MALAYSIA AIRLINES: A330neo service arrives in Sydney

Sydney welcomed Malaysia Airlines’ new Airbus A330neo yesterday (Monday 18 August). This aircraft arrival signals better cabins and more services between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

The new A330neos come with quieter cabins, lower emissions, and 25% better fuel efficiency. The arrival of the first of these jets yesterday heralds the third daily service out of Sydney, commencing 30 August. By October, that will translate into 21 return flights per week between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur. Annual capacity will then reach north of 630,000 seats, the most Malaysia Airlines has ever served on an Australian route.

Malaysian Airlines has expanded its air traffic rights from 36,000 to 50,000 seats per week. That will become unlimited capacity in 2026.

So, what’s all the fuss about with this new plane and expanded service?

Cabin layout & seat map

The aircraft features a two-class configiurtion. ,That’s economy and business sections with 28 in Business and 269 in Economy. The Economy cabin features 28 extra-legroom seats.

Business Class are all suites will privacy doors in a 1-2-1 configuration based on the Collins Aerospace Elevation platform. Each suite offers direct aisle access, generous privacy, and upgraded tech amenities.

What you lose from this cabin is a Premium Economy section, which is odd, since that seat market is currently booming. However the extra legroom seats go some way to remedy this.

Business Class Features

Malaysia Airlines scores a minor world first by installing the Collins Aerospace Elevation seats on the A330neo. British Airways also use the same basic seat for its Business Class Club Suite.

The features of the Malaysian version include:

• Fully flat 180° beds
• Privacy doors and direct aisle access
• Wireless charging and power (AC/USB) ports
• 17-inch 4K in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens

This is quite an improvement on the previous set-up, especially if you like a doored suite, and direct aisle access.

Economy Class upgraded

Malaysian is using Recaro seats as its base. Features include:

• Legroom pitch of 31–32 inches, with the first three rows offering extra leg room
• 13.3-inch 4K IFE screens
• Power outlets and Bluetooth for wireless headphones

Crowning these cabins is complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for all passengers.

2PAXfly Takeout

Malaysian Airlines has been a bit of an unsung hero over the years. They have been inconsistent with product, and their fleet choices have been sometimes odd. However, their service in Business Class, and in the past, their pricing has been quite competitive.

It’s worth thinking about using Kuala Lumpur as your transit point when travelling out of Australia. It isn’t Changi, but the airport is quite serviceable. The lounges were upgraded a few years ago, and are far less shabby. If you get access to the First lounge through your OneWorld status, you will be happy.