Shenzhen Airlines held an awards ceremony on Wednesday for crew and passengers who subdued an arsonist on their flight avoiding a potential disaster on July 26.

Nine crew members have been awarded a total of 2.5 million yuan (around 400,000 U.S. dollars) and each of the two passengers has been awarded 150,000 yuan for their heroic behaviors.

A man was subdued by crew and fellow passengers after setting a seat on fire on the flight ZH9648 carrying more than 100 people from Taizhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province as it was landing in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern Guangdong Province.

According to a statement released by the airline, a flight attendant smelled the scent of gas, noticed liquid traces on two seats and immediately reported it to other crew members. When the knife-wielding man lit the fire, the crew members put it out immediately and fought him.

The two passengers helped the flight attendants apprehend the arsonist using pillows and baggage.

Two officials have been sacked and Taizhou airport taken out of operation in Zhejiang Province after the arson attempt.

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