For fifty years and counting, ten countries in the emerging Southeast Asian region have celebrated unity in diversity strengthening bonds forged not only by proximity and geography but by common goals to the benefit of all member states. This regional solidarity takes flight in a bold statement by one of Asia's iconic brands...
AirAsia celebrates ASEAN's Golden Jubilee by giving back to the region with a series of initiatives focused on education, talent development, and the economy represented by Southeast Asia's vibrant colors in its new commemorative "I Love ASEAN" aircraft livery. Held at the Headquarters of the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base, the new aircraft livery was formally unveiled last November 14, 2017 during the second day of the ASEAN summit in Manila.
The Philippines, a founding member of ASEAN, is this year's host for the 50th ASEAN summit with the theme "Partnering for Change Engaging the World." The past fifty years have shown that sharing one identity and one vision as one united community remains a critical driver in stimulating economic growth and regional stability, proving once again that the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts. At the unveiling of AirAsia's new aircraft livery, the national colors of all ten member states come together in a show of unity, captured and reflected on the side of AirAsia's gleaming aircraft. And it just seems right that the region's inspiring corporate icon and now the world's leading low-cost carrier is leading the way with relevant regional initiatives.
Literally like a jet engine and one of the key catalysts in propelling the region's dramatic economic success story, AirAsia gives back to the region with specific initiatives to ensure continued growth. "We owe our success to ASEAN," said AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes. "As a truly ASEAN airline, we want to bring the people across the region closer together in line with the amazing work ASEAN has done over the past fifty years. AirAsia Loves ASEAN is just the first of many initiatives we have planned to give back to the region that, together with our continued promotion of ASEAN destinations through our branding and marketing efforts, will be able to bridge communities and economies as ASEAN moves towards even greater integration and mutual understanding," explained Tony Fernandes.
The story of AirAsia is one that continues to inspire and define the region's aspirations. Starting with a modest pair of just two aircraft back in 2002, the pioneer of low-cost air travel in Asia now has over 200 in its growing fleet. Consistently named as the world's best low-cost carrier for eight years in a row, AirAsia's story enters an exciting new chapter as it presents the best of the region to the world.
AirAsia's regional initiatives include the AirAsia ASEAN University Partnership program where tertiary students from across the region will be given unique opportunities to intern in various capacities with the airline with a chance to secure full-time employment upon graduation. It's a program that also ensures the diverse regional make-up of AirAsia with the region's best talent.
At the formal unveiling of the new aircraft livery, another regional initiative was introduced featuring the launch of the "Damn! I Love ASEAN" brand inspired by the start-up "Damn! I Love Indonesia" line conceptualized and created by Indonesian actor, host and VJ Daniel Mananta. The youthful line of apparel represents AirAsia's second regional initiative, the ASEAN Entrepreneurs Day, reinforcing AirAsia's commitment to local entrepreneurs by providing them with a forum to learn best practices from successful start-ups as well as a platform to develop and market their businesses. Small and medium scale enterprises have long been the backbone of any robust economy with its immediate impact to the community, and AirAsia's commitment to the region's promising and potential start-ups is a crucial step in the right direction. Along with promoting start-ups, AirAsia also recognizes the need to foster stronger and deeper relations within the region. With the goal of encouraging better reporting on ASEAN, AirAsia will also host the ASEAN Journalists Camp, the third initiative to promote and build a greater understanding of ASEAN's unique brand of regionalism. The camp aims to provide a deeper perspective on organizational, social, development, and integration issues including sustainable community-based tourism. It may sound noble, even ambitious, but its initiatives like these that promise long-term and real benefits for the region.
And lastly, AirAsia's Allstars Exchange Programme will provide opportunities to deserving employees to experience working and living in other ASEAN countries. The regional initiative not only ensures the continuous cascading of best practices but promotes and fosters cultural exchange down to a working and personal level, consistent with ASEAN's long-term vision and mission of one identity, one vision, and one community. Exciting times indeed.
ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Dr. AKT Mochtan (L) joined AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes (R) during the launch of the new aircraft livery along with key corporate and government officials...
Against the bright morning sun, the new aircraft livery's colorful palette is revealed. AirAsia's new "I Love ASEAN" aircraft livery includes a graphic tapestry of regional textile, architecture, art and nature from all ten ASEAN member states, including batik cetak from Malaysia, poom khao bin from Thailand, ulos Batak from Indonesia, tapis from the Philippines, trong dong from Vietnam, kbach pka Chan from Cambodia, Lao phouthai from Laos, chate from Myanmar, jongsarat Brunei from Brunei, and the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid from Singapore. Each distinct design element is laid out highlighting the uniqueness of each pattern, yet there is a cohesive and seamless visual thread that binds everything together. It's ASEAN, in all its different forms and shapes, coming together in a stunning display of vibrant colors. Unity in diversity, elegantly executed on each side of the aircraft.
AirAsia's team then line the red carpet to greet the VIPs and guests for the ceremonial launching with a bottle of champagne...
...led by ASEAN Deputy Director Dr. AKT Mochtan (L) and AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes (R). The champagne corks are popped, and the aircraft is ready for flight bringing with it the region's dreams and aspirations.
The ASEAN spirit will be reinforced by the placement of the ASEAN flag alongside the national flags in all AirAsia aircraft based in the region. It's a bold stamp of commitment from the world's best low-cost carrier taking the region's vision of unity to new heights (for more on AirAsia, see my previous posts, Enhancing The Onboard Experience with AirAsia's Santan Food Festival on AirAsia's new in-flight meals reflecting the unique flavors of the region, Summer's Here: AirAsia Celebrates Return to Clark Airport with Inaugural Flight to Kalibo, Pacman Up Close and Going The Distance with Pacman and AirAsia on AirAsia's support to the world's best pound-for-pound boxer).
And AirAsia makes it easy for you to fall in love with ASEAN, with the best and brightest from all ten member nations at the front and at the heart of the dynamic airline's corporate structure and organization. A flight with AirAsia allows you to discover the ASEAN experience up close, showcasing the unique cultures of the region linked together by exemplary service and graceful ASEAN hospitality. Truly ASEAN, AirAsia is the face of Southeast Asia in each and every flight.
As the 50th ASEAN summit comes to an end on November 15, 2017 in Manila, the renewed promise of regional unity and prosperity takes flight with AirAsia, soaring ever higher...
Keep updated with AirAsia's latest promotions and activities via Twitter (https://twitter.com/airasiafilipino), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/airasiaph/) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/airasiafilipino/).
Solo Expeditions is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out my FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/SoloExpeditions/ and scroll through my IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/dudeforfood/ for more updates on cool destinations and good eats and enjoy the ride...
Solo Expeditions is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out my FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/SoloExpeditions/ and scroll through my IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/dudeforfood/ for more updates on cool destinations and good eats and enjoy the ride...
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