Starting with a launch flight MH8888 from KLIA, guests were taken for a short journey to experience the new interiors and features of the aircraft. Upon arrival, the traditional water salute welcomed the latest aircraft to the Malaysia Airlines fleet, followed by a mixed drum ensemble. An eclectic dance performance symbolised the potpourri of cultures, as the passengers disembarked from the aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines’ Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil Zahruddin said, “We are delighted to launch our first A330-300 five months after the delivery of the new B737-800 in November. The latest fleet is aimed at creating a strong and sustained platform for us to serve our discerning customers and for Malaysia Airlines to remain profitable. These aircrafts will serve the growing markets of South Asia, China, North Asia and Australia.”
The new Airbus A330-300 is the first of 15 aircrafts to be delivered to Malaysia Airlines over the next four years, as part of the airline's fleet renewal programme. It is the second fleet after the B737-800 to sport the dynamic livery with red and blue lines representing the Malaysia Airlines’ corporate colours.
The enhanced A330-300 has a total capacity of 283 seats, 36 seats in Business class and 247 seats in Economy class (Singapore Airlines (SIA) has 285 seats, 30 seats in Business class and 255 seats in Economy class which MAS better than SIA on their A330-300). All seats are equipped with AC power supply and USB port for laptops and electronic equipment. The new interiors are installed with mood lighting in all cabins and spacious overhead baggage compartments.
To provide enhanced experience and comfort, the sophisticated features and interiors of the new A330-300 Business Class cabin offer comfortable angled lie flat seats, a fold-out privacy divider and six-way adjustable headrest, among others, presenting the traveller with both a mini office, as well as a place to unwind.
The Economy Class cabin, features lightweight and slim design seats with four-way headrest. Each seat is equipped with individual audio-video on demand smart screens. The latest movies, TV programs, moving map and games are available for both cabins.
The first commercial flight on the new A330-300 will be from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane departing on 20 April 2011, followed by flights to Shanghai, Osaka, Beijing, Perth and Delhi on later dates.
Kuala Lumpur – Beijing eff 21 JUL 11
Kuala Lumpur – Brisbane eff 20 APR 11
Kuala Lumpur – Delhi MH190/191 eff 15 SEP 11
Kuala Lumpur – Denpasar MH715/714 eff 15 SEP 11
Kuala Lumpur – Osaka Kansai eff 14 JUN 11
Kuala Lumpur – Perth MH127/128 eff 24 JUL 11 Day 4
Kuala Lumpur – Shanghai Pu Dong MH388/389 Day 2 (17MAY11 – 28JUN11) MH386/387 eff 01 AUG 11
Planned 333 service to Dhaka, once a week from late-July 2011, is now CANCELED
Overall I would satisfy on MAS new A330-300 but I hope that their Business Class seat can be reclined more. MAS A330 are better than Singapore Air A330-300 from my point of view. Except changing aircraft from Boeing 777-200 to A330-300 it is not a good idea because A330-300's Economy class are smaller at 32" as compared with 34" on 777-200.
