Malaysia Airlines has celebrated the launch of its first Airbus A380 service between KL International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia and London Heathrow, joining the elite league of airlines to fly the world’s largest and most eco-efficient airliner.

The A380 painted in its full celebration livery arrived into London Heathrow from KLIA as flight MH002 early this morning.

Malaysia Airlines’ group chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya was joined by Malaysian dignitaries, the first A380 passengers and UK travel trade partners to celebrate the airline’s inaugural non-stop Airbus A380 flight from Heathrow to KLIA.

Speaking at the event, held in Malaysia Airlines’ newly refurbished Golden Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 prior to the departure of flight MH003, Yahya highlighted the airline’s commitment to the London Heathrow – KLIA route.

“The A380 showcases our latest premium offering and it was imperative that the first of these new aircraft was inaugurated on the prestigious London route, a route we have been operating from Kuala Lumpur since 1974.

“The A380 is our latest flagship aircraft offering new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience for long-haul travel and we look forward to delivering our great Malaysian Hospitality to our UK guests.”

Malaysia Airlines has introduced a number of unique enhancements onboard its first A380 including the widest seats of any First Class cabin in the sky at 40 inches.

The A380 has a capacity of 494 seats, comprising of 350 economy and eight fully-flat first-class seats on the main (lower) deck, and 66 fully-flat business-class and 70 economy seats on the upper deck, providing some of the most spacious cabins in the skies.

The new interiors have been designed by leading aviation design consultancy, Priestmangoode.

Malaysia Airlines preparation for the A380 and its forthcoming membership of the oneworld alliance, which it is set to join in the last quarter of 2012, has also included front and back of house upgrades on the ground at London Heathrow Terminal 4.

The flagship Golden Lounge at KL International Airport (KLIA) in Malaysia has also been refurbished and reopened last week in time for the A380 operations.

Malaysia Airlines is considered Asia’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.