Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has received its first Airbus A380 aircraft from the manufacturer’s facility in Toulouse, France.
MAS Group chief executive officer Jauhari Yahya said it would be the company’s flagship aircraft, offering new levels of comfort and convenience for long-haul travel.
"With the A380 in our fleet, MAS will reinforce its position as one of the world’s preferred premium carriers, bringing Malaysian hospitality to our customers," Yahya said.
The aircraft, marking Malaysia Airlines as its eighth operator, is the first of six ordered by the airliner and will be begin service between Kuala Lumpur and London from 1 July.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, the aircraft has a premium three-class layout, which can accommodate a total of 494 passengers.
Featuring fully flat beds in first and business class, as well as new wider seats in economy, the A380 is also equipped with individual in-flight entertainment systems, USB ports and satellite telephone facilities.
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By GlobalDataAirbus chief operating officer Fabrice Brégier: "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."
According to Airbus, since its service entry in 2007, the A380 has been deployed not only on long-haul routes, but also on regional segments and high-density shorter-haul routes.
Equipped with 525 passengers in a three class layout, the aircraft can fly 15,300km nonstop and can relieve passenger congestion at busy airports by carrying more customers without the need for any additional flights.
Image: Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier and MAS Group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya during delivery of the first A380 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.
