TOULOUSE- Malaysia Airlines (MH) has strategically enhanced its fleet by taking delivery of its first Airbus A330neo (A330-900), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s modernization efforts.
The aircraft, leased from Avolon, represents the initial installment of a planned 20-aircraft acquisition that promises to revolutionize the company’s operational efficiency and passenger experience.
Malaysia Airlines First A330neo
Configured with a premium two-class layout, the new A330neo features 28 fully flat Business Class suites and an extensively redesigned Economy cabin accommodating 269 passengers.
The aircraft substantially improves passenger comfort, including larger overhead storage, enhanced air quality, cutting-edge in-flight entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
MAG plans to strategically deploy the aircraft across diverse routes in Asia, the Pacific, and select Middle Eastern destinations. This acquisition positions MAG as the 20th global airline operator of the A330neo, joining an elite group of carriers leveraging this modern, fuel-efficient aircraft model.
Malaysia Airlines first Airbus A330neo is registered as 9M-MNG. It had a test registration of F-WWCZ.
Airbus has already delivered more than 140 A330neo aircraft worldwide, establishing the model as an industry benchmark for operational efficiency.
Avolon Delivers First of 20 A330neos
Avolon, a global aviation finance leader, has delivered the first of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy. The delivery occurred at Airbus’s Toulouse Delivery Centre, with the remaining aircraft scheduled for delivery through 2028.
The transaction, initially announced in August 2022, encompasses 10 A330neo aircraft from Avolon’s orderbook and 10 additional aircraft to be acquired through a sale and leaseback arrangement. This strategic move supports MAG’s comprehensive fleet renewal and expansion objectives.
The A330neo demonstrates substantial technological improvements over its predecessor, the A330ceo. The aircraft boasts an extended range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and delivers 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These characteristics, combined with attractive per-seat economics, positioned the A330neo as the optimal solution for MAG’s fleet replacement needs and market expansion goals.
Powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent 7000 engine, the aircraft delivers market-leading reliability. MAG becomes the 20th airline globally to operate the A330neo, underscoring the aircraft’s growing market acceptance.
Avolon CEO Andy Cronin emphasized the significance of the partnership, highlighting the collaborative effort between Avolon, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce in crafting a tailored solution for MAG. He noted the critical importance of these aircraft in capitalizing on the ongoing recovery of the Asian aviation market, where global widebody aircraft supply remains extremely limited.
As a launch customer of the A330neo in 2014, Avolon currently maintains 29 A330neos in its delivered portfolio, with an additional 46 committed for future delivery as of September 30, 2024.
Feature Image by Eurospot | X
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