9M-AFC arrives

(c) Dave Caris

(c) Tom Gibbons 

(c) Phil Taylor

(c) Nik French

On board 9M-AFC by David Marshall (with images courtesy of David Marshall and Craig Pelleymounter)

Air Asia's Manchester United A320 Logo jet, 9M-AFC, arrived at MAN on 5th May 2006 after a 24-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur, via stops in Karachi and Larnaca. On board were 100 Air Asia staff and members of the Malaysian press, accompanying the aircraft on a promotional and PR visit in recognition of the airlines' relationship with the football club.

After spending periods of the weekend in front of Manchester's public at the Aviation Viewing Park it was returned to the west apron on Sunday 7th May to await its next duties. On Monday afternoon, around 100 competition winners arrived at a low-key check in at Terminal 1 in some state of wonder and anticipation. Having entered a text message competition on a local radio station they had received a call the previous afternoon inviting them on the Red Devil Express, but other than that knew little of what to expect.

The lucky few gathered at gate 20 at 1445, and waited. And waited. Eventually the Malaysian press arrived and were swiftly boarded, followed later by the passengers and MUTV crew. On arrival at the aircraft side, the Air Asia ground staff allowed an impromptu photo call on stand 69, unfortunately the Manchester weather was not co-operating! After having their photo taken in front of the Rooney/Ronaldo motif the nervous dispatcher soon ensured every one got out of the rain and on board. All seated, the passengers awaited the much talked of entrance of some of the Man Utd squad, but alas were met with a gushing welcome by the Vice President of Air Asia over the PA. After wishing us well he departed, the doors closed and it became clear that all who were travelling were on board.

The captain advised a delay to the departure due to there being no flight plan ready for them (not a great advert!), but the guests were kept entertained with refreshments from the ever attentive cabin crew. After an update from the flight deck, the engines turned over and “Asian Express 003” finally pushed back at 1640. A swift taxi to 06L past a sparse apron saw little to catch the eye, except perhaps for the all white Nordic MD80 operating Air Berlin's afternoon service, and the hoards of airport staff photographing our aircraft.

We took off at 1648 and climbed away on the POL SID, headed for MARGO and a cruising level of FL140. The clouds cleared to the North and great views were had of the Lake District, whilst on board the crew entertained with games and talent quests, actively encouraging the pax to sprint up the aisle to claim their prizes. The craziness sadly continued apace as we continued to amble around the skies of Northern England, with the (non-alcoholic) drinks doing little to dull the pain of the singing! The route took the aircraft to the Scottish Borders before a sweeping left turn out to the Solway Firth and the Irish Sea, before routing back to MAN - where the weather had certainly not improved - via a MIRSI STAR.  A smooth approach over Knutsford saw us land back on 06R at 1803 to a round of applause from the slightly bemused pax!

On arrival back at stand the fantastic crew invited those interested to a tour of the flight deck, with photos in the left seat proving very popular with the younger guests! Another photo session on the ramp followed, including a chance to 'graph both sides of the aircraft in detail, before everyone was transported to terminal one and the real world again, no doubt reflecting on a quite surreal afternoon joyride with Air Asia.

The “Red Devil” finally departed a somewhat sunnier Manchester on Tuesday evening (9th May 2006), having hosted the Man Utd team in a private PR function that afternoon. Another arduous journey in non-reclining low cost comfort for those on board, but a treat for those lucky enough to have seen this rare visitor in the UK and experienced the uniqueness of travel Air Asia style!

David Marshall, 8th May 2006.