The inaugural flight of AirAsiaX, Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, to Paris from Kuala Lumpur successfully arrived at Paris-Orly Airport on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2011 amid great fanfare. Paris is AirAsiaX’s second European destination after London.
The Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism Malaysia, was accompanied by Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, founder of AirAsiaX and Group CEO of AirAsia, and Dato’ Kamaruddin Meranun, Chairman of AirAsiaX, on board the historic flight.
Following touchdown at Orly, France’s second busiest airport, the aircraft was welcomed by a special water cannon salute as it made its way to the terminal. YB Minister and the top echelon of AirAsiaX were received by H.E. Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal, Ambassador of Malaysia to France as well as officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris, Paris Airport Authority (Aeroport de Paris - AdP) as well as French and Malaysian journalists.
To celebrate the significant event, a Launching Ceremony will be held at the Automobile Club de France, located at the historic Place de la Concorde in Paris, in the morning of 15 February 2011. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, HE Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal, Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun will preside over the event, to be attended by more than 200 guests comprising French government officials, diplomats, business leaders and journalists.
The successful launch of AirAsiaX, Malaysia’s second direct air links with France, will further enhance ties between the two countries as well as those within both the Southeast Asian as well as European regions, notably in promoting a greater exchange of people-to-people contacts and tourist arrivals between Kuala Lumpur and Paris.
Embassy of Malaysia
Paris
14 February 2011