Low cost carrier AirAsia on Wednesday apologised for the advertisement which was deemed insensitive to the nursing profession, carried on its planes.

An AirAsia spokesperson said the airline had pulled back the advertisement which was put up by Tune Insurance.

“We would like to assure our guests and those practicing the nursing profession that all measures are being taken to remove the said advertisement immediately from our aircraft,” according to a press statement from the airline, emailed to Astro AWANI.

According to the statement, Tune Insurance bought the space to put their advertisement on AirAsia aircraft.

According to the airline, it was a Tune Insurance's advertisement and they have since apologised.

The airline said they have an approval process in place with its advertising agency to ensure that all content supplied by its advertisers is consistent with its brand values.

"Regrettably, in this incident, that process was not followed and we sincerely apologize for this error. We’ve addressed the issue and have improved our approval process to ensure this does not happen in the future,” the statement read.

"AirAsia has the highest respect towards all nurses and we did not intend to disrespect anyone in this noble profession," AirAsia added.

The apology came following the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) call on AirAsia to offer an immediate apology to all nurses in Malaysia.

A photograph of the advertisement sent to Astro AWANI showed that the advertisement was plastered on the backseat of an AirAsia plane.

Its copy said:"You want your momma, because you are in the hospital with lousy nurses."

The advertisement promoted the Tune Insurance Malaysia travel protection package.