggling and heavily indebted carrier for the token sum of one ringgit (33 AUS cents) along with its 40 million ringgit ($AUS 13 million )worth of debts. In one year, Fernandes turned the company around to a profitable venture.

Sleeping pods for the weary and jetlagged to utilise. Takes sleeping on the job to a whole new level

Sleeping pods for the weary and jetlagged to utilise. Takes sleeping on the job to a whole new level

So how does this translate to the airline experience and service?

The Seat

I enjoyed a premium flatbed on my flight from Sydney to KL and it was better than Premium economy with the full-service airlines and the bed is pretty much flat.

Doonas and pillows create a comfortable experience. If you just want to sleep, and don’t need the bells and whistles, its an excellent option.

Looks pretty business class from this angle

Looks pretty business class from this angle

Food And Drink

The food choice was extensive and you can order in advance and pay for it. Choices varied from green chicken curry, nasi lemak, spice tuna wrap, and vegetarian lasagne.

It has a street food/ food truck feel to it, tasty, fresh and good value, once again proving low-cost carrier doesn’t have to equate to inedible food that looks like plastic or a limited choice of snacks which Pringles chips seem to have a monopoly over in aeroplanes.

Image 7 Air Asia

Entertainment

Here, Air Asia makes no claims to a great variety so load up your iPads before you fly and download your favourite Netflix binges.

The variety was good for the Asian traveller with an extensive selection of Asian movies and shows.

Staff Service

The staff energy and enthusiasm was palpable. Helpful, friendly, and generous. The adage, take care of your staff and the customers will be cared for is well and truly alive here.

Verdict

I was a reluctant low-cost carrier traveller, preferring to save my pennies for a reasonable experience but AirAsia has converted me.

Affordable Luxury up the front of the airline, a quiet zone in the middle for travellers over the age of 12 (genius that idea) and a full economic option at the back really means something for everyone.

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