As part of Malaysia Airlines’ initiatives to elevate its onboard experience, it will start enabling onboard WiFi service on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft by the end of this year. Since 1st November 2023, the airline offered unlimited free WiFi to all passengers on widebody aircraft (Airbus A330 and A350) equipped with WiFi connectivity. Now, they are finally rolling out the feature to its narrowbody aircraft.
According to Malaysia Airlines, they were the first and only airline to introduce unlimited complimentary WiFi to all passengers on selected widebody aircraft, regardless of cabin class or loyalty tier. Building on the success, they are extending the complimentary and unlimited WiFi service to all passengers travelling on the Boeing 737-8 by the end of 2024.
At the moment, the airline has four Boeing 737-8 in its fleet and 25 aircraft have been ordered as part of its fleet modernisation exercise.
Malaysia Airlines awarded Four Star Major Airline 2025 status
The announcement was made in conjunction with the recent global award of Four Star Major Airline 2025 status by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). APEX has rated over 600 airlines worldwide using more than one million PNR-verified flight reviews. Malaysia Airlines is one of only 50 airlines globally to receive the APEX Four Star status, putting it among the top 8% airlines globally.
The national flag carrier was also ranked among the Top 10 Best Airlines in the world and secured 6th place for Best Airlines for Food at the recent Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024.
Commenting on the recent awards, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Group Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, said, “Being awarded the APEX Four Star Major Airline 2025 status and voted among the Top 10 Best Airlines in the World and Best Airlines for Food reaffirms our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest levels of service and quality in our offerings and the trust our consumers have to our brand. This achievement would not have been possible without the relentless dedication of our team members who ensure that every aspect and detail of our service delivery is in line with the essence of our Malaysian Hospitality. It has been our mission to continually raise the bar and ensuring we curate travel experiences that go beyond expectations, blending world-class service with the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. We thank our customers for their continued trust in Malaysia Airlines.”
Malaysia Airlines to showcase iconic Sarong Kebaya uniforms from 1963
In addition, Malaysia Airlines will be showcasing its iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’ uniforms and its evolution since its debut in 1963 in conjunction with its 50th anniversary of its Kuala Lumpur to London route. As part of the ‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign, the airline will feature a cabin crew wearing six distinctive Kebaya designs onboard selected flights from 3rd to 16th November 2024.
If you’re not flying, Malaysia Airlines is also setting up a special exhibit at KLIA Terminal 1 from 3rd to 14th November 2024, to showcase all six Sarong Kebaya uniforms.
Passengers on board and guests visiting the exhibit at KLIA Terminal 1 can participate in the nostalgic journey by capturing photos with the crew and entering an exclusive social media contest. On selected flights, the airline will provide limited Instax photo prints courtesy of Fujifilm, as keepsakes for passengers.
To participate in the contest, just post your photos on social media while tagging Malaysia Airlines with the hashtags #malaysiaairlines #heritageintheskies. The most creative submission will win two return flight tickets between Kuala Lumpur and London.
Malaysia Airlines started its journey in 1963 with its chilli red Sarong Kebaya, featuring a kutu baru bodice and nine pleats. The 1967 design introduced an earth-tone pattern, while the 1972 update incorporated batik motifs to mark a new era.
In 1976, the uniform showcased green, blue and yellow hues to celebrate Malaysia’s natural beauty. In 1986, the uniform was redesigned to combine traditional batik with Sarawakian kelarai elements. In 1992, Italian fashion house Gherardini added local floral patterns to the design.
The current Malaysia Airlines Kebaya uniform uses an updated Gherardini reiteration from 1992 with deeper hues of pink and purple combined with bamboo and kelarai motifs while featuring local flowers – champak, jasmine and hibiscus.
