The Malaysian flag carrier plans to add a brand-new widebody type to its fleet.
Malaysia Airlines is set to acquire 20 A330-900s after inking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, Avolon and Rolls-Royce.
According to parent Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), ten examples are to be purchased from the European manufacturer with a “back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon”. The remaining ten will be acquired directly from the Dublin-based lessor.
The aircraft are due to be delivered from Q3 of 2024 through to 2028.
Additionally, the MoU includes purchase of spare Trent 7000 powerplants as well as engine maintenance services from the Rolls-Royce TotalCare Agreement.
Izham Ismail, group chief executive officer of MAG, said: “The acquisition of the A330neos is a natural transition from our current A330ceos fleet and will not only provide modernisation 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. 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.”
Malaysia Airlines will use the A330neo to “gradually replace” 21 older A330ceos (six -200s and 15 larger -300s).
The Kuala Lumpur-based flag carrier plans to roster the type, which will be configured in a two-class, 300-seat layout, to destinations across Asia, the Pacific and Middle East.
The deal increases the order backlog for A330neos to more than 270 from in excess of 20 customers globally.
Airbus and MAG have also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate in areas such as training, maintenance, airspace management and sustainability.
