This article is brought to you by Malaysia Airlines.
It was written by Bill Cooper.
As Bill Cooper found, travelling will never be the same again after a trip in business class on Malaysia Airlines' New A380.
As a wonderful two weeks at home with my family came to an end and I was due back in Malaysia to begin work again, I reached London’s bustling Heathrow airport for my return flight with a heavy heart; it’s never easy saying goodbye to your loved ones. I was booked to fly with Malaysia Airlines on their new A380, and as it was to be my first time on the large aircraft, I was intrigued to see what all the fuss was about. Plus, I was seated in Business Class, which helped to perk me up a little after the sad goodbyes.
Once check in and security had been dispensed with, I made a beeline for the new MAS Business Lounge and was greeted by a Malaysian attendant wearing a welcoming smile, who waved me in to a relaxing lounge area where I could enjoy a calm wait for my flight. Outside the window I could admire the new, beautiful A380 in all its splendour as I perused the lounge food menu – a good range of Western and Malaysian delights were tempting, but I vowed to wait for my inflight meal.
An hour later, the staff politely informed me that my flight was ready for boarding and off I went. From the moment I stepped onto the plane, I felt I had stepped into a comfort zone: a member of the inflight staff was waiting to personally escort me to my comfortable Business Class seat, show me where my bag could be stowed, and present me with a refreshing glass of chilled juice.
The Business Class seats on the MAS A380 are amazingly comfortable and the cabin is arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, allowing for more space and privacy for each passenger. Each seat turns into a fully flat bed with a pitch of 72 inches (183cm), and ensures a sound sleep to anyone travelling a long distance. It was music to my ears! We left Heathrow airport right on time, and after a smooth take-off, I listened out for the usual rumbling of the engine and heard nothing. For such a sizeable plane, the A380 purrs along with surprising quiet, lulling me into a state of comfort that allowed me to almost forget I was onboard a plane at all.
Not long after take-off, the smartly dressed MAS staff came around with the best tasting Malaysian satay that I have ever tried, which was a welcome surprise after too many bland airline meals over the years. Chicken and beef skewers, hand-grilled to perfection, appeared before me to whet the appetite while I perused the dinner menu and tried to decide on my order. Beef fillet, honey glazed chicken breast, fried black peppered cod, and local Malaysian delights were all on offer; I began to wonder if there was a Michelin-starred chef onboard the flight as well!
The drinks list was equally impressive, and lovers of the fine taste of a good whiskey or wine will find plenty within the selection of alcoholic beverages available to get excited about. Personally, I am more of a coffee buff, and I was suitably impressed to see that MAS offered my favourite Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Brazilian Santo. A good cup of perfectly brewed coffee was the best way to end my sumptuous meal. After my feast, I took a look at the inflight entertainment system to help me switch off. I was impressed to discover that MAS offered all the latest movies and a wide range of TV shows as well as music albums, games, and even an interactive map that plotted the plane’s progress across the world. There was plenty to keep me entertained until tiredness forced me to shut off the screen and transform my seat into a bed.
What a difference a horizontal sleep makes! I woke a few hours later feeling fresh and energetic, very grateful to have had the chance of a proper rest on my journey back to Malaysia. The breakfast menu came around swiftly after I awoke, and the blueberry pancakes I ordered were as tasty as dinner had been. Fruity pancakes topped with grilled pineapple and a drizzle of maple syrup – what a way to start the day!
With a post-breakfast coffee in hand, I dipped back into the movie selection and, for the first time ever during my many years of travelling to London and back, wished that the flight would last a little longer. The experience in Business Class on the A380 was far more comfortable than anything I had experienced before.
All too soon, we landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (at our appointed time), and I stepped off the plane feeling rested and ready to embrace the bustle of KL life again. The staff were lined up to wave me a cheery goodbye and urge me back again, and I left them with a smile of thanks, certain that Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class would see me again soon!
From the luxurious lounge at Heathrow to the spacious, comfortable seat onboard, the experience of Business Class on the MAS A380 was more than I could have hoped for. Fine food, attentive staff, and every need met without me having to ask; what could be better on a long journey?
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For more information or to book flights, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.
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Source: The Expat February 2013
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