Update: 11:44AM THE crowd cheered at Nadi International Airport as the Airbus A330-200 touched down.
Hundreds stood at the perimeter of the airport, waving flags and cheering as the aircraft taxied to a traditional welcome ceremony full of pomp.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and heads of all major institutions including FNPF, FIRCA, AFL, tourism industry stakeholders and airline staff were present to welcome the aircraft home.