Malaysia Airlines conducts test flight for new A350 aircraft

KOTA KINABALU: A Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) Airbus A350 plane conducted its test flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) today.

Aimed at providing the pilots and cabin crew the experience of handling the new aircraft before it starts its Kuala Lumpur to London service on Jan 15, the plane arrived at KKIA at 3.50pm after departing from KLIA at 1.05pm.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun, Sabah Tourism Board chairman Joniston Bangkuai, MAB’s chief commercial officer Arved von zur Muehlen and more than 100 other passengers were on the flight.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at the KKIA, von zur Muehlen said the new aircraft, which has 286 seats, including four seats in the First Class, 35 in Business Class and 247 in Economy Class, would be able to provide excellent experience and comfort to customers.

“We are very happy that we can fly to BKI (Kota Kinabalu) and very grateful to receive support from the Sabah Tourism Board,” he said.

He said the A350 would replace the A380 aircraft for the airline’s charity project for the purpose of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages to Jeddah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. All six A350 aircraft are expected to arrive in the second quarter of this year.