AirAsia Founder/Group CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, will be honoured with the Asia House Asian Business Leaders Award for 2017 in recognition of his contributions to Asia's economic landscape.

In a joint statement today, AirAsia and Asia House said, Fernandes would receive the prestigious award at a gala dinner in Hong Kong on Nov 27, 2017.

The statement said the award, issued annually by Asia House, the London-based Centre of Expertise on Asia, celebrated business leaders who had driven positive economic and social changes in the region.

"Previous winners included Hitachi Chairman, Hiroaki Nakanishi, Temasek CEO, Ho Ching, Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata and CIMB Group Chairman, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak," it said.

It said under Fernandes' leadership, AirAsia had grown to become the region's leading low-cost airline, transforming the Asian aviation industry and making it possible for millions of people to travel by air.

Asia House's Chairman, Lord Green, said as a leading centre of expertise on Asian business and trade, it was important for Asia House to recognise those who made a positive contribution to the Asian economic landscape.

"Fernandes had been a tireless advocate of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - an ethos which we share at Asia House," he said.

Meanwhile, Fernandes said, it was an honour to be recognised for championing ASEAN.

"I am an ASEANist. I believe the future of Asia-Pacific lies as much with ASEAN as it does with China or India," he said. -- Bernama