AirAsia is a Malaysian low-cost airline that started in 1993 as a government initiative and was privatized in 2001. It has expanded to several subsidiary airlines across Southeast Asia using a low-cost carrier model with strategies like online booking and ticketless travel. AirAsia has seen success through its low operating costs, strong brand recognition, and focus on previously underserved middle-income customers within Asia. It aims to sustain its growth by continuing its low-fare offerings and expanding further into new markets.