Malaysia Airlines Gearing Up For The Future

Invests RM 700 Million In Aircraft Upgradation

Charmaine Fernz - Kuala Lumpur

Lights…camera…action…that was the precise scene at the recent inauguration of Malaysia Airlines newly refurbished 'Redefined Experience' of the B777-200 and B747-400 aircraft. Worldwide press was witness to the large-scale event that took place at the Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officially launched Malaysia Airlines' - An Experience Redefined - a comprehensive aircraft cabin upgrade complete with a new total in-flight delivery service designed to capture a greater segment of the premium traveling market. On the India route, Malaysia Airlines plans to bring the redefined new experience to India in Chennai, sometime next year.

According to Hisham Azmil, assistant general manager - product development and services, Malaysia Airlines, "The airline is spending RM700 million to upgrade the B777-200 and B747-400 aircraft over a two-year period. Under 'An Experience Redefined', the cabin of 17 Boeing 777-200 and 17 Boeing 747-400 has been refurbished to incorporate the latest technology, futuristic style and innovative design in cabin comfort. This would also include the training of cabin staff on the upgrade to enhance in-flight service. As per the revamp structure, one aircraft per month will be upgraded and the entire process should be completed by July 2006."

Taking the media through the mock upgraded aircraft displayed for the inauguration, Suresh Singam, in-flight services manager - operations, Malaysia Airlines mentioned that the upgrade involves every aspect of service and facility onboard the B777 and B747 to pamper the premier business travellers to a level that redefines air travel luxury and comfort. In the First and Business class, passengers will witness mood lighting which is a technology that incorporates 10 different types of lighting ie day dining, deplaning, boarding, sunrise, sunset etc. Apart from just the interiors even the food served on board will be redefined with a class apart. Initially, these aircraft will be used on trunk routes such as Australia, UK, Amsterdam, Paris etc."

The Product

Over the next two years, more than 3,000-crew members will be trained under this programme. New service delivery modules will focus on increased interaction with passengers. It means thinking away from preset routines and procedures, because an Experience Redefined is about personalized one-on-one service, and customer engagement based on sound product knowledge. For the B777-200 aircraft, the reconfiguration involves converting the three classes (First, Business, and Economy) to just two classes - Business and Economy. There will be 42 Business Class seats and 247 Economy Class seats. The B747-400 will still have three classes (First, Business, and Economy) but fewer seats to enhance passenger comfort. It will have a configuration of 12 First, 41 Business and 306 Economy class seats.

Added features of the refurbishment also include the lie flat seat in both the First and Business class. The new seat offers an increase in pitch to allow more legroom and seat space to accommodate tall passengers. It is electrically operated, to select any of its preset positions for additional comfort at the touch of a button. It reclines within its fixed shell to avoid intruding into the rear passenger's personal space. The seat also folds out completely flat horizontally to give the luxury of stretching out for sound sleep.

Malaysia Airlines is also offering the latest and most advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) system to all passengers of its newly reconfigured Boeing 777-200 and retrofitted 747-400. This means all passengers, regardless of class, will have more than 350 entertainment options, including 40 movies, 60 short features and 200 CD titles on demand, all accessible via personal digital touch screens.