This business class is dated but at least it’s non-stop to paradise

The airline: MaldivianRoute Melbourne to Male, flight Q2-957Frequency One return flight each week, May to OctoberAircraft Airbus A330-200Class Business; seat 1J (window)Flight time 11 hours 30 minutes (on time)Checking inBusiness class has two check-in counters at Melbourne airport.Trudi JenkinsWith this 11.30pm flight departing only from Melbourne once a week, we’ve erred on the side of caution with our flight to get here from Sydney, allowing plenty of time for any delays (of which there are, of course, none). So we’re eagerly waiting to drop off our bags as check-in opens at 8pm, and quickly attended to at one of two business-class counters.“Any pork or alcohol?” is not something I’ve been asked too often before being handed my boarding pass, but given the Maldives is an Islamic country, taking either into Male is forbidden (and no alcohol is served on the plane either). Luxury Escapes, who has chartered the plane, instead offers passengers a voucher ($60 each in business class) to spend before the flight though mine goes towards Jo Malone duty-free gifts rather than drinks in the bar. We also have access to the Marhaba lounge, but it’s somewhat underwhelming (the opposite is true flying back from Velana International Airport, where the Koveli business lounge is new and impressive).Sign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.BaggageBaggage allowance for business class is two checked pieces up to 46kg (no more than 32kg per piece) and two carry on pieces up to 14kg (no more than 10kg per piece). Not that you should need that much clothing in the Maldives.Loyalty schemeLuxury Escapes Societe – free to join. Points and status credits accrue based on the airfare price. All members get a free eSIM with every international Luxury Escapes booking (5GB data for higher-tiered travellers). Silver, Gold and Platinum members get priority check-in and boarding.The seatThe Maldivian business class is dated but comfortable enough for an overnight flight.Trudi JenkinsThere are 18 seats in business class in a 2-2-2 layout. It’s much more condensed than the business-class cabin on an A380, for example, which has a 1-2-1 layout, and if you have a window seat, you need to clamber over the person next to you to get to the aisle. Seat width is narrower too, at 51 centimetres (Singapore Airlines on the A380 is 63.5cm, for comparison). With six seats per row, there’s also little storage around you, so most possessions need to go in the overhead locker. Having said that, the bed is lie-flat, and given the overnight flight timing plus a comfy pillow, blanket, eye mask and earplugs, I easily manage seven hours’ sleep.Entertainment + techThe seatback screens don’t work but business class offers a tablet, headphones and streaming service.Trudi JenkinsThis aircraft, 15 years old, was previously operated by KLM, and it’s dated. The seatback screens don’t work, so you either need your own device or can make use of a tablet and headphones handed out in business class, with a limited range of content, including a couple of newish movies, available to stream to either. The reading light is temperamental and I can’t get the USB port or the A/C power socket to work, so I switch my phone off for the duration to ensure I have battery charge on landing. There’s no Wi-Fi anyway, so that’s another excuse, not that I need it, to go to sleep.ServiceOur flight attendant is attentive and swift.Trudi JenkinsGiven the small number of seats in business class, we really only see one flight attendant, and she’s great – attentive and quick to clear finished meal trays. In the morning, she notices me wake after others have already been served their breakfast, and immediately asks if I’d like mine brought out.There’s a fairly basic amenity kit and the toilet is kept spotless throughout the flight, something that’s less common than you’d hope.FoodMore like premium economy food but tasty enough.Trudi JenkinsBreakfast is good, apart from the barely lukewarm hash brown.Trudi JenkinsI kinda miss my celebratory glass of champagne – there’s only fruit juice or water offered before take-off. But otherwise I don’t care about the absence of alcohol, especially as it’s a night flight. The meals themselves are more like a premium economy service, with entree, main and dessert brought together on one tray, and none of the finer points of a Qatar or Qantas business class meal.Dinner is a choice of butter chicken with spiced basmati rice or pasta with braised beef, but it’s well after midnight so I opt out (though my companion is happy with his curried chook). My breakfast frittata is tasty enough, and the asparagus perfectly al dente but the hash brown is barely lukewarm and inedible. I do give full points for Pepe Saya butter with the croissant, though.SustainabilityMaldivian’s Green Horizons Initiative focuses on reducing operational emissions, transitioning to energy-efficient infrastructure, and participating in the ICAO CORSIA carbon offsetting program. This direct flight shortens the journey (and therefore the carbon emissions) for Australians by about 750 kilometres.*One more thingFor better value, package up your flight with a resort stay – Niyama Private Islands is stunning.You can book flights direct with Luxury Escapes or their associated travel agencies, but for better value, book a resort package too – extras such as breakfast and transfers may be included, as well as early and late check in/out where possible. The weekly flight arrives early on a Tuesday morning and leaves on Sunday evening, so you can maximise your time while only paying for five nights’ accommodation.The priceA five-night accommodation package for two at Niyama Private Islands including return business class flights, seaplane transfers and daily breakfast and dinner costs from $18,398 for an overwater pool villa.The verdictThis aircraft has seen better days but if you’re happy to forgo the usual high-end extras for an overnight flight straight to Male and a comfortable night’s sleep on a fully flat bed, this business-class is all you need.Our rating out of five★★★½The writer flew as a guest of Luxury Escapes and Maldivian. See luxuryescapes.com*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.More:Airline reviewsFor subscribersAir travelMaldivesBeach and island holidaysSouth AsiaTrudi Jenkins – Trudi is Traveller’s content director, with responsibility for all editorial across the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She has edited Sunday Life, delicious. magazine and Vogue Entertaining + Travel as well as establishing two successful online businesses. She has lived in France and Italy, and will travel long distances for good food, wine and coffee. Follow her on Instagram at @trudijenkins_From our partners