AirAsia is the largest budget carriers in Southeast Asia and began operation as a low-cost-carrier in 2001. They operate out of a custom-built low cost hub at Kuala Lumper International Airport (KLIA-LCCT), Malaysia and as at late 2007 fly to almost 50 destinations in nine countries in the region. They have two join ventures — Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsis both of which allow for access to domestic routes in the respective countries.
Led by British-trained accountant, CEO Tony Fernandes, the airline has far exceeded analysts expectations — and this for an airline that was bankrupt when Fernandes came onto the scene. He purchased the carrier from the Malay government for a mere 26 cents in 2001.
Today, AirAsia flies a mixed fleet of Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, but it is in the process of moving over to an all Airbus fleet with an order for some 130 A320s (100 firm, 30 options) from the European manufacturer.
A ticketless airline, you can arrange your travel at the airport, through travel agents, via call centres and sms — though the best deals are often found online via their website. They accept Visa and Mastercard along with a bunch of country-dependent local debit cards. You can see all their payment options here.
There is no seat allocation on AirAsia flights, so boarding can be a bit of a bunfight.
You can see their full schedule information here.