KUALA LUMPUR- As part of its ongoing fleet modernization plan, Malaysia Aviation (MH) is set to introduce 12 new aircraft in 2024, including its inaugural Airbus 330-900 (A330neo), scheduled to arrive in Q3 2024.
The Group plans to receive four (4) of these new aircraft types this year, in addition to eight (8) Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to support network growth requirements.
Malaysia Airlines A330neo
In August 2022, MAG signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft, scheduled for delivery through 2028.
Ten of these aircraft are directly purchased from Airbus, with a back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 are leased directly from Avolon.
This acquisition reaffirms the Group’s unwavering commitment to providing modernity and elevating service standards, supporting the post-pandemic growth of the aviation industry.
The A330neo promises improved operational efficiency for the MAG fleet, addressing environmental targets with up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
New Seats, More Comfort
Featuring a 1-2-1 configuration, the newly designed Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats mark a first for the Group. These seats offer an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors, prioritizing cabin comfort and practicality.
The seat covers showcase the signature songket motif, paying homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage with a seamlessly infused modern touch, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style. The seats, ensuring all-aisle access, provide a comfortable and fully flat experience, incorporating luxury design influences and optimal styling flexibility.
With the introduction of these new seats, Malaysia Airlines is set to become the world’s flagship carrier to feature the Elevation seats on the A330 airframe. The A330neo will comprise 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, with 24 seats featuring extra legroom).
Additional features include wireless charging pods, ergonomic seat cushions, highly integrated in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions, including Kids mode, and ample space to work, relax, and dine in ultimate comfort. The aircraft will also be equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring passengers experience a practical cabin space onboard Malaysian Hospitality.
Executive Remarks
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming induction of the first 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft in Q3 of this year. These new additions will gradually replace the A330ceo fleet and serve the network across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
The expansion goes beyond numerical inventory increase, introducing a unique cabin class, new seats, and experiences prioritizing customer safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction.
The ongoing investments align strategically with key pillars driving the customer value proposition, focusing on cabin comfort, in-flight dining, and service delivery by the esteemed cabin crew. The aim is to craft a passenger experience that not only meets premium standards but surpasses them, anchored by the distinctive Malaysian Hospitality.
As part of the fleet modernization program, the Group plans to retrofit six (6) A350-900s starting in 2026, ensuring consistent cabin standardization and premium experiences in harmony with the new A330neo cabin.
Currently, MAG owns a fleet of 104 aircraft through its subsidiaries, namely Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and MASkargo.
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