Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has placed an order for twenty A330-900s for its wholly-owned subsidiary Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International). A total of 10 aircraft will be directly purchased from Airbus with a back-to-back sale/lease-back arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 will be leased directly from Avolon.
"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," Chief Executive Izham Ismail said.
The Malaysian flag carrier currently operates six A330-200s (14.8 years old on average) and fifteen A330-300s (10.2 years), the ch-aviation fleets module shows. All of the A330ceo will be gradually replaced by the -900s. The airline leases all -200s and six -300s, and owns the remaining nine -300s.
The A330neo, which are scheduled to be delivered to MAG starting from the third quarter of 2024 through to 2028, will be configured for up to 300 passengers in a two-class configuration, although the exact split between business and economy class cabins was not disclosed.
The carrier's new-generation widebody fleet also comprises six A350-900s. It also owns six A380-800s, which have been retired and are available for sale. Malaysia Airlines also operates three A330-200Fs, while its narrowbody fleet comprises exclusively Boeing aircraft - currently forty-four B737-800s with twenty-five B737-8s on firm order.
Airbus and MAG also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) over possible enhanced collaboration in the areas of sustainability, training, maintenance, and airspace management.
