Malaysia Airlines will change the equipment it uses to operate one of its Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo Narita rotations from the current Airbus A350-900 to A330-900 from March 1, 2025, in the direction from Malaysia and a day later in the other direction.
The A330neo, which Malaysia Airlines plans to put into service in November 2024, will be used on the daily, redeye Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo Narita flight MH88 and its daytime return flight MH89. The other rotation on the route, MH70/MH71 will continue to be operated using the A350-900.
Malaysia Airlines plans to grow its fleet of A330-900s to 20 aircraft and use them to replace its A330-300 fleet. The aircraft will operate with revamped cabins compared to the airline’s existing widebodies and be equipped with 297 seats including 28 in business and 269 in economy class. The business class seats will be reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 layout.
In comparison, the A350 is more premium heavy, featuring 286 business class seats (including four “Business Suites” more akin to first class seats and 35 business class seats in an alternating 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 staggered configuration) and 247 economy class seats.
With the exception of the lack of four Business Suites, the A330-900 should provide an improved onboard experience, especially in business class.
