NEW YORK — Last week, Malaysia Airlines revealed images of its first Airbus A330-900 entering the final assembly phase of construction.
The aircraft, slated for delivery in Q3 of this year, is one of 20 ordered by the airline. The new aircraft will replace the airline’s existing 20 Airbus A330-300 aircraft and complement its fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The airline expects four A330-900s this year to support its network growth plans. The rest of the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered through 2028.
Malaysia Airlines expects to fly the new aircraft across its vast network, particularly covering Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.
The new aircraft are expected to be fitted with new interior products, such as the Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seat, featuring the widely popular all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors and wireless charging pods for each seat.
In economy class, the airline chose Recaro CL3810 seats, which feature ergonomic design and enhanced support characteristics. Paired with coat hooks, cup holders and extra storage space, the seats will provide a comfortable flying experience.
In total, the A330-900s will comprise 297 seats with 28 in business-class and 269 in economy class, of which 24 seats will come with extra legroom.
A CEO’s Perspective
Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director, Malaysia Airlines Group, said, “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.”
He continued, “This is a significant milestone as MAG moves towards the successful execution of our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services Group within the region.”
Ismail is an experienced leader in the aviation industry, having started his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979.
He flew the airline’s first Boeing 777-200 from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back, setting records for longest flight and fastest round-the-world flight at the time.
Airbus A330neo – Key Metrics
First launched in 2014 at the Farnborough Airshow, the Airbus A330neo comprises two next-generation aircraft; the A330-800 and the A330-900.
The A330-900, according to its manufacturer, can fly up to 7,200nm, powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine. It was first delivered to TAP Air Portugal in November 2018 and operated its first commercial flight on December 15, 2018.
According to Airbus, the aircraft reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 25% compared to the previous generation of aircraft, offering airlines substantial savings on operating costs.
While the shorter A330-800 has struggled to garner orders, the larger A330-900 has become popular among a variety of airlines.
Some of the A330-900s most prominent operators include Delta Air Lines, ITA Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Condor, among others.
The Rundown
- Malaysia Airlines’ first A330neo enters final assembly, slated to be delivered later this year.
- The airline will take delivery of 20 A330neos to replace existing fleet of Airbus A330-300s.
- The aircraft will feature new business-class seats with full-suite designs and industry-leading economy-class seats.