Indonesia, the country with Asia's worst aviation record, has 51 carriers, up from a dozen several years ago - the most vivid example of how rapidly the industry is exploding in the region.

'As disposable income increases and economies grow, more people within Asia are travelling,' said Mr Richard Pinkham of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.

'That is what is driving low-cost carrier growth,' he added.

A string of new budget carriers has emerged across South-east Asia over the last several years to exploit those tourist dollars.

Many offer rock-bottom prices, sometimes as low as US$20 (S$30) for a one-way trip within Asia, excluding taxes.

Mr Tom Ballantyne, the chief correspondent for Orient Aviation magazine, said it was important that travellers do their homework when choosing flights instead of just going with the cheapest fare.

'Look for accidents or safety issues,' he said, pointing to airlines connected to strong parent companies such as Jetstar, operated by Australia's Qantas Airways, or Tiger Airways, which is 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines.

'Look at the sort of planes the airline is operating. Are they new or old? What is the background of the airline?'

Asia has been hit by a rash of plane crashes and mishaps this year, from Cambodia to Japan, resulting in more than 200 deaths.

However, little information has so far been released about the causes of the crashes.

Most incidents have occurred in Indonesia - with budget carrier Adam Air plunging from the sky and national carrier Garuda careening off the runway.

Another jetliner snapped in half upon landing in Indonesia. Together, more than 120 people have died.

ASSOCIATED PRESS