Organised by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), the three-and-a-half hour journey served as a route-proving flight for it to obtain the regulatory approvals ahead of its first commercial flight on July 1. The plane was under the command of Capt Norshid Ali and two technical crew, supported by a team of 21 cabin crew members.
There was an air of festivity during the pre-departure moments at the KLIA boarding gate C17, specifically designed for the A380 operations. Passengers were hosted to a pre-boarding reception and entertained by an array of special events to commemorate this historic moment. Winners of the Malaysia Airlines Big Flight competition gave a special performance about their win, and a magician joined the fun with his amusing antics.
Passengers were also invited to participate in a short quiz. The winners received special prizes from the airline. Some seized the opportunity to sign up for Enrich, the airline’s Loyalty programme and got themselves rewarded with a bonus of 2,000 points prior to travelling with the airline. Others took Polaroid photographs with the cabin crew members
The latest pride and joy of Malaysia, propelling the nation into the league of A380 operators, departed KLIA at 12.34pm with a total of 454 passengers comprising invited guests from the government and private sectors, the Malaysia Airlines Big Flight contest winners, members of the media and staff of the airline. Among others on board were former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad; Malaysia Airlines board members led by its chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof; group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya; as well as bloggers and social media writers who specialise in aviation related topics.
While the invited guests admired the exclusive A380 cabin features, they were kept entertained by the airline’s staff. The tests conducted were important so as to meet the requirements of the statutory and certifying authorities for the aircraft’s readiness to operate commercial flights. Among the tests conducted were handling a medical emergency on-board and aircraft take-off again soon after the first flight landing.
The festivity continued with a surprise birthday celebration for three lucky passengers. The winners of the quiz held during the pre-departure festivity at the holding lounge were picked during the journey and they received their prizes after the plane landed. The plane landed safely in KLIA at 4.02pm and all passengers were given a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the route-proving flight, along with a goodie bag.
-thestar online.
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/
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