Malaysia Airlines has revealed details of the business class product that it will be installing in its Airbus A330 fleet. The upgrade will begin from April 2016, and Malaysia Airlines have indicated that the aircraft will be used for services between Malaysia and Australia, and other parts of Asia. The upgrade is expected to be completed by September 2016.
The spacious fully lie-flat seats will replace the current A330’s angled flat beds. The room comes at a cost, and the seat count of the business cabin will reduce from the current 36 seats down to 27 seats.
The configuration is slightly unusual, with the rows alternating between 4 abreast in a 1-2-1 layout, and 5 abreast in a 1-2-2 layout. For the most part, this will afford passengers direct aisle access – although a small number will have a passenger between them and the aisle.
Each passenger in business class will be able to use a a 16-inch Panasonic touchscreen inflight entertainment system, and there will be extra stowage space for personal items. In addition, the seats will feature a power outlet, USB port and reading light.
The seat converts into a fully lay flat bed. The 76 inch bed will be fitted with plush linen.
The other mainstay of the Malaysia Airlines longhaul fleet looks as if it will be replaced by Airbus A350-900 aircraft, so it appears that the Boeing fleet will not be getting the new business class product.
