Welcome to my trip report on Batik Air Malaysia!
Batik Air 737-800 vs Malaysia Airlines 737-800
It was formerly known as Malindo and I have done a few flights with Malindo and you can check out my last flight with the airline (2016) over here.
Introduction
It was an easy decision to decide which airline would fly me back from Kuala Lumpur. I could have return on the same aircraft with Scoot from Subang to Singapore but I wanted to try out the Capsule accommodation at the KLIA Terminal 1 airport and spent a night there to check out both terminals so I decided to book the return flight from KUL on the following day. My options were Scoot, Batik Air Malaysia, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines and in the end, I decided on Batik Air Malaysia as I wanted to see how the airline has developed since the rebranding from Malindo to Batik Air Malaysia. As far as I see, apart from the change of livery on the aircraft, the interior of the 737 fleet is still the same. So without further ado, let's begin this trip report.
About Batik Air Malaysia
This airline formerly known as Malindo was launched in September 2012 and started operation in March 2013. Lion Air group is the parent of this airline and is based in Kuala Lumpur. 10 years after the launch, the airline was renamed to Batik Air Malaysia and is currently operating a fleet of around 36 aircraft consisting of Airbus A330-300, Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8. The fleet is interchangeable with Batik Air (Indonesian carrier) and in fact some of the aircraft had been transferred over to the Malaysia side to allow it to compete with its rivals, Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines. Malindo is also known to be the first operator of the 737 MAX 8, however this aircraft didn't stay long in the fleet because of the single class configuration and the premium class passengers were not happy being downgraded to Economy class when flying on this type so the aircraft was transferred to Lion Airlines. However after the rebranding of the airline in 2022, the 737 MAX 8 was reintroduced into the fleet and later on received an A330-300 from Lion Airlines to allow the airline operate flights to Jeddah and later on to Istanbul and Tashkent. The A330 does operates flights to other parts of Asia and some domestic flights so you can check the airline's schedule for information if you are keen to fly on this aircraft.
About KUL Airport
KUL is the main international airport of the capital city of Malaysia is located about 45 km south of central part of Kuala Lumpur. The KLIA1 terminal was opened in June 1998 and is a hub for Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, MASKargo, Raya Airways, World Cargo Airlines, Air Asia and Air Asia X. While for KLIA2, this terminal was built to replace the previous LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) and started operation in May 2014. In addition to this terminal, a 3rd runway was built to cope with the demand, runway 15/33). Currently, this terminal is used by the low cost carriers.
In February 2023, the authorities decided to rebrand the KLIA1 and KLIA2 to KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Teminal 2.
The layout of KUL Airport
My overnight stay at KUL Airport
I paid about S$81 for the overnight stay (12 hours) You have options to choose to stay for a few hours or longer.
Pros
- Convenient location
- Complimentary Wifi
- Amenity kits such as towel and water bottle are provided
- Comfortable bed
Cons
- No dedicated area to store your luggage
- No shower room facilities
- Poor WiFi Connection
- Slightly Expensive
The entrance to the CapsuleTransit Sleep Lounge
Fortunately, I was assigned to the lower bed bunk as it was easier for me to get in and out.
To unlock the door, you need to use the card provided by the management to do so.
It is suitable for a few hours of sleep.
Overall, I give this a rating of 6/10.
Booking with the airline
The website shows you the difference in the airfares.
I chose the cheapest option and was given an option to add on to my booking.
Malindo used to operate complimentary snack and beverages on all flights but not anymore, you need to purchase them.
Even on this page, there is notification informing all passengers that complimentary snacks are no longer provided.
I didn't purchase any snack or beverages for this short flight.
My itinerary
Somehow I received 2 different PNR codes so when I tried to check my booking, I couldn't find it and only after doing some mini investigation, I found out the correct PNR code and manage to retrive it and complete my online check-in.
The good thing about this airline is I was able to assigned my own seat for free during the check-in process.
Seat 8A ended up to be windowless, so avoid 8A and 8F.
This is KLIA Terminal 1
Dropping point for departure
The departure hall (landside)
Good number of shops and restaurants are available and the airport offers complimentary wifi.
The lower floor leads to immigration and do take note of where your aircraft gate is located because there are gates in this terminal and some are located at the satellite building which requires you to take a shuttle bus or train (when it reopens) over.
This is the viewing gallery and it offers a very nice view of the satallite building and the taxiway.
This is Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 old livery.
This is the standard livery featuring the Negaraku.
TransNusa airlines is one of the Indonesian airlines I like to try, perhaps in 2025.
These check-in counters are exclusively for Malaysia airlines passengers.
For domestic flights, you can head over to these counters.
This is KLIA Terminal 2
I had stayed at this accommodation before and I recommend it.
The terminal 2 is newer and the interior is quite similar to a shopping mall.
This is Air Asia's Airbus A321neo.
A fleet of Air Asia's aircraft being prepared for departure.
It was quieter at the other tier of the terminal building.
The departure hall of KLIA Terminal 2 landside.
On the day of departure
Somehow I managed to catch some hours of sleep at the capsule, I checked out around 6.30 and made my way to the airline's counter to finalise my check-in (obtaining the boarding pass)
It's nice to see some traditional local houses being displayed.
Renovation was going on at this side of the airside (main building).
Checking my flight, it was departing on schedule.
This is Batik Air's check-in counters.
Once I done, I went through immigration and was on my way to take the shuttle bus to the satellite building.
I was on board my least favourite bus model (Scania) bus which took us to the satellite building. At least the bus condition was better than SBST (A local bus operator in Singapore)
Welcome to the Satallite building!
Like Singapore's Terminal 1 to 3, security check is done at the gate area.
Once the security check was done, the wait for the boarding call to be made happened after a few minutes.
This is my ride home, 9M-LCU!
Soon, it was time to board!
Welcome on board Batik Air Malaysia 737-800!
My ride: 9M-LCU (Photo: Flee - Airliners.net)
Boeing 737-8U3 (Leased from AerCap)
Ex- Garuda Air and Batik Air (Indonesia) aircraft
Delivered to Batik Air Malaysia in March 2023
Configuration: C12 Y150
Engines: 2 X CFM56-7B26E
5716th Boeing 737 built
Built in Renton (RNT)
My seat: 8A (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 2nd September 2024
Airline: Batik Air Malaysia
Flight: OD801
Route: KUL-SIN
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Registration: 9M-LCU
Terminal: KLIA1
Seat: 8A (Windowless seat)
Load: 80%
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 48 minutes
Schedule Departure: 0815
Boarding: 0743
Push Back: 0813
Take Off: 0825
Schedule Arrival: 0910
Actual Arrival: 0912
Departure runway: 15
Departure weather: Cloudy
Arrival runway: 20R
Arrival weather: Partially Cloudy
My in-flight experience
I never like flying off early in the morning but for this case I had to take this flight as I had work later that day. Once on board, I was disappointed to see my windowless seat, not the first time but I hope with the help of Aerolopa.com, I hope it will be my last time on such a seat. Fortunately, it was a short flight on a very familiar route so no big deal. I was hoping for the seats beside mine to remain vacant but it was not the case when both of them turned up.
Once we were on our way, our source of information about our flight only came before the start of our descent. For the flight itself, it was uneventful, nothing worthy to mention about. I did sleep for a short while and that makes the flight even faster than it is. As far as I know, the flight was smooth and we touched down slightly later due to heavy traffic at Changi Airport around that time.
Cabin interior of the aircraft
Business Class
There are 3 rows of 2-2 configured business class recliner seats located at the front of the cabin. These seats are 21 inches wide and can recline up to 6 inches while for the legroom space, it is around 45 inches.
The older type of recliner seats with the adjustable seat control on the side. I have tried these seats and they are quite comfortable.
The bulkhead row seats.
For the IFE system, you can take them out after take off and store them before arrival.
Each window seat J class passnger get 2 windows to enjoy the view outside.
This is the middle seat.
The last row of the business class seat
There is a wall partition between both cabins.
Economy Class
These economy class seats except the emergency row comes with 32 inches of legroom space and can recline up to 3 inches. These seats have seat width of 17 inches and for the emergency row seat, while they have a same amount of legroom space, they cannot be reclined.
I wished I was seated at this window seat. (Below)
As seat 8A was like this, windowless. I didn't check with aerolopa.com when I chose my seat. That was my mistake!
Another view of my seat.
At least the seat legroom space was not bad.
The IFE system (not in operation on this flight)
There is coat support located at the side of the seat.
Legroom space does look tight but it wasn't too bad.
The usb port for the earpiece.
Legroom space was ok for this short flight.
The view from my seat
Air vents are available on this aircraft model.
Since the system was not in operation, I decided to take a short rest.
A few more photos of the economy class section before leaving the aircraft.
The bulkhead row. What I like is there are IFE screens mounted on the partition.
No In-Flight Entertainment or complimentary snack on this meal.
As the flight was short, I didn't purchase any meal or beverage.
Window view photos (Take Off To Landing)
It was certainly a beautiful morning that day.
After the engines were started up, we taxied to runway 15 for departure.
Off we go! Another view of KUL airport during take off.
At this point of time, we started our descent not long after.
On final approach to SIN.
We touched down firmly on the ground with the reverse thrust deployed to slow the aircraft down.
We parked at terminal 3.
My flight summary
Thanks for the ride, 9M-LCU!
Our walk to the immigration took about 15 minutes as we were parked near the end of the pier.
However, I enjoy the walk as I could accumulate some much needed steps for my Apple watch fitness program.
With that, my trip has come to an end. Hope you enjoy it!
My ratings
Airline's website/mobile app: 2.5/5
KLIA Airport Experience: 4/5
In-Flight Service: 3/5
Seat Comfort: 3.5/5
Cabin Interior: 4/5
In-Flight Entertainment: 0/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
In-Flight Meal: 0/5
Punctuality: 4/5
In-Flight Experience: 4/5 (-1 point for the windowless seat, no indication on the airline's website)
Overall Rating: 30/50
Percentage: 60%
Conclusion
Although this was a short 40 minutes flight, I find this airline to be operating more of a low-cost airline than a hybrid. Without the IFE system and the complimentary snack/beverage and along with the different price packages during the booking process, I don't find it much different from flying with Air Asia or Scoot for example. The main difference is that this airline offers business class and even with the business class what I don't like is if you purchase the lower tier, you won't be able to access the lounge. At least there is IFE system on board and I suppose they only use it on longer sectors, that's fair enough. The seats may be dated but they are still comfortable on board this 737-800 that features the Boeing Sky interior cabin. As for the in-flight service, the crew were nice, but not much to say about them due to this short duration. Another thing I need to mention is how much I love their uniform, glad they didn't change it and I hope they don't.
Comparing Malindo and Batik Air Malaysia, I sprefer the old Malindo but of course times have changed and the Covid-19 has to be one of the major factors to these cut costs. In order to survive, one has to take drastic measures and luckily for us this airline, along with many others managed to put through the challenging times between 2020 and 2022.
For my previous trip report (Scoot's A320ceo from Singapore to Subang), click here.
If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!
Charles
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