by Alieya Aqilah.
AirAsia Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is taking bold steps to position the Philippines as a top destination for Muslim travelers.
As the first airline in the country to be recognized as Muslim-friendly, AirAsia Philippines now offers Halal-certified meal options on all Z2 domestic and international flights. This initiative aligns with the DOT’s mission to attract more Muslim tourists while ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.
With around 15 million Muslims in the Philippines, AirAsia sees the importance of catering to this significant demographic.
“AirAsia Philippines takes pride in breaking barriers and making our services more inclusive, especially for our Muslim travelers. We are determined to make this partnership stronger and more impactful. As one of the key players in the tourism industry, we understand the vital role airlines play in promoting Halal-friendly travel. We will continue to innovate and enhance our services so that every passenger feels welcomed and at home when they visit our beautiful country,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.
On January 16, AirAsia Philippines passengers can look forward to a delicious new addition to the in-flight Santan menu—Beef Rendang with Chicken Pastil. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the 11 tribes of the Davao region, this Halal-certified dish is available for just PHP 220.
Developed in partnership with the Universal Islamic Center (UIC) after the Halal-Friendly Culinary Cup held in Davao last August, this new offering reinforces AirAsia’s commitment to bringing authentic, high-quality Halal food to its guests.
AirAsia Philippines is also supporting the DOT’s campaign to boost tourism revenue by increasing flight frequency to key domestic destinations such as Cebu, Caticlan, and Cagayan De Oro.
“As we work towards making the Philippines a more Muslim-friendly destination, we are ensuring that all touchpoints of Muslim tourists are properly addressed. The expansion of the Santan menu will further enhance our guests’ experience, while AirAsia’s increased focus on domestic routes will contribute to strengthening our local tourism industry. This memorandum of agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision for an inclusive and globally competitive Philippine tourism sector,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
In 2024, AirAsia’s Santan menu served 535,000 meals, a jump from 480,000 in 2023, showcasing the growing demand for its flavorful and diverse offerings.
Santan’s menu already features popular Halal-certified dishes like Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice, alongside Filipino favorites such as Chicken Inasal, made possible through a partnership with JT’s Manukan. Prepared following strict Halal standards, these meals cater to the dietary needs of Muslim passengers while offering tasty options for all travelers.
With AirAsia and the DOT working hand-in-hand, the Philippines is set to become a more inclusive and welcoming destination for Muslim tourists, boosting tourism and economic growth in the years ahead.
Sourced: AirAsia NewsRoom.
