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– British Airways announced today that it will resume direct daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to London from May 27, 2015.
British Airways will be the only airline to offer premium economy seating between London and Kuala Lumpur. The daily service will be operated by a four-cabin Boeing 777-200ER, featuring 12 seats in First, 48 in Club World business class, 32 in World Traveller Plus premium economy class and a further 127 in World Traveller economy class. The flight’s early morning arrival in London allows passengers a full day in the city or plenty of time to catch easy and convenient connecting flights to other destinations in the UK and Europe.
Jamie Cassidy, British Airways’ area general manager for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, said: “It’s wonderful to be back in Malaysia. We are starting the new flights in response to strong customer demand for direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.”
“As Malaysia’s economy grows, it is becoming an even more important trading partner with the UK, and Britain has long been a favourite destination for Malaysians to study, shop and experience its rich heritage.”
DatukBadlishamGhazali, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, said: “I greatly welcome the return of British Airways to Malaysia. This announcement underlines the strength and vibrancy of the air travel market between the United Kingdom and Malaysia and I believe that this new route of British Airways will bring about positive impact of great proportions to both countries from the economical, political, social and cultural standpoints.
“To British Airways, I wish them best in their preparations to reconnect the two great cities of London and Kuala Lumpur and am confident that KLIA will add value and enhance British Airways huge global network.”
British Airways, then operating as Imperial Airways, first began flying to Malaysia on December 9, 1933 using an Armstrong Whitworth Atlanta. The flight left from London Croydon Airport and made 22 stops before eventually reaching Alor Star (now AlorSetar) nine days later, compared with 12 hours and 45 minutes for the new flight.
Another British Airways predecessor, BOAC, first started flying to Kuala Lumpur itself on August 1, 1956, using the Canadair Argonaut ‘Coronet’ service on the outbound route and the Lockheed Constellation ‘Majestic’ service on the return.
The airline suspended services to Kuala Lumpur in 2001 as global travel slowed after the 9/11 incident.
The flights will arrive at and depart from London’s Heathrow Terminal 5, named the world’s best airport terminal for three years running by travellers polled by Skytrax. T5 is known for its efficiency, convenience and world-class shopping and luxurious lounges, as well as easy connections to other places in Europe, the UK, Africa and the Americas. T5 is used exclusively by British Airways and its sister airline Iberia.
BA034 will leave Kuala Lumpur at 11:05 pm local time and arrive in London at 5:25 am the next morning. BA033 will depart Heathrow T5 at 8:15 pm, arriving into Kuala Lumpur at 4 pm the next day.
Tickets go on sale today and may be booked at ba.com. All-inclusive return fares start from MYR3,696 for World Traveller economy class, MYR5,390 for World Traveller Plus premium economy class, MYR15,264 for Club World business class and MYR29,658 for First class. All prices include taxes and charges.
