• Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X Recognised as “Organizations Promoting Employment for Persons with Disabilities”
• Tassapon Bijleveld Honoured with the Special “Hall of Fame Award 2025”

Bangkok, 12 December 2025 – Thai AirAsia (FD) and Thai AirAsia X (XJ) have been awarded the “Organization Promoting Employment for Persons with Disabilities” at the 9th Universal Design Expo, held under the theme Equal Access for All. The two airlines currently employ a total of 58 persons with disabilities, with plans to increase the number to 61 in 2026. Both carriers continue to promote and support the abilities of employees with disabilities, fostering pride while contributing meaningfully to society.

Tassapon Bijleveld, Executive Chairman of Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X, said: “Since day one, AirAsia has been committed to making air travel convenient and accessible—truly inclusive, and allowing everyone to fly. We continuously improve every aspect of our service to meet the needs of all guests, including wheelchair users, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant travellers, young children, and more. Every year, we work closely with the Friendly Design for All Foundation to advance knowledge, share experiences, and train our staff to serve all passengers correctly, confidently, and with care.”

“AirAsia is proud to champion universal design in all dimensions—service, accessibility, and inclusive employment. This year, both Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X received the award for promoting employment for persons with disabilities, reaffirming our genuine commitment to creating opportunities that enhance lives and empower individuals to contribute to society.” Tassapon added.

In 2025, Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X employed a combined 58 persons with disabilities, in collaboration with the Friendly Design for All Foundation and groups supporting visually impaired individuals. Employees are based across provinces nationwide, serving as advocates to raise awareness and understanding of universal design—an important mission aligned with the airlines’ policies. In 2026, AirAsia will expand this initiative by increasing employment to 61 persons with disabilities, further strengthening its commitment to universal design.

The Friendly Design Awards 2025 were presented at the 9th Universal Design Expo held at BITEC Bangna from 11–14 December 2025. This year, the Friendly Design for All Foundation also presented a special award, the “Hall of Fame Award 2025”, to Tassapon Bijleveld, Executive Chairman of Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X, in recognition of his long-standing leadership and impactful contributions in advancing universal design within the tourism and aviation industries.