Budget airline AirAsia overtook national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) last year in terms of overall passenger volume, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said AirAsia flew 15.23 million passengers last year compared to the 13.87 million recorded by MAS.

Of the AirAsia passengers, 7.2 million were international passengers while 8.03 million were domestic passengers, he said in a written reply to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah).

Of the MAS passengers, 7.37 million were international passengers and 6.5 million, domestic passengers, he added.

Changi recognises AirAsia

Meanwhile, AirAsia had been named as one of the top 10 airlines in the passenger carriage category by Changi Airport Group.

The award recognises the contribution of airlines to Singapore's air hub status.

"AirAsia has been a huge contributor to the growth of passenger traffic at Changi Airport," the company said.

AirAsia regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan received the award from chief executive officer of Changi Airport Group, Lee Seow Hiang, at the Changi Airline Awards ceremony in Singapore last night.

Singapore is one of AirAsia's most popular destinations, with 400 flight to and from the country weekly.

- Bernama