AirAsia is now flying from Manila to Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, further strengthening the airline's commitment as a truly Asean carrier.

AirAsia, voted the World's Best Low Cost Carrier for nine years running, flew its maiden flight from Manila to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta today with send-off ceremonies held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

AirAsia flight Z2 235 with pilot in command AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador left Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 100% pax load and was welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador said, "AirAsia is a product of Asean and we are so proud to be part of this region we call home. We are thrilled to add another Asean destination into our ever growing network. We do love Asean so much that today we are starting Manila - Jakarta and by next week or on January 19, we are to fly Manila - Bali next."

Officers from the Embassy of Indonesia to the Philippines led by Charge d'affaires Budi Dhewajani and Hidayat Zakaira joined AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros aboard the inaugural flight from Manila to Jakarta along with guests from start-ups business community, Filipina CEO Circle in the Philippines and members of the media.

AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia, Mr. Dendy Kurniawan, and officials from transportation, tourism and airport ministries in Indonesia, meanwhile, welcomed the Philippine group at a ceremonial dinner held in Seribu Rasa Menteng in Jakarta.

"We want to bring the people across the Asean region closer together with our new flights connecting Manila to Jakarta and Bali following our Manila - Ho Chi Minh City last November, we are looking at adding new routes to Thailand this year and further expand our Asean footprint to serve more and more communities." Comendador said.

AirAsia also offers several flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Singapore from Manila and Cebu in the Philippines.

Keep updated with AirAsia's latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).