MH deciding on lie-flat seats on 737MAX

[MH_fan]

From AusBT:
Malaysia Airlines plans next-generation Boeing 737 MAX business class

I can't believe they're questioning a decision to install lie-flat business seats on their 737MAX aircraft. Not all of them need it but some do, especially the ones that will be flying on routes over 5 hours!

 

[docjames]

VA facing a similar decisionfor their forthcoming MAXs with transcon vs eastern triangle to factor in and to have split fleet or compromise both routings

 

[moa999]

Tough choice. Even the most space efficient lie flats (sermingly herringbone) take up probably twice the floor space of the recliner.
So you are looking at probably 75% higher fares to get the same return (and MH struggles to sell J as it is)

Id think having the Max8 in the current config but then a Max9/10 with lie flats but the same number of total seats (possibly with a small Y+ section) gives you the most flexibility.

Surprise pax ocassionally with a better product on short sectors but not have to offload.

 

[MH_fan]

I agree that the economics on a 737MAX-8 makes it hard. Perhaps having a fleet of the MAX-10s will make it easier. MH currently has 16 recliner J seats on the 737-800s. That number can be reduced to 12 if they're going to install lie-flat seats.

 

[MH_fan]

VA facing a similar decisionfor their forthcoming MAXs with transcon vs eastern triangle to factor in and to have split fleet or compromise both routings

VA don't have to just have the lie-flat seats for the transcons. They'll be grerat for flights to Bali and Fiji as well. Maybe even to NZ too!

 

[docjames]

VA don't have to just have the lie-flat seats for the transcons. They'll be grerat for flights to Bali and Fiji as well. Maybe even to NZ too!

True although without looking at schedules, seats per week on those versus SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL etc (ie. sub ~2hr flights)? But a pslit fleet probably not the answer either.

 

[MH_fan]

True although without looking at schedules, seats per week on those versus SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL etc (ie. sub ~2hr flights)? But a pslit fleet probably not the answer either.

That subfleet with the lie-flat seats can fly the golden triangle as positioning flights like what the A330s do for both QF and VA.

 

[pauly7]

VA don't have to just have the lie-flat seats for the transcons. They'll be grerat for flights to Bali and Fiji as well. Maybe even to NZ too!

Light premium traffic to Bali and Fiji, what scraps of that exist go to QF and Garuda. VA are only in Bali at the current weight of schedule due to the Tiger banning disaster.

NZ though VA could do with a better offering v the QF A330 fleet that’s for sure and there is more premium traffic on that route.

 

[MH_fan]

Didn't MH convert some of the MAX-8s to MAX-10s? Sounds like the simplest solution is to install the lie-flat J seats on these birds and just have an improved recliner in the MAX-8s.

 

[kermatu]

Would sure help VA if they seriously want to compete on the trans-Tasman market. Or direct some A330s there.