AirAsia welcomes arrival of Airbus

NEW ADDITION: AirAsia chairman Datuk Pahamin A. Rajab (third from left), Fernandes (fifthfrom left) and AirAsia management and board of directors posing in front of the Airbus A320during the ceremony to receive it at the KLIA yesterday.

SEPANG: AirAsia received the first of its 100 new Airbus A320 yesterday. 

On hand to receive the plane at the KL International Airport was chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes and AirAsia staff from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 

A 24-member drum troupe from SRJK (C) Naam Kheung whipped up a fervent drum roll as the plane came to a slow stop. 

Water cannons from one of the airport's fire engines also heralded its arrival.  

The plane departed from Toulouse in France on Wednesday for the 19-hour flight with 20 crew members on board. 

Besides the AirAsia signature leather seats, the new aircraft will have plush red carpeting, wider aisles and larger overhead compartments.