NEWS
Berjaya Air Launches World’s First ATR 72-600 Aircraft Featuring ATR’s New HighLine All-Business Class Cabin
By Escapy Travel | Photos by Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd
There are moments in aviation that make seasoned travellers nod politely before wandering off in search of coffee. Then there are moments that make everyone stop, point, and say, “Well, that’s rather special.” This is one of those moments.
Berjaya Air has just landed itself firmly in the history books with the arrival of the world’s very first ATR 72-600 fitted with ATR’s stunning new HighLine all-business class cabin. It touched down at the Berjaya Air Hangar at Subang SkyPark Terminal and immediately turned what is usually a collection of aircraft into something resembling a motor show where everyone wants a closer look.
The arrival ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), alongside distinguished guests, including representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). Together, they welcomed not just another aircraft, but the beginning of a rather exciting new chapter for regional aviation.
[ The HighLine cabin recently received certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Malaysian aviation authorities… ]
Now, Let’s Talk About This Flying Machine
Most regional aircraft are designed with one simple philosophy. Pack in as many people as possible and hope nobody complains. This one has gone in precisely the opposite direction. Instead of squeezing passengers together like sardines in a tin, Berjaya Air has fitted just 26 luxurious business class seats into the cabin. Yes, twenty-six. That is less like boarding a regional airliner and more like stepping into a private flying lounge that just happens to have two very large propellers attached.
Fitted with elegannce and beauty, offering a luxurious and comfortable flight.
Even better, the HighLine cabin recently received certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Malaysian aviation authorities. In other words, this isn’t some futuristic concept sitting behind glass at an airshow. It is ready to fly, and ready to change how people think about regional travel.
Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Group CEO of Berjaya Property Berhad, described the arrival as a landmark achievement for both Berjaya Air and Malaysia’s growing role in premium regional aviation.
He explained that this investment reflects the group’s long-term confidence in aviation while strengthening Berjaya Air’s position as a strategic pillar within Berjaya Property Group. More importantly, it signals a commitment to building a sustainable aviation business that creates lasting value for investors, industry partners, and the nation.
Good leg-room providing passengers with comfort especially on longer flights.
He also acknowledged the tremendous support from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the country’s aviation regulators, whose continued collaboration has helped strengthen Malaysia’s aviation ecosystem.
Most importantly for travellers, the new HighLine experience is expected to boost regional tourism, unlock fresh destination opportunities, and showcase Malaysian hospitality to visitors from around the region with a level of comfort that was once reserved for much larger aircraft.
Mohd Amri Mohd Akib, General Manager of Berjaya Air, sees this aircraft as the launchpad for an ambitious expansion across Southeast Asia.
The airline will introduce seven regional routes, including existing services and exciting new destinations such as Koh Samui, Phu Quoc, Medan, Pekanbaru, and Batam. Each destination promises its own adventure, whether it involves pristine beaches, vibrant cities, remarkable food, or simply the joy of discovering somewhere you’ve never been before.
With such luxury, comfort, and class, one may very well wish that the flight would be longer.
The expanded network also strengthens access to Berjaya Group’s impressive collection of hotels and resorts, including the spectacular The Taaras Resort on Redang Island, making it easier than ever for travellers to swap the office chair for a beach lounger.
What makes this particularly refreshing is that Berjaya Air isn’t trying to become the biggest airline in the region. It is aiming to become one of the most enjoyable. There is a considerable difference. Bigger usually means longer queues, more crowds, and a greater chance of somebody reclining into your lap. Better means thoughtful service, genuine comfort, seamless connections, and the feeling that the journey itself is part of the holiday. That is precisely where Berjaya Air is heading.
I personally cannot wait to enjoy a flight on Berjaya Air’s new ATR 72-600 aircraft.
With its world-first ATR HighLine aircraft leading the fleet, the airline is setting out to redefine boutique regional aviation through comfort, exclusivity, and effortless connectivity. It is a bold move, an adventurous move, and perhaps most importantly, one that reminds us why flying captured our imagination in the first place.
Well, why? Because sometimes the best journeys do not begin when you arrive. They begin the very moment the aircraft door closes.
