AirAsia takes delivery of its First Airbus A320

AirAsia’s wait for its highly anticipated Airbus A320s is finally over. The spanking new A320, bearing the registration no 9M-AFA, touched down today at approximately 3.30pm, at the KL International Airport, amidst a loud welcome and fanfare performance by a 24 seasons drum contingent from SRJK C) Naam Kheung.

9M-AFA which departed from Toulouse on Wednesday Dec 7th at 1800 (local time, midnight), made its 19 odd hour journey to Kuala Lumpur with 20 crew on board including AirAsia’s Chairman, Dato’ Pahamin A Rajab, Group Deputy CEO, Kamarudin Meranun, and Executive Director, Connor McCarthy. The 18 member crew were given a special welcome upon the aircraft’s arrival at KLIA by AirAsia’s staff from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The 180 seater Airbus A320 is outfitted with AirAsia’s signature leather seats, and boasts plush red carpeting. Meanwhile the wider aisles and larger cabin overhead space, offered by the A320, means travellers can have more room for movement and luggage storage. The cabin is also equipped with a state of the art touch screen management system which allows the crew to monitor the cabin environment including lighting, sound system, and maintenance data.

In December 2004, AirAsia signed an MoU with Airbus for 40 firm orders, and another 40 purchase rights, for the A320 aircraft. In March 2005, the low fare increased its firm order to 60 A320s, and 40 purchase rights, bringing the total number of A320 commitments to 100 A320s.

The A320 aircraft will be powered by CFM-56-5B engines from CFM international.

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