"Never heard of it" said my wife, when I told her I was headed to Kuala Lumpur on Malindo Air. "Are you sure it's safe?" asked with a degree of paranoia prompted by the ill fate being meted out to airlines born in Malaysia. I told her it's a new airline that flies new aircraft, and that safety is an issue that plagues all airlines today.
Malindo Air; born in 2013 out of wedlock between Lion Air of Indonesia and NADI of Malaysia operates to more stations in India than its other Malaysian sisters. It website says that it offers "low air fare with premium in-flight services included. That means your baggage allowance and in-flight entertainment are taken care of. Fuss-free and no hidden costs." The fare was not exactly low; but then, the cost of traveling to an Air Asia destination within India or flying with the national carrier direct to KL from Mumbai worked out to the same or more. Effectively, Malindo was the cheapest option to fly BOM-KUL direct on the chosen dates.
Check in at Mumbai CSIA terminal T2 was stress free. There was no debate about the size or weight of my carry on luggage (though I am sure I conformed to both); nor that of any other passenger in the queue. Airline allows 20kgs plus hand bag(s). Not much of a line either as the aircraft; a Boeing 727-900ER is configured to carry some 160 passengers in a twin (business [12seats] and economy) configuration. Flight time out of Mumbai is good - 2240 hours - not many international flights at that time and most domestic operators have also landed much of their fleet by then as well. Flight arrived 15 minutes late affecting boarding by the same. Not much delay in leaving the gate and taking off after that.
Aircraft had been cleaned well and looked in good condition. Inflight crew looked young but well trained. There were no blankets kept on the seat and to get one - the passenger had to hand over the boarding card. (On the return leg this procedure was not followed). The blanket material and size was not great though it came sealed in a pack. The seats installed in economy are designed for domestic operations or flights of less than a couple of hours. A seat with proper head and lumber support with a bit more cushioning would have helped enduring a 5+ hour flight. Pitch is decent though. The business class too had seats that resemble premium economy (or old business class seats) on most long haul carriers. Inflight entertainment was limited and was not really useful if you had not carried your own head set. Should have read the website before travel. But, by the time we took off (2320 hours) I had nothing but sleep on my mind. A light dinner was served minutes after aircraft reached its final altitude. It was spartan airline quality meal that does not require me to spend many words to qualify it. Water (500ml) is the only beverage that comes with the meal followed by tea or coffee. A passenger ahead of me asked for beer and was told not available on board. He said that he could see it being served in business class. Was informed that yes it's available up front. So he asked again how he could get it. A witty answer followed that told him book business class next time. (This again is not the norm. On the way back a drink trolley was rolled on a pay for the drink basis). Maybe it's a good idea not to serve alcohol (paid or unpaid) on certain sectors based on time of flight and passenger nationality. I may sound racist here but it takes just one uncontrolled idiot to spoil the flight for the rest.
Rest of the flight was uneventful. Bathrooms were kept generally clean - maybe the effect of "Swach Bharat Abhiyan" that Indians are now paying attention to their loo habits. Flight load - virtually full going into KL and 70% load on the way back.
Landed nearly on time at 7 am (despite the delay in Mumbai). Airline is a resident of KLIA2 - the low cost airline terminal. Luggage is on the belt by the time the passenger clears immigration. It was not as efficient on the way in; but then the immigration desks at Mumbai airport have become much better with the new procedures in place.
My rating - 3 on 5. Would I fly it again. It's not my choice for travel but I will not balk if I am asked to fly it again.
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