Malaysia Airlines: The Skytrax 5 Stars and the Real Flying Experience

A history marked, then rebuilt

2014 remains a crucial year for the airline, with the disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17: two events that led to renationalization and a deep operational and image restructuring, now managed under the Malaysia Aviation Group together with Firefly and MASkargo.

A fleet divided by range

On long-haul it operates the Airbus A330 and the more recent A350-900, the latter with the high-end Business Suite cabin; on short and medium-haul it relies on the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8, pending a gradual renewal of this part of the fleet.

Routes: Oneworld widens the possibilities

Besides the dense regional network in Southeast Asia, the airline links Kuala Lumpur to London, Australia, Japan and China on long-haul, with Oneworld membership opening up codeshare connections to destinations not served directly.

What the on-board experience really tells

• Most often cited strengths: crew hospitality, the quality of the A350 business class product, the Golden Lounge at the main hubs.
• Less convincing aspects: comfort perceived as more dated on the previous-generation 737s on regional routes, and for some travelers a lingering prejudice tied to the events of 2014 despite the years that have passed.

Malaysia Airlines is the best choice for those looking for a high level of service on long-haul to Asia or Oceania, particularly in business class on the A350. It is less distinctive on the shorter regional routes operated with the 737 fleet, where the on-board product comes close to that of any traditional mid-sized carrier. Practical tip: if the goal is the best value for money from the 5-star Skytrax product, concentrate your budget on the long-haul leg and consider a business upgrade only on that portion of the trip, where the difference in product is most marked.