Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) has scrapped plans to reconfigure its six A380-800 into high-density, all-economy layout seating up to 700 passengers but continues to proceed towards the establishment of a charter unit dedicated to Hajj and Umrah services using the Airbus double-deckers, Air Transport World has reported.
According to Izham Ismail, Malaysia Airlines' chief executive, the aircraft will continue to fly in its current configuration, seating 484 passengers in a three-class layout. The premium seats can attract high-end pilgrimage passengers and will also make it easier for the airline to use the A380s on Malaysia Airlines' scheduled network during peak times.
The new charter unit of the Malaysian carrier is expected to be spun off from the parent later this year. The name of the subsidiary will be announced soon, Ismail has added. The new unit will take over Hajj and Umrah flights to Jeddah International and Madinah once it has secured necessary approvals from both the Malaysian and the Saudi Arabian authorities. Until then, the services will continue to be operated by Malaysia AIrlines itself.
