The trend was revealed in the report , Low-Cost Airlines: The Changing Demographics of Travel – Global Travel Trends with a Focus on Asia Pacific, by comScore,  a global leader in measuring the digital world, and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The report reveals that in the past year low cost airlines websites have experienced strong growth in visitation as consumers continue to search for the best travel deals online.

It also provides insight into consumers’ usage of online travel sites with a particular focus on low-cost airline audiences. (Download a complimentary copy of the report here.)

“Across the globe, consumers continue to turn to the web for their travel needs,”  said Joe Nguyen, comScore vice president for Southeast Asia when presenting the findings from the study at the PATA 60th Anniversary & Conference in Beijing on 12 April.. 

“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.

Malaysia’s AirAsia, the region’s leading low-cost carrier, 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.