Malaysia Airlines has launched a new Airbus A380 scheduled service between KL International Airport and Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Paris is the second city, after London, to be operated using the A380 in the national airline’s network.
Effective today, Malaysia Airlines’ capacity on the daily route between Kuala Lumpur and Paris will increase by 75 per cent, going from 282 seats from the previously operated B777 to 494 seats on the superjumbo.
In a simple yet meaningful inaugural flight event at the KLIA this evening graced by Malaysia Airlines’ group chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, the superjumbo operating flight MH20 was given a ceremonious send-off minutes before midnight.
The full capacity A380 flight took off for the French capital, 31 years after its maiden flight operations between the two cities on April 2nd 1982.
Speaking at the boarding gate before the flight, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: “This is another significant development for us at Malaysia Airlines.
“The very encouraging load is a positive indication that the increase in capacity by 75 per cent is indeed needed.
“Booking trends for March 2013 shows a positive hike by 87 per cent for Kuala Lumpur – Paris route and a stunning 123 per cent growth for Paris – Kuala Lumpur route as compared to bookings in March 2012.
“I believe that our membership in the oneworld alliance from 1 February 2013 will also contribute to this positive development.”
The A380 offers the highest standards of comfort, luxury and amenities on long-haul routes, allowing Malaysia Airlines to strengthen its position as a major premium carrier, hosting its clients according to the famous Malaysian hospitality.
Malaysia Airlines has ordered six A380 aircraft and is the 8th airline worldwide to operate the biggest and most eco-efficient aircraft.
The fifth A380 aircraft was delivered to the airline on February 22nd.
The sixth A380 is expected to be delivered in mid-March and will be the 100th superjumbo coming out of the Airbus production plant in Toulouse, France.
