Malaysia Airlines takes delivery of its first A380

Thursday, 31 May 2012 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) on Tuesday took delivery of its first A380, becoming the eighth operator of the world’s largest and most eco-efficient airliner.

The aircraft was handed over to MAS Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya by Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Brégier in Toulouse.

Malaysia Airlines has ordered six A380s. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, the aircraft feature a premium three class layout, with accommodation for a total of 494 passengers.

Features include fully flat beds in First and Business Class, plus new wider seats in Economy. Seats in all classes are equipped with the latest individual in-flight entertainment systems, USB ports and satellite telephone facilities.

“The A380 showcases our latest premium offering in products and services. This will be our flagship aircraft, offering new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience for long haul travel,” said Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, MAS Group Chief Executive Officer.

“With the A380 in our fleet, MAS will reinforce its position as one of the world’s preferred premium carriers bringing great Malaysian Hospitality to our customers,” he added.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Malaysia Airlines as the latest operator of the A380,” said Fabrice Brégier, Chief Operating Officer, Airbus. “The A380 has set new standards of comfort, fuel-efficiency and respect for the environment. The combination of these features and MAS’s world-famous in-flight service represents a winning formula, enabling the carrier to offer its passengers the best the industry has to offer.”

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have also made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors and increased profitability on all routes where the aircraft is operated.

Typically seating 525 passengers in a three class layout, the A380 is capable of flying 8,300 nautical miles or 15,300 kilometres. This enables non-stop service with a full payload from Kuala Lumpur to any destination in Europe or one-stop service to major destinations in the US.

Malaysia Airlines’ commercial service of A380 will commence on 1 July 2012 with three weekly flights on the Kuala Lumpur – London return route. The Malaysia Airlines A380’s exterior will showcase a new blue livery that retains the national airline’s rich ‘wau’ heritage. It will have 494 seats in a three-class configuration comprising 8 First Class, 66 Business Class seats and 420 Economy Class seats.