The first Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 superjumbo landed at Heathrow today from Kuala Lumpur.
The airline’s group chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya was then joined by Malaysian dignitaries, passengers and UK travel trade partners to celebrate the airline’s inaugural A380 flight from Heathrow to its Malaysian hub.
The MAS A380 has a capacity of 494 seats, comprising of 350 economy and eight fully-flat first class seats on the main (lower) deck, and 66 fully-flat business class and 70 economy seats on the upper deck.
In preparation for the A380 and its forthcoming membership of the oneworld alliance, the airline has also upgraded facilities at Heathrow Terminal 4 with more desks to enable faster check-in and swifter bag-drop. There is increased baggage reclaim capacity and Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounge for business and first class passengers has been refurbished.
Ahmad Jauhari Yahya highlighted the airline’s commitment to the London Heathrow–Kuala Lumpur route.
He said: “The A380 showcases our latest premium offering and it was imperative that the first of these new aircraft was inaugurated on the prestigious London route, a route we have been operating from Kuala Lumpur since 1974.
“The A380 is our latest flagship aircraft offering new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience for long-haul travel and we look forward to delivering our great Malaysian hospitality to our UK guests.”
BAA chief executive Colin Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome Malaysia Airlines to the list of carriers that operate A380s here at Heathrow. The A380 represents a significant step forward in improved environmental performance on Heathrow’s airfield and we are proud to accommodate this latest addition to the fleet.”