Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam, offering flights to 32 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. As a dry airline, no alcohol is served onboard, and complimentary Halal meals are provided in economy class. Additionally, passengers can order from a selection of 17 special meals up to 24 hours before their flight.
During my recent flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne in economy class, I was impressed by the overall pleasant experience, which was largely due to the polite cabin crew. Notably, the bathrooms were impeccably clean, a rarity in economy class.
HONG KONG TO BRUNEI
The flight time was 2 hours and 45 minutes, and I was pleased to discover that inflight entertainment was available. The cabin was clean and comfortable, and 20 minutes after takeoff, I was offered a choice of two meals, chicken or beef rendang, a regional specialty originating in Sumatra, Indonesia, but also typical of Malaysia and Brunei.
I opted for the beef rendang, which had a subtle spiciness and was accompanied by drinks such as juices, water, and soft drinks. The dessert was a pre-made item, which was a nice touch when compared to unimaginative pre-packaged ice cream offered by other airlines.
The bathrooms on board were sparkling and fresh, with Glade air fresheners, a product I had never seen used in an airline toilet before.
BRUNEI TO MELBOURNE
On my subsequent flight from Brunei to Melbourne, which was 6 hours and 45 minutes, I had an exit row seat with excellent legroom, although without a window.
The service began 20 minutes after takeoff, and the crew reached me 35 minutes later, offering a choice of beef or chicken. I chose the beef, which was served with a pasta salad and a delicious red velvet cake.
Compared to Singapore Airlines, while the portions may appear slightly larger, they do not offer an appetizer and provide ice cream on a bigger tray.
During this sector from Brunei to Melbourne, no additional services are offered, but the crew regularly came with juice, coke, and water, unlike my recent Cathay Pacific flights. Snacks, including hot noodles, nuts, and biscuits, were available in the galley.
Overall, Royal Brunei Airlines exceeded my expectations, and I would fly with them again without hesitation. The exceptional service provided during the flight surpassed my recent economy class experiences. I hope that airlines based in Asia will continue to offer the same level of service that we are accustomed to in this part of the world.
