Following Malaysia Airlines’ recent business restructure and the roll-out of new Airbus A330neo aircrafts across Australia, the airline is repositioned itself in the Australian business-class market, through its hub in Kuala Lumpur.
But its new A330neo aircraft are so far only flying from the East Coast and Adelaide, with no confirmation of when Perth will receive the new neo, due to supply chain issues that have resulted in uncertainty in aircraft deliveries.
Perth Airport
I am flying Malaysia Airlines’ business class from Perth on their Boeing B737-8, on a 12.5-hour journey to through KL to Male, capital of the Maldives.
Departing Perth on Malaysia Airlines’ 2.10am flight to Kuala Lumpur sounds more difficult than it is. Yes, it’s late (or early, if you prefer), but the departure experience is mostly seamless. I check in with no queue at the designated business-class counter, which bypasses the self-check machines that always reject my passport and send me to find a human.
Someone even lifts my suitcase onto the belt then directs me upstairs.
I am in and out of security in a matter of minutes (despite the rejection of my passport at the self-scan gates) and I am directed to the Aspire Lounge to wait out the hours until boarding.
Boarding is not overly efficient as the aircraft is not ready to take passengers when boarding commences, so those of us in groups 1 and 2 end up stuck in a blockage before the air bridge. From my observation, this is a Perth Airport issue, rather than a reflection on Malaysia Airlines.
But, overall, the start of my journey is positive.
Perth to Kuala Lumpur
I am instantly greeted with the signature Malaysian hospitality that the airline prides itself on, being directed to my front-row business-class seat.
A glass of premium champagne is offered, followed by a cold hibiscus tea and hot towel, all of which aim to refresh and cleanse ready for the dining that is to come.
But this dining timeframe surprises me, as the dinner service commences immediately after take-off, at 2.30am. The food service goes for about two hours, and lights are kept on while the 12-person business-class cabin clatters with the sounds of silverware.
The food was definitely elevated from the standard plane food fare, but I feel the guest experience would be heightened by breakfast service rather than dinner on a flight of that time.
The seats of the 737-8 are larger than a standard economy seat but the leg room is no greater than the exit aisle or premium economy section of some other airlines.
On top of this, the lack of lie-flat option on these planes is a drawback of this red-eye from Perth. The recline function is still a nicer experience than being impeded on in standard economy, but the angle of the footrest points downward so I find myself pulling my knees to my chest in order to feel comfortable.
Kuala Lumpur stopover
I’m going to say something crazy here, but hear me out . . . the lounge experience included with a business-class ticket makes it worth its while during a stopover.
I’ve transited through KL many times and always found it easy to follow directions, with efficient transport options between terminals as well as good shopping and cleanliness. However, it is always so busy that waiting between flights can be a headache, with nowhere to sit, oddly distanced bathrooms that are often gender separated and require hunting for, and massive queues at food vendors.
This is where the Golden Lounge comes in. It is a large, naturally lit open space with numerous seating styles and a brilliant view of the Malaysia Airlines terminal.
The bathrooms are immaculate, maintained by lovely bathroom attendants who will provide you with a full spate of toiletries and a towel to shower. Even if you don’t have much time, the toilet cubicles are designed as individual powder rooms with enough room to freshen up at your own sink.
The all-day buffet has options for everyone and it is great to have a dedicated barista to make my first iced latte of the holiday.
Even when busy the space has a calm atmosphere, which is perfect for the amount of sleep I haven’t had. There’s even a napping area for the longer waits, which I would have loved to utilise if given the time.
Kuala Lumpur to Male
This leg is a substantial improvement on the first in terms of service and food. They serve brunch with good options to suit any kind of morning person and I am able to sleep in the latter half of the flight.
What is really spectacular about this flight is the descent into Velana Airport. Flying over the Maldives gives a panoramic view of turquoise shallowed atolls dotted across darkened seas. It is as if you are viewing the surface of a foreign planet, the rounded shapes and shadows formed by depth creating a craterous illusion from above.
The speed at which I am able to disembark and make it through Velana Airport is another highlight of my ticket. First off the plane, first to passport control, first to claim my bag.
Male can be notorious for slow arrival procedures, so if you value your time, especially after a long travel day, the efficiency that being at the front of the plane brings is another box ticked.
Hospitality
It is evident on my flights with Malaysia Airlines that crews are well accustomed to the tagline of “Malaysian hospitality”. The cabin managers of each flight are efficient, friendly and give personalised experiences to each business-class passenger through memorising names and asking life questions.
The crew keeps the cabin spotless, instantly clearing food and drink, wiping down tray tables, even cleaning the business-class toilet in between each use.
The warm service extends to the final farewell gesture of a hand over the heart in gratitude.
The Malaysia Airlines app and email notifications continue the warm hospitality digitally, keeping guests informed of key flight information including gate opening, boarding and any scheduling changes. This is particularly helpful while in transit in KL as the lounge has no announcement system, so the digital notifications are a brilliant way to combat any issues.
Amenities
Business class on the 737-8 does not have built-in screens, instead offering complimentary wi-fi and an entertainment system through the MHstudio website. But I find the wi-fi spotty, and that it does not exist over the ocean. Thus, the wi-fi doesn’t work for a majority of the trip.
There are no personal amenities provided for passengers, but the bathroom stocks luxury soap, hand cream and dental sets, and the included KL Golden Lounge access means that personal amenities are easily sourced there.
Dining follows a set four or five-course menu, depending on the time of day, and all-day dining options are also available as full meals or snacks throughout the flights.
An extensive high-end alcohol list is included, as well as tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks.
Conclusion
Overall, my experience with Malaysia Airlines is positive. The food is better than standard economy plane food fare, and the seat roomier despite the lack of lie-flat beds.
Lounge access provides a comfortable space with extensive food selection and extra amenities that are not provided on the actual plane, although you do not have to fly business for this. Enrich Gold and Platinum as well as Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members receive these same benefits.
The comfort of business class is why people choose it, specifically for red-eye flights, and without the A330neo flying to Perth, Malaysia Airlines business guests are receiving a premium economy experience.
But I don’t believe Malaysia Airlines will be truly competitive in the Perth business customer market until the neo has graced our shores.
What the airline does offer, however, is competition with its Economy Flex ticket, which is cost effective, offering priority check-in, boarding and baggage, extra baggage allowance, unlimited flexible rescheduling and a discount on purchasing exit row or extra leg-room seats.
+ Ella George was a guest of Malaysia Airlines. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.
+ We first met Ella through the travel writing course at University of Notre Dame, studying under Mignon Shardlow. We are pleased to bring her work to our readers.
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