The route: Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur.

First impressions: There’s no queue in sight as I check in at Heathrow’s Terminal Four, where the whole process is effortless. The A350 has four first-class seats, 35 business-class seats, and 247 economy-class seats. First-class seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration at the front of the aircraft; then there is a large business class cabin with 22 seats, a galley, and a smaller business class area with just 13 seats, which makes for a cosy and quiet atmosphere. Business seats are laid out in an alternating 1-2-1 and then 1-2-2 row configuration, which means that some seats are preferable to others, so I recommend you ask about this at check-in. Good quality duvets and seat covers are provided at your seat, along with a lovely Aspinal of London amenity bag. There is a convenient power point in the seat for UK, EU or US plugs, along with a free ‘social’ Wi-Fi voucher.

Cuisine: Malaysia Airlines promises to take you on a culinary journey. Even at 36,000ft they understand the importance of a menu that is not only delicious and healthy but also a true reflection of their love for food as a nation. Special requests due to religious, medical or dietary requirements can be ordered up until 24 hours prior to departure. Those flying in business class have their own Chef on Call menu with 25 beautifully crafted meals available. Starters include tandoori spiced salmon or beetroot and horseradish soup; followed by traditional duck confit or daging kalio (a spicy Sumatran dish of slow-braised beef with steamed rice and vegetables); with a lovely selection of British cheeses or Marshfield ice cream to finish. If you don’t want a full meal, there’s also the choice of a Dine Anytime menu. Drinks include a collection of fine wines and champagnes, hand-picked from the world’s top wineries. Other choices included Carlsberg, Tiger or Asahi lagers, Baileys, Hendrick’s Gin, Grey Goose Original Vodka, Chivas Regal 12 Years and Bushmills Black Bush whiskey.

The golden lounge at Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysia Airlines lounges are available for business and first-class passengers and those with status in the airline’s points programme or the Oneworld equivalent. With both a family and nursing room, Muslim prayer room, as well as restrooms with showers that cater for people with reduced mobility, all travellers can feel at home in the Golden Lounge. It also features seating with built-in universal and USB points alongside complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, so that both you and your devices can get a quick recharge.

Book it: Business-class flights from London to KL lead in at £3,745.

malaysiaairlines.com