AirAsia’s first flight between Kuala Lumpur and London, operated by AirAsia X, took off today from KL International Airport's Low Cost Terminal. The Airbus A340-300 flew with a full load 286 guests onboard, including 30 in XL seats.
Joining AirAsia X chairman Dato’ Seri Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan and CEO Azran Osman-Rani on the inaugural flight were the secretary general of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) HE Dr Surin Pitsuwan and the British High Commissioner to Malaysia HE Boyd McCleary.
AirAsia’s announced the opening of the service to London in November 2008 and, says the airline, has received an overwhelming response from travellers between Australia and Europe.
In support of sustainable development and bridging communities through low fares, AirAsia X has partnered with the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – UKM) through its UKM-Global Student Mobility Partnerships student exchange programme. At least 10 students from the UK have signed up for the programme and will fly AirAsia X to Kuala Lumpur in June 2009.
Photo shows from left to right: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad managing director Dato’ Seri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan, AirAsia X chairman Dato’ Seri Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan and AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani
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