This is a photo report of my recent Malaysia Airlines A350-900 First Class flight from London to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines is the only airline in the world that is currently operating First Class on The Airbus A350!
Video Review
Check-in
Malaysia Airlines use Terminal 4 at London Heathrow. Check-in was orderly and super smooth.Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines operate their own lounge in London Heathrow T4, despite with just 2 flights per day. Inside The Golden Lounge there is a separate section for First Class Passengers.
I was escorted into, a quite large and very private, First Class section by the lounge receptionist. I also paid a visit to The Business Class section; which although considerably busier, has a majestic sweeping view of the apron.
Both sides of the lounge offer hot and cold buffet food with both Malaysian and Western food options available. There is a bar in the middle between the two lounges where you can order drinks from an extensive menu. First Class Passengers also enjoy a la carte dining, with a strong emphasis on Malaysian dishes.
There are also separate shower facilities in both sections, among separate prayer rooms.
Overall I found the lounge very pleasant and private. I was very lucky to have a clear sky in London, to further enjoy the apron view from the lounge.
Boarding
Boarding was on-time and in good order. We had about 250 passengers in total traveling on MH003 to Kuala Lumpur. Flight time to Kuala Lumpur was 12 hours 20 minutes. Aircraft Reg: 9M-MAD.
Seat Map
I've received a warm Malaysian Welcome by purser, Erwan and F/A, Nar Wee.
The First Class Cabin on Malaysia Airlines A350 has only 4 seats, it is very private in this mini cabin. There were just 2 passengers, including myself, so the centre seats were vacant.
I was offered a glass of their signature drink "Wau Emas" which is pineapple juice and pandan syrup, with a hint of lime and topped with soda water; it was very refreshing. Also on offer was a welcome snack, consisting of a prawn dish and chocolates.
Business Class
There are total of 35 Business Class Seats in 2 separate cabins; I took some photos during the boarding. Seat 2A, 2K, 9A and 9K seem the best seats; these seats are bulkhead seats with extra leg room and are also solo "throne" seats.
Economy Class
Malaysia Airlines have both Economy Plus and Economy seating on the A350. There are 3 rows of extra leg room seat selling as Economy Plus and 220 standard economy seating in 3-3-3 configuration.
In-flight Service
We took off on-time from Runway 27L (see video for the cockpit footage)
Once settling down, I was offered a glass of Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger.
The F/A handed out the pyjamas and The Cerruti 1881 amenity kit. A large EDT cologne came with the kit bag, along with Payot hand cream, lip balm and a souvenir key ring complete with Malaysia Airlines logo.
Today's lunch menu from London to Kuala Lumpur.
Signature Satay as the starter; this is the BEST starter tradition on Malaysia Airlines. I was very glad to see they serve it out of London. (I was expecting it from Kuala Lumpur only)
Next course was the caviar. The presentation was stunning, on an edible flower with an ice cube and a pearl spoon.
For main course, I chose a Malaysian dish; Daging Masak Kicap, which is full of flavour.
I skipped the dessert as I was overly full. The meal was excellent in both presentation and taste. Malaysia Airlines also offer a “dine on demand” service, so I could feast anytime I felt like.
The F/A laid out the bed and I was ready for some rest.
The seat is very comfortable but it is a bit tight. I noticed the table console is nearly just as wide as the seat! I have the impression, due to the curve of the seat divider, that the centre pair seats may offer slightly more width.
The privacy is excellent in this mini First Class Cabin; you can close the divider and have complete privacy when resting.
The entertainment system is quite easy to use, with just a few options to choose from.
On-board connectivity
There is Wi-Fi available throughout the flight starting from $1.
During mid-flight, I ordered a cup of Teh Tarik (Pull Tea) which tasted great. I also had a bowl of seafood noodles.
The rest of the 12 hours flight time was spent resting. Before landing into Kuala Lumpur, breakfast was offered.
I have to thank the excellent Malaysia Airlines Crew for their warm Malaysian Hospitality on-board. This attitude is well represented in their service delivery which sets Malaysia Airlines apart from their competitors. I received warm, genuine service from the heart; overall, I had a very comfortable First Class Flight with Malaysia Airlines. It is good to know that their First Class product keeps pace amongst the fierce competition.
How to fly Malaysia Airlines First Class cheap?
One way First Class Ticket from London to Kuala Lumpur starts from £2,329 or round-trip cost £3,549.
A cheaper way to fly is to redeem your one world miles. Malaysia Airlines A350 is currently flying to Tokyo Narita, one way Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur (7 hours flight) cost 40,000 American AAdvantage miles to redeem. (This equates to a cost of about $800, if you were to buy miles during promotion)
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