Low-cost airlines take off online in Asia Pacific

12 Apr 2011

SINGAPORE: comScore, Inc has released results from a study on the online travel industry with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The report found that in the past year, low-cost airline websites have experienced strong growth in visitation as consumers continue to search for the best travel deals online.

The report Low-Cost Airlines: The Changing Demographics of Travel - Global Travel Trends with a Focus on Asia Pacific, released by comScore and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), provides insights into consumers' usage of online travel sites with a particular focus on low-cost airline audiences.

comScore's Joe Nguyen will present findings from the study along with additional insights on the evolution of the travel industry at the PATA 60th Anniversary & Conference today, 12 April.

"Across the globe, consumers continue to turn to the web for their travel needs," said Joe Nguyen, comScore vice president for Southeast Asia. "From researching destinations to shopping for the best prices and deals to actually making airline ticket and hotel purchases, the convenience of the online channel is vital in supporting consumers' many travel decisions. Building a strong online brand and integrated digital strategy is critical for suppliers and OTAs alike in this fast growing market segment in Asia."

Low-cost airlines attract greater numbers in Asia Pacific

In the Asia Pacific region, low-cost airlines have generated significant audience growth over the past year as attractive offers and promotions have prompted more consumers - and especially younger travellers - to consider these airlines.

Malaysian discount airline Air Asia grew its audience by an impressive 1.2 million visitors in the past year to help maintain its lead as the top-visited low-cost airline site in the Asia Pacific region. Tiger Airways posted the strongest rate of growth, more than tripling its online traffic to 1.8 million visitors, while Malaysia's Firefly and India's Indigo posted strong growth rates of 89% and 70%, respectively.

Total Unique Visitors (000) to Select Low-Cost Airline Sites in Asia Pacific February 2011 vs. February 2010 Total Audience Asia Pacific: Visitors Age 15+, Home and Work Location Source: comScore Media Metrix
	Total Unique Visitors (000)
	Feb-2010	Feb-2011	% Change
Total Internet : Total Audience	472,864	545,183	15
Airasia.com	2,236	3,380	51
Tiger Airways	554	1,805	226
Jetstar.com	1,028	1,169	14
Cebupacificair.com	457	669	47
Goindigo.in	299	508	70
Skymark.co.jp	332	453	36
Spicejet.com	332	430	30
Fireflyz.com.my	143	269	89

*Excludes visitation from public computers such as Internet cafes or access from mobile phones or PDAs.

The comScore and PATA report, Low-Cost Airlines: The Changing Demographics of Travel - Global Travel Trends with a Focus on Asia Pacific, provides insights into consumers' use of online travel sites with a particular focus on low-cost airline audiences.
Download a complimentary copy of the report.