AirAsia Philippines Takes Delivery of First Aircraft

AirAsia Philippines has taken delivery of its first aircraft.

The brand new, state-of-the-art Airbus A320 commanded by Captain Johansen Hernandez landed at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark carrying 29 people, including Marianne Hontiveros, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Philippines, H.E. Mercedes Tuason, Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican, several Filipino media as well as an all-Filipino crew.

Ms. Hontiveros said, “This is a proud moment for AirAsia Philippines as the arrival of the new aircraft signifies our first step in introducing ourselves to the nation. As an archipelagic country, air travel is necessary for Filipinos and we are here to serve and help them stay or be better connected with their families and friends ... The Philippines has great potential in tourism, as our country has so much to offer. With AirAsia Philippines, we hope to increase the number of tourist arrivals. This is good for the community in Clark as well as Northern and Central Luzon as they can benefit in various areas including hospitality, retail and entertainment.”

The aircraft, which landed at 11.30 a.m. on Monday from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, is the first among four aircraft that will be delivered to AirAsia Philippines in its first year of operation.

While it taxied on the runway upon arrival, it was greeted with a water cannon salute. The second one is slated to arrive later this year and another two will be delivered in 2012.

Currently, AirAsia Philippines is awaiting official approval to start flying commercially. The airline plans to use the first aircraft to fly to Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong, and the second one to ply routes to Bangkok (Thailand), Incheon (South Korea), Kalibo (near Boracay, Philippines) and Puerto Princesa (Palawan, Philippines).

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, AirAsia, Philippines