KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia
Airlines' first Airbus A380 aircraft touched down at the KL International
Airport (KLIA) Friday.
Commanded by Captain Norshid
Ali, Flight MH5439 from Toulouse had 91 guests and selected MAS staff on board.
They included MAS Group
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, Malaysia Airports CEO Tan
Sri Bashir Ahmad, Department of Civil Aviation Director-General Datuk
Azharuddin Abdul Rahman and senior Ministry of Finance officials, a MAS
statement said.
The aircraft received a
traditional water cannon salute as it taxied towards the airport's A380-equipped
terminal.
Speaking at the welcoming
ceremony, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said he was pleased to note
that despite the mounting continuous challenges in the global commercial
aviation industry, MAS has met its obligation to fulfil the corporate
objectives required by the government.
"The arrival of the
A380 today is proof that the national carrier has once again taken the lead to
support the nation's aspirations to be a leader in trade and tourism
activities," Kong said.
Earlier, Ahmad Jauhari said
the A380 is part of MAS' fleet renewal initiative to bring a new level of
product and experience to the airline's guests.
MAS will take delivery of
more Boeing B737-800, Airbus A330-300 and another three A380 aircraft later in
the year, he added.
MAS cabin crew also hosted a
guided static tour of the double-deck aircraft for around 50 guests, comprising
officials from the Ministry of Transport, senior airport officials and members
of the media.
Meanwhile, in conjunction
with the A380 arrival, the Transport Minister also officiated the opening of
the upgraded Malaysia Airlines' flagship Golden Lounge at the KLIA Satellite
Building, the statement added.
The upgraded Golden Lounge
has two seating areas comprising the Platinum lounge for Enrich Platinum
members and First Class guests, as well as another zone for Enrich Gold
members, Business Class guests and front-end passengers of customer airlines.
The 43,284 sq ft (4,019 sq
m) facility, which is open 24 hours daily, accommodates a maximum of 326
passengers in the Business Class zone and 64 passengers in the First Class
zone.
To enhance the overall
customer experience for Malaysia Airlines' guests, MAS cabin crew are on hand
to serve guests in the Lounge, the statement said. (Bernama)
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