Malaysia Airlines today revealed the design and specifications of its first new flagship aircraft, the Airbus A380-800, that is on track for entry into service from 1 July 2012.

The first Malaysian A380 aircraft’s exterior was showcased in a new livery that retained the national airline’s rich ‘wau’ heritage together with modern fonts in contemporary colours, demonstrating the national carrier’s commitment towards using new avenues to deliver its renowned Malaysian Hospitality brand experience in fresh and exciting ways.

Malaysia Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Encik Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, ‘We are the first to introduce the A380 into service using a uniquely refreshed look and feel, instead of the regular corporate identity, to showcase our latest premium offering in products and services. This will be our flagship aircraft to launch our exciting new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience in long haul travel.
The A380 has a capacity of 494 seats in a three-class configuration comprising 8 First Class seats and 350 Economy Class seats on the main deck, together with 66 Business Class seats and 70 economy Class seats on the upper deck.

The First Class cabin has a luxurious seat pitch of 85 inches with 87 inch full flat bed seats complemented with individual 23 inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens whilst the Business Class cabin features a seat pitch of 74 inches and full flat bed seats each measuring 72 inches in length together with individual 17-inch IFE screens. The Economy class seats with an 18-inch seat width and recline of 6 inches, have a seat pitch of 32 inches and individual IFE screens measuring 10.6 inches. In-seat laptop charging facilities are available on every seat in First and Business Class. In Economy, laptop charging facilities are shared by every 2 seats

The aircraft is fitted with the Thales entertainment system, with fully customised Graphic User Interface specific for quick navigation and seat in all classes is equipped with USB port and satellite telephone facility. Operated by a cabin crew team of 18 members for in-flight delivery of the unique Malaysian Hospitality, customers travelling on Malaysia Airlines’ A380 will be treated to a fine selection of Malaysian and International cuisines with lighter and healthier-concept meals. For the first time, the ‘Chef-on-Call’ facility, currently available to First Class passengers of Malaysia Airlines, will also be available for Business Class passengers of the A380 as an extension of the airline’s renowned Branded Customer Experience.

The first A380 of Malaysia’s national carrier will operate 3 times weekly on the Kuala Lumpur-London route from 1 July 2012. The second A380 will also be introduced on this route from end-August 2012 to offer double operations while the third will be used for Kuala Lumpur-Sydney flights.

“At Malaysia Airlines, we continue to innovate and introduce new services for the benefit of our customers. The investment in this latest aircraft, its technology, futuristic style and innovative design in cabin comfort are our initiatives to ensure that our passengers continue to experience an exciting new level of comfort, luxury and convenience. This is the identity that will move us from Traditional Classic to Premium Contemporary in our efforts to position Malaysia Airlines as a Preferred Premium Carrier,” added Ahmad Jauhari.