AirAsia Philippines partners with Universal Islamic Center to position Philippines as Halal-friendly destination

AirAsia Philippines is helping solidify the country’s stake as a Halal-friendly destination with its partnership with the Universal Islamic Center (UIC) and the Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism.

Since its inception, AirAsia has been offering Halal-certified meal options on all its flights, regardless of the destination. From Filipino favorites like Chicken Inasal and Beef Tapa to authentic Asean dishes like Nasi Lemak and Chicken Teriyaki, AirAsia’s Santan Inflight Menu caters to diverse tastes while adhering to Halal standards.

Beyond promoting Halal meals on its flights, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is elevating its commitment by mounting the Halal Culinary Cup in Davao in time for the Kadayawan Festival. The winning dish from this event will be included in the inflight menu to showcase the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the region.

“AirAsia is proud to lead the way in providing and innovating inclusive travel experiences. We’re continuously enhancing our offerings and ensuring that Muslim friends feel welcomed and truly at home when they visit our beautiful country. Through this, we hope to win their hearts and make them visit the Philippines more often, either for leisure or business travel”, AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla shares.

“Airlines play a vital role in the Halal promotion as they are one of the forefronts of accommodating and catering the Muslim consumers in tourism. Meals that are compliant to Halal caters to the huge Muslim passengers’ dietary requirements and Airasia’s commitment and dedication to be inclusive by providing a selection of Halal meals demonstrate that traveling to the Philippines is accessible and accommodative for Muslim travelers. We thank AirAsia Philippines for their support and for making this partnership possible”, shares Universal Islamic Center and Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism President Marilou Ampuan.

According to the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, the Philippine Halal industry is estimated to be worth $1.6 billion. This figure is expected to grow especially with the Philippines being home to the third largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia, and a favorite alternative to other holiday destinations in the Asean. AirAsia Philippines also hopes to reinforce the growth of the Philippine Halal industry and entice more to visit the country by spearheading innovations and programs geared towards the promotion of Halal.