Airlines Malaysia Airlines to acquire 20 A330neos

The Malaysian Aviation Group MAG, which is the parent company of flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines, has announced that it has selected the A330neo for the widebody fleet renewal programme. In total, 20 aircraft could join the airline´s fleet.

A direct purchase deal has been agreed with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for 10 A330-900s. 10 additional aircraft will be leased from Dublin-based lessor Avolon. This mix allows Malaysia Airlines to operate with the financial flexibility needed in current market circumstances.

Izham Ismail, Group CEO of Malaysia Airlines, said: “The acquisition of the A330neo is a natural transition from our current A330ceo fleet. The A330neo will not only provide fleet modernisation and enhanced operational efficiency, but will also meet environmental targets through reduced fuel-burn per seat, while keeping passenger safety and comfort at its core. This is a significant milestone as MAG moves towards the successful execution of our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services Group within the region.”

The Airbus A330-900 is the latest version of the popular A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft types and features aerodynamical advantages, modern and sustainable materials and more efficient engines with the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The A330neos will be configured in a premium layout seating with 300 passengers in two classes.

Christian Scherer, Airbus CEO, added: "Malaysia Airlines is one of the great Asian carriers and we are proud and humbled to be its preferred supplier of widebody aircraft. The decision is a clear endorsement of the A330neo as the most efficient option in this size category for premium operations. It's also the clear winner in terms of in-flight comfort and we are looking forward to working with Malaysia Airlines to define an exceptional cabin experience."

Airbus and MAG additionally signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaboratively explore the areas of sustainability, maintenance, airspace management and training.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates with 21 A330ceo aircraft, which then over time will be gradually replaced by the more modern A330 variant. The airline also flies with six Airbus A350-900s, which have joined the fleet in the recent years.