Airlines

Malaysia regains US FAA’s Category 1 safety rating

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has once again granted Malaysia’s aviation safety regulator a Category 1 certification, allowing Malaysian carriers to begin and expand their service to the US.

'MH370: The Plane That Disappeared' streaming on Netflix

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has once again granted Malaysia‘s aviation safety regulator a Category 1 certification, allowing Malaysian carriers to begin and expand their service to the US.

AirAsia hails reinstatement of Malaysia’s air-safety ranking to Category 1(Opens in a new browser tab)

Since being given a Category 1 status in 2003, Malaysia’s aviation safety regulation had never been downgraded, placing it alongside nations like Thailand, Bangladesh, Mexico, Curaçao, Costa Rica, and Ghana.

On November 11, 2019, the FAA published a notice informing the public that CAAM failed to meet the ICAO safety requirements and was given a Category 2 rating for lacking technical proficiency, trained staff, record-keeping, and inspection processes. The FAA did not permit reciprocal code-sharing agreements between US carriers and any Malaysian-based airline under Category 2 rating.

The newly updated B737-800 NG aircraft of Malaysia Airlines is unveiled.(Opens in a new browser tab)

“A return to Category 1 is certainly fantastic news for Malaysia and Malaysian airlines as this enables Batik Air to expand our services to new destinations and, more significantly, get the necessary clearances more quickly,” said Capt. Mushafiz Bin Mustafa Bakri, CEO of Batik Air Malaysia.

Due to countries now removing travel restrictions, Malaysia will be able to increase tourism as a result of the FAA’s removal of any safety concerns it may had. Following a recent FAA review of our civil aviation authority, Batik Air is steadfast in its commitment to helping CAAM satisfy ICAO criteria and ensuring that Malaysia maintains its Category 1 status.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025

Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.