KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Low-cost carrier AirAsia has reduced its on-time guarantee from three to two hours.

From Nov 1, AirAsia passengers would receive a RM200 (S$84) e-voucher if their flight is delayed for more than two hours, said its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes. "I dare say we are the only airline that is offering this service. It is a clear case of a low-cost carrier doing what premium airlines have not done," he said at a press conference yesterday.

On how the current recession would affect the carrier, Fernandes said the objective was to improve demand from travellers by giving them incentives to switch from premium airlines to AirAsia. When asked by reporters whether AirAsia would raise fuel surcharges, Fernandes said the airline would not, unless global fuel prices went past US$100 (RM357) per barrel.

"We are looking at getting rid of the fuel surcharge actually. We need to see consistency and stability in the world (oil) prices first," he said.

AirAsia has been chosen one of the top five most recognised and admired airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, based on a survey in which 3,600 people in 10 countries participated.

It is also the sole low-cost carrier to be listed in the "Top 10 Asia-Pacific Airlines" category in the survey conducted by market research company TNS.

Fernandes expressed his pride in the ranking, calling it "a great achievement" for the airline.

"Over the last seven years, AirAsia has quickly become a household name with flights operating from every Asean country," he said in a statement yesterday.

The results indicate the success of a brand in understanding and meeting the needs of its clients, said TNS Hong Kong & Singapore client services and insight director Guy Hearn.