This business class, on a brand-new plane, is thousands cheaper than rivals

The airline: Malaysia Airlines

• Route Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sydney (SYD), flight MH251
• Frequency Two to three times a day
• Aircraft Airbus A330neo
• Class Business; seat 2A
• Flight time 8 hours, 25 minutes. (Arrives at 7.35am, 40 minutes behind schedule after waiting for a landing slot at Sydney Airport.)

Checking in

Kuala Lumpur airport is bustling, but check-in is a breeze at the dedicated business counter, with no queues in sight. I’m then directed to a waiting Mercedes for a private transfer to the terminal. This is truly how the other half live. Business class passengers, as well as Sapphire and Emerald oneworld status holders (which includes Qantas Platinum and Gold), can relax in the Golden Lounge, where I enjoy fresh laksa and a shower. There’s also a nap room if you have a long layover.

Baggage

Business class passengers can take up to 40 kilograms of checked baggage (50 kilograms for a flexible fare) across two pieces. Signs at check-in warn us that only one cabin bag is allowed (contrary to the website, which states two) although enforcement is lax and there is plenty of space in the overhead compartments.

Loyalty scheme

Enrich, part of the oneworld alliance. Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn up to 5000 points and 60 status credits by linking their QFF number to the booking. You can also book using Qantas points on codeshare flights, although rewards seats on partner airlines are few and far between.

The seat

This plane is just six months old and it shows, with barely a scratch or scuff on any surface. Seating is in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger aisle access. The seat has a pitch (legroom) of 45 inches (114cm) and a width of 22 inches (56cm). Controlled by a touchscreen in your armrest, it extends into an 80-inch (203cm) lie-flat bed, which is genuinely comfortable – my neighbour later informs me that I snored my head off. Embarrassed, I joke that the sliding door beside every seat provides some precious privacy, but sadly not soundproofing.

Entertainment + tech

The 17-inch (43cm) 4K screen is bright and crisp, and pairs with your own headphones via Bluetooth – although the supplied noise-cancelling headphones do a perfectly adequate job. The movie selection is extensive and current, featuring several best-picture nominees from this year’s Oscars such as Sinners and One Battle After Another. The television offering is more dated (The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, and even 1960s cartoon The Jetsons). A nifty feature on the screen allows you to switch the clock to your destination’s time zone, and the TV remote displays the remaining flight time. The armrest has wireless charging, but it’s extremely temperamental, so I make use of the ample power outlets (USB-A, USB-C and a universal 240v socket). Wi-Fi is free and unlimited for business and economy passengers. It’s fast enough to send emails and browse social media, but is prone to dropping out for long periods, so I eventually give up.

Service

Service is efficient yet friendly, with passengers up the pointy end addressed by name. The amenity kit contains lip balm, body cream, facial mist and perfume – all by the French skincare brand Payot – and comes in a smart leather bag by Aspinal of London. Slippers are provided, although pyjamas are reserved for longer overnight flights between Asia and Europe. There are no earplugs either, but they’re hardly needed on this aircraft, which is among the quietest I’ve ever flown on. The 28 seats in business have three dedicated toilets, which are cleaned regularly.

Food and drink

Beyond being able to lie flat, food and wine are where things really shine. A glass of champagne is followed by a selection of six French and Australian reds and whites, as well as beers and soft drinks. The airline’s famous satay trolley now offers a vegetarian option in the form of mushroom skewers in peanut sauce, alongside the traditional chicken and beef, and it’s as good as any I’ve had on the ground. You can select your meal ahead of time online, which offers a more extensive menu than you get if you choose on board. I opt for nasi lemak rendang with sambal (chilli sauce), followed by dark chocolate cake with raspberry coulis. Both are delicious; I leave nothing on the plate. Breakfast is not served on this overnight flight, and I’m grateful to get another hour of sleep instead. Passengers can request snacks such as noodles or sandwiches at any time, and chips and drinks are available from a self-serve area in the galley.

Sustainability

The airline has invested in more fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives with the aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.* The eye mask and socks provided are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the toothbrush is fashioned from biodegradable wheat straw.

One more thing

Malaysia Airlines offers a bonus side-trip program in which passengers travelling through Kuala Lumpur can add a return domestic flight to one of eight destinations – including Penang and Langkawi – at no extra cost.

The price

From about $3700 return, Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, for business class. To Europe, business class from Sydney to Paris return starts from about $7200.**

The verdict

OK, so it’s not exactly a bargain, but this is one of the cheapest ways to fly to Asia (and on to Europe) in business class on a full-service airline – most of the other major carriers will set you back several thousand dollars more.

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

The writer travelled as a guest of Malaysia Airlines. See malaysiaairlines.com

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change. Quoted fares may currently be above average due to increased fuel prices