A new business class to Asia delivers wow-factor comfort without the high cost

With the Middle East conflict still impacting Gulf hubs, Aussie long-haulers are eyeing alternative Asian routes. Flying via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines just became especially appealing, with a brand-new business class on the next-generation Airbus A330neo and a "bonus side trip" stopover (available to all fare classes) in one of eight regional Malaysian destinations - including Langkawi, Penang and Kuching.

CHECKING IN: At Malaysia Airlines' dedicated business class check-in area at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the welcome is attentive and queues non-existent. Then comes the real treat: a private terminal transfer, gliding across the tarmac in a new Mercedes Benz EQS500. Malaysia Airlines' flagship Golden Lounge at the airport mirrors the country's famed foodie culture, with a la carte noodles, international buffets and a full-service complimentary bar.

THE FLIGHT: The airline's first all-suite business class adorns its recently acquired Airbus A330neo aircraft, and ours still has that new-plane smell. There's a two-tipple welcome: a roselle, lychee and hibiscus soft drink plus champagne. We take off on time at 8.30pm and by 2am I've closed my side door to create a cosy bedroom, tapped the digital panel to glide my seat to full flatbed, and popped on the mattress topper, substantial pillow and doona. I sleep through until a polite tap at my door wakes me for breakfast. Morning air traffic keeps us circling Sydney for an extra 20 minutes but they're pleasant ones as my seat's still comfy when upright.

THE CLASS: A steep step up from the old A330, the cabin's 1-2-1 layout gives all 28 seats direct aisle access, and a sliding privacy door transforms your seat to a suite. Everyone's angled slightly away from the aisle in a "herringbone" configuration, boosting both peace and my window view in 8A. You're kitted out with storage cubbies, USB-A and USB-C power outlets, a neat, mouse-like entertainment controller and a wireless charging pad. A sliding tabletop makes a handy drinks shelf while stowed in front and unfolds to a generous size. Payot amenities come in a classy blue Aspinal of London pouch and slippers are a welcome extra (great for toilet trips).

FOOD AND DRINK: I'm addicted to Malaysia's street food, so I'm delighted to find it in the sky on the business-class signature satay trolley. You can load up on any combo of succulent chicken, beef, lamb or vegetable skewers in a piquant peanut sauce as delicious as any I've had on the ground. They've nailed the spicy east coast speciality, nasi dagang mackerel curry, too.

ENTERTAINMENT: Viewing's easy with laser-sharp 17.3-inch 4K screens, and the noise-cancelling headphones fulfill their promise. The MHstudio line-up's a little light on new material, but I catch up on classics (amazingly, I've never seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. All passengers get complimentary Wi-Fi with unlimited data - although it's glitchy.