I just flew back with Malaysia Airlines recently acquired ex-SAS (Scandivanian Airlines) Airbus A350-900. FYI, SAS had filed for bankruptcy and Malaysia Airlines took over a few of their A350-900 for their Melbourne route; thus I get to experience another different type of Business Class seat.

Malaysia Airlines announced recently that they are offering FREE Wifi for Biz Class but these said ex-SAS aircrafts used by Malaysia Airlines is not updated, i.e. the cabin crew had to manually perform the safety briefing instead of playing the video Satu, Dua, Tiga…. and when I tried to connect with to the Wifi, it stated SASWifi, haha.

Oh another, with this ex-SAS A350, we now have Premium Economy on Malaysia Airlines. I did not take any photo of the Premium Economy as the flight was full and therefore did not get to sit to check it out but the cabin crew told me the seat had leg rest.

Anyway, here is my report:

Check in at Melbourne and Lounge

Since I was flying Business Class, I did not even check in online but just went to the airport at headed straight to the Business Class Check-In and showed my passport to the lady at the counter and she will do the rest, i.e. print my boarding pass and luggage tag.

Since I am flying Business Class, I get to enter the Mahabara Lounge located at 3rd floor near Gate 9. FYI, one can also enter the Mahabara Lounge with Dragon Pass (that comes with my UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinte) and Priority Pass Membership too.

I noted that many airlines use the Mahabara Lounge, examples are Qatar and JAL.

The seating and dining area is pretty huge, below are only 2 photos but actually there are more sections.

As for the food, I would say it is not too bad for an airport lounge where they actually served salmon!

Besides the usual coffee and beer, they also had spirits and wines. Below is a photo of the spirits and for the first time in my life I tried the St-Remy VSOP French Brandy and it was not too bad.

On Board The Airbus A350-900

There are 2 rows of Bulkhead seats – Row 1 and 9. The bulk head seats will allow you more leg room when sleeping.

As you can observe you have “wider” leg room (below the monitor) when you are lying flat.

Below photo is the bulkhead seat at 9A, it is kind of dark as I took the photo after take off where they have dimmed the lights.

Below 2 photos are the middle seats.

My seat 8A on Malaysia Airlines “new” A350-900 but actually refurbished from SAS, haha.

On Board Food and Drinks

The spirits that were served on this Malaysia Airlines Biz Class is still the same as my last 2 flights with Malaysia Airlines Business Class last year, i.e. Otard Cognac, Singleton 12 Years, Jack Daniel’s, Barcadi, Vodka and Gin.

Back in 2021 and 2022, Malaysia Airlines was serving Courvoisier XO (click here to see my Malaysia Airlines Biz Class Sydney to KL in 2022).

But since 2023, Malaysia Airlines has downgraded their Biz Class where they now only serve Otard cognac which I personally dislike. So I opted for Australian Shiraz 🙂

We were first served Satay, followed by appetizer(Tuna) and I opted for chicken rice.

After the meal above and finished a movie I went to sleep. Now unlike the bulkhead seat, I only had a small hole to slot my foot, but still better than Singapore Airlines Business Class where I need to sleep senget on their Boeing 777 and A380 Biz Class.

2 hours below landing, I had a chicken sandwich and ice-cream too which was good.

KLIA BMW 7 Series Ride from Satellite Terminal to Main Terminal

Last year, Business Class Shuttle Bus was introduced at KLIA for all Business Class passengers where they have comfortable seats compared to the normal bus. I have taken the bus twice since it was introduced.

This year Malaysia Airlines introduced BMW rides between the Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal.

So I wanted to try the BMW service this time as I was flying with Malaysia Airlines Business Class. I had to wait for the car; so I made myself a FREE coffee while waiting 🙂

I had to wait about 10 minutes before it was my turn to get on a BMW 7 Series which was just nice for me to enjoy the coffee.

The ride was really comfortable compared to the bus that’s for sure, haha.