[ UPDATE 22/03/2024 17:00 ] Malaysia Airlines reveals new Business and Economy seats for A330-900.
===
As part of its fleet modernisation exercise, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will receive a total of 12 new aircraft in 2024. This includes four Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) which is set to arrive in Q3 2024 as well as eight more Boeing 737-8.
MAG signed an MoU with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon back in August 2022 to acquire 20 A330neo which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028. 10 of them are purchased directly from Airbus with a back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 are leased directly from Avolon.
According to MAG, the acquisition of the new aircraft underscores the Group’s steadfast commitment as it seeks to provide modernity and elevate the standards of its service offerings while ensuring that it can support the post-pandemic growth of the aviation industry.
It added that the new A330neo will provide operation efficiency while addressing environmental targets by offering up to 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emission. Another major upgrade is its Business Class cabin as MAG will introduce a newly designed Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seat with a 1-2-1 configuration. This would be a huge improvement over its current Business Class cabin with alternating 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 seating configurations.
To elevate its premium product, Malaysia Airlines’ brand new business class seats feature an all-suite cabin design with individual privacy doors, which prioritises cabin comfort and practicality. The new Business Class seats are expected to be similar to British Airways’ Club Suite and Etihad A350’s Business Cabin as pictured above.
Similar to its recently revamped narrowbody cabin, the new seats will feature the signature songket motif, a homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage. MAG added that its new all-aisle access layout, the new seats will ensure a comfortable and fully flat experience while incorporating luxury design influence and optimal styling flexibility.
MAG said with the new seats, Malaysia Airlines is poised to become the flagship carrier in the world to feature the Elevation seats on the A330 airframe. The new A330neo will have a total of 297 seats which include 28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom.
MAG added that other features include wireless charging pods, ergonomic seat cushions, integrated in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions including Kids mode, and ample space to work, relax and dine in ultimate comfort. The aircraft will also come equipped with WiFi connectivity which is currently offered for free to all passengers on select aircraft.
To further strengthen its fleet modernisation programme, MAG will also be retrofitting six of its existing A350-900s beginning 2026 to ensure consistent cabin standardisation and premium experiences for its guests in alignment with the new A330neo cabin. MAG currently operates a fleet of 104 through its subsidiaries Malaysia Airlines, Firely, MASwings and MASkargo.
MAG Group Managing Director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said, “We are excited to induct the first of 20 Airbus A330neo’s in Q3 of this year, which will gradually replace our A330ceo fleet and operate to our network across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. This expansion is not just about increasing our inventory in numbers but also introducing the first-of-its-kind cabin class, new seats and experiences that prioritises customer safety, comfort and overall satisfaction. We will continue to channel our investments into endeavours that strategically align with the key pillars driving our customer value proposition, namely cabin comfort, in-flight dining, and service delivery of our esteemed cabin crew. We aspire to curate an overall passenger experience that not only meets premium standards but exceeds them, underpinned by our inimitable Malaysian Hospitality.”
In case you missed it, Malaysia Airlines has recently announced a private terminal transfer service utilising BMW i7. These fully electric sedans will be used to chauffer Business Class and Business Class Suite passengers as well as Enrich Platinium members between the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite building at KLIA.
Related reading
- Malaysia Airlines are now using BMW i7 EVs for private terminal transfers
- Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8: Officially launched in Malaysia; first commercial flight will be to Kota Kinabalu
- MAG expects 60 new planes over the next seven years; first Airbus A330-900neo will arrive in Malaysia next year
- Malaysia Airlines: Free unlimited WiFi to all passengers including Economy Class starting 1st November 2023
