Malaysia Airlines parent Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has signed agreements with Airbus and leasing group Avolon covering 20 A330-900s, the companies said on Monday. MAG plans to buy 10 of the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-powered widebodies from Airbus and enter a sale-and-leaseback arrangement with Avolon and lease the remaining 10 from the Dublin-based lessor.
Plans call for the A330neos to replace the group’s existing A330ceo fleet and on its existing network throughout Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. The flag carrier expects to take delivery from the third quarter of 2024 through 2028.
The contract signature took place at an event attended by Malaysian transport minister Datuk Seri Ir Dr. Wee Ka Siong, who leads a wider collaboration with Airbus Group in Malaysia in the areas of sustainable aviation (including sustainable fuel), aviation training, airspace management, and aircraft maintenance.
“The acquisition of the A330neos is a natural transition from our current A330ceos fleet, but the A330neo will not only provide modernization to our fleet and enhanced operational efficiency, but also meet environmental targets through reduced fuel-burn per seat while keeping passenger safety and comfort at its core,” said Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Izham Ismail. “This is a significant milestone as the Group moves ahead towards the successful execution of our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services Group within the region.”
MAG now operates 106 aircraft systemwide, including A330-200s, 15 A330-300s, and three A330Fs. The A330 first entered service with Malaysia Airlines in 1995.