And the world's best low-cost airline is... (Clue: It's not Ryanair)

Air Asia has been named the world's leading budget airline at the World Travel Awards.

The low-cost Asian carrier beat eight other nominees including easyJet, Southwest Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Berlin, JetBlue Airways and Precision Air.

According to The Malay Mail Online, Air Asia's Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said: "From a Malaysian start-up, we are now an international brand synonymous with low-cost travel, with innovation as our key driver. This win is a first for Air Asia from World Travel Awards. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us.

"We are proud to be able to make people's dreams of flying come true, and will take this recognition as another catalyst to provide greater flying experiences for all our guests."

Etihad Airways took home the title of World's Leading Airline, as well as World's Leading First Class and World's Leading Airline Cabin Crew.

Speaking to eTurboNews, James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "It is a huge honour yet again to receive three of the travel industry's highest accolades, and especially so as we mark ten years of successful operations."

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