Click here to see a Video

Malaysia Airlines specializes in the art of long-haul flying. The Malaysian culture lends itself to a personalized approach to individual service. The gracious warmth and genuine welcome was apparent through several crew changes as we flew half way round the world. The Airline has all the latest equipment and technology, but attention to detail was clearly apparent. Seats were sumptuous and reclined to nearly a prone position. PC power outlets, along with a private business center, are available to those that choose to do some work.

I, however, was totally distracted by the ceremonial quality of the dining experience. Malaysia is known for its wonderful cuisine and the airline featured some of the traditional tastes of its home country, along with a seemingly endless bounty of Asian and Western specialties.

Multi-course meals are served on exquisite table settings of the finest crystal, silver and linen. Every meal begins with a selection of Malaysia Airlines signature dish, Malaysian Satay, which consists of charcoal grilled chicken and beef skewers topped with spicy peanut sauce. Malaysian main entrees include Beef Rendang and Chicken Korma.

Western treats include generous portions of Sevruga Malassol Caviar, Marinated Seafood, Mustard Loin of Lamb and Boursin Cheese balls with black sesames. The trolley comes round with two silver tureens filled with a choice of soups, such as Sorrel or Oyster Bisque. Main courses run the gamut from Roast Beef Tenderloin to Chicken Yakitori and desserts include Baked Raspberry-Almond Cheesecake or Tiramisu. The First Class wine cellar offers an extensive selection of superb champagnes, liquors and vintage wines, such as Dom Perignon, Hennessy, Taylor's 20-year old Port and Chateau Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux. "Teh Tarik" is served upon request. It is a simple beverage consisting of tea, aerated with condensed milk and it is an all time Malaysian favorite.

Each flight segment had its own series of meals, wines and desserts all served with a grace that only an Asian airline could achieve. All meals served on Malaysia Airlines are halal and meet the dietary requirements of Muslims. When visiting the Malaysia Airlines catering operation at the new Kula Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) the executive chef explained that the airlines commitment to special meals and halal, included installation of a Samak dishwasher. It cleans utensils in accordance with Muslim religious laws.

The catering operation prepares more than 26,000 meals per day and provisions flights (including Kosher meals) for Malaysia Airlines and 25 others that operate into KLIA.

Connecting at KLIA with Malaysia Airlines is incredibly convenient. The airport serves as Malaysia Airlines primary hub and offers flights throughout Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The Pan Pacific Hotel-KLIA is walking distance from the terminal and provides a very comfortable overnight oasis for resting up between intercontinental flight connections (www.panpac.com).

Participants of Condé Nast Traveler's 2000 Business Traveler's Survey named Malaysia Airlines' Business Class Cabin Service the "Best" for Transpacific Routes. In fact, Malaysia Airlines scored the highest rating for cabin service achieved by any airline in this poll, scoring a remarkable 95.7. The airlines were rated in several different categories, including hospitality, comfort and quality of dining experience. Malaysia also scored high with its excellent attendant/passenger rating of 1:10. So as you can see, selecting Malaysia Airlines to Asia is a safe bet!

Currently, Malaysia Airlines serves Southeast Asia with flights from New York-Newark via Dubai and daily from Los Angeles via Taipei. For more information about Malaysia Airlines, log onto their web site at www.malaysiaairlines.com.