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Berjaya Air has taken a significant step in regional aviation by introducing the world’s first ATR Seventy-Two-Six-Hundred configured with an innovative HighLine “All-Business Class” cabin. The aircraft made its debut at Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport this week, showcasing both the global launch of ATR’s HighLine concept and the airline’s first addition of this specific model to its fleet.
This milestone reflects a growing trend among regional airlines that prioritize exceptional comfort, efficiency, and an upscale travel experience. With the introduction of an all-business-class cabin on a turboprop aircraft, Berjaya Air sets a new standard for regional operations, effectively catering to diverse needs, from business travelers to upscale leisure tourists. The aircraft is expected to begin commercial operations shortly, connecting Malaysia with enticing destinations across Southeast Asia.
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The newly arrived aircraft, designated 9M-BJA, is the very first worldwide to highlight ATR’s HighLine all-business-class setup. This addition signifies Berjaya Air’s entry into the ATR Seventy‑Two‑Six‑Hundred fleet—an aircraft well-regarded for its operational efficiency, short-field capabilities, and versatility. The HighLine cabin redefines regional turboprop travel by offering twenty-six sumptuous business-class seats arranged in a one-by-one layout, thus ensuring direct aisle access and significant personal space for each passenger.
Certification from ATR affirms the HighLine cabin’s adherence to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Malaysian aviation authority regulations, enabling the aircraft to operate both domestically and internationally. Experts predict that this state-of-the-art configuration could transform the expectations of turboprop comfort, particularly in niche markets that seek business-class exclusivity.
Passengers will enjoy a unique mix of comfort and practicality in the HighLine cabin, equipped with:
This unique setup promises a travel experience that rivals that of private or executive jets while benefiting from the expanded operational capacities of turboprops, which include short runway requirements, fuel efficiency, and rapid turnaround times.
The aircraft’s delivery flight commenced from ATR’s facility in Toulouse, France, with technical stops in several cities such as Cairo, Jeddah, Nairobi, Mahé, Malé, and Medan before landing at Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport. This journey showcased the reliability and range of the ATR Seventy-Two-Six-Hundred for extensive repositioning efforts.
Initially, Berjaya Air plans to operate the aircraft on the popular Subang–Koh Samui route, targeting travelers journeying for tourism and resort experiences. Future plans include launching services that connect Malaysia with destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, effectively catering to markets with high demands for both leisure and business travel. The arrival of a second HighLine ATR Seventy-Two-Six-Hundred is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, enhancing Berjaya’s premium travel offerings.
The debut of the HighLine all-business-class ATR marks more than just an expansion for Berjaya Air; it symbolizes a transformative strategic shift in regional aviation. This initiative focuses on enhancing comfort, exclusivity, and premium travel experiences in markets that have traditionally relied on single-class turboprops. By blending operational efficiency with luxury conveniences, Berjaya Air is poised to attract both business and resort-centric travelers.
Industry analysts believe this new configuration could inspire other regional carriers to explore similar premium models, effectively linking the realms of high-speed short-haul jets and conventional commuter planes.
Officials from ATR have branded the HighLine configuration as a “game changer,” presenting airlines with opportunities to deliver a luxurious experience paired with operational efficiency. The executives at Berjaya Air have expressed that this aircraft marks a significant milestone for the airline, enhancing its brand value and aligning with the vision of offering premium service alongside regional connectivity.
Travelers eager to experience the new HighLine ATR can look forward to enjoying a premium, business-class environment on routes that historically featured more basic accommodations. Reservation options and schedules for flights utilizing this newly configured aircraft will be made available via Berjaya Air’s official booking platforms once operations commence.
As regional air travel demands evolve, the inception of the ATR HighLine all-business class aircraft heralds a new era for how turboprops are utilized in premium travel markets.
The arrival of the world’s first ATR Seventy-Two-Six-Hundred featuring HighLine all-business class cabin in Kuala Lumpur on May 20, 2026 signifies a landmark moment for Berjaya Air and regional aviation alike. The aircraft is set to enter operations shortly, adding exclusive premium offerings and a broader network that will heighten the travel experience across Southeast Asia.
Source: The post Malaysia Welcomes Berjaya Air’s First ATR Seventy-Two Six-Hundred Featuring HighLine All-Business Class Cabin Marking a Milestone in Regional Aviation and Premium Short-Haul Travel first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
