AirAsia and Plusgrade Announce Partnership to Enable Bid for Upgrades and Extra Seating Space for Travelers

Expansive multi-year and multi-product Plusgrade and AirAsia partnership announced at Aviation Festival Asia in Singapore

AirAsia guests will soon have the opportunity to bid for upgrades and reserve empty seats beside them on flights

This is a significant partnership for Plusgrade as they continue to expand their footprint in the APAC region

MONTREAL,Feb. 28,2023 -- Plusgrade,the leading provider of ancillary revenue solutions for the global travel industry,is proud to announce its partnership with AirAsia,Asia's leading low-cost carrier. This extensive partnership will soon allow AirAsia customers to bid for upgrades and reserve the seat(s) beside them for extra space and comfort. The deal was unveiled today in Singapore at Aviation Festival Asia,the largest aviation tech event in Asia.

Ho Hoong Mau,Regional Director,APAC Sales,Plusgrade,and Paul Carroll,Group Chief Revenue and Network Officer,AirAsia.

With the relaxation of the remaining travel restrictions in the Asia-Pacific region in early 2023,travel industry recovery is well underway. Ancillary services that delight customers and drive revenue will be an essential tool for airline,hotel and rail companies as travel returns to – or even exceeds – pre-pandemic levels. Today's travellers are looking for streamlined travel experiences with a focus on comfort and innovative services to improve their journeys.

For consumers,ancillary services such as upgrades or the ability to reserve open seats beside them on their flight can make travel more enjoyable,giving them room to stretch out and relax,or enabling them to experience premium products and services that might otherwise be out of reach.

"We are thrilled to join forces with AirAsia to support them in driving meaningful ancillary revenue through incredible traveler experiences," said Plusgrade CEO,Ken Harris. "We look forward to supporting AirAsia as they continue to innovate and develop new products and services for their customers,and to expanding our footprint in the thriving APAC region."

Ms Karen Chan,Group Chief Commercial Officer at AirAsia added: "This collaboration will enable us to offer more passengers the chance to access our premium products and services,such as our award winning premium flatbeds or hot seats with extra legroom. We are confident that our guests will love this innovative and seamless way to enhance their travel experience."

About AirAsia

AirAsia is the World's Best Low Cost Airline,flying to more than 130 destinations in the region and beyond. Founded in 2001,the airline has flown close to a billion passengers. With the resume of travel worldwide,AirAsia has gradually reinstated flights for many of its popular routes whilst launching new ones. AirAsia's vision and mission have always been to serve the underserved. Throughout its two decades of service,the airline has connected people and places,and has largely been credited for democratising affordable air travel in the region with its now famous tagline 'Now Everyone Can Fly''.

About Plusgrade

Plusgrade powers the global travel industry with its portfolio of leading ancillary revenue solutions. Over 200 airline,hospitality,cruise,passenger rail,and financial services companies trust Plusgrade to create new,meaningful revenue streams through incredible customer experiences. As an ancillary revenue powerhouse,Plusgrade has generated billions of dollars in new revenue opportunities across its platform for its partners,while creating enhanced travel experiences for millions of their passengers and guests. Plusgrade was founded in 2009 with headquarters in Montreal and has offices around the world.

Carrie Mumford,Director,Brand & Communications,pr@plusgrade.com