Pilotcenter.net News Updates:

Exciting news for aviation enthusiasts as the first of the 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft set to enrich Malaysia Airlines’ fleet has landed at Kuala Lumpa Airport (KUL) after being officially handed over in Toulouse, France. The fresh-off-the-line Airbus A330neo (A330-900) took off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) on November 28, 2024, just before 9:00 PM, touching down at its new base on November 29, 2024, at 4:52 PM local time.

In a heartfelt social media post following the A330neo’s arrival, Malaysia Airlines shared, “This isn’t just about flying; it’s about carrying the heart of Malaysia to the world—our warmth, our hospitality, and our unwavering pride for the Jalur Gemilang. This is a milestone not just for Malaysia Airlines, but for all Malaysians, as we move forward together to elevate our skies and showcase our nation to the world.” The airline continued, “Today, history soars higher as we welcome the arrival of our flagship Airbus A330neo, the new pride of Malaysia Airlines and our beloved nation, Malaysia.”

Witnesses reported the Malaysia Airlines A330neo touched down in Kuala Lumpa alongside a Sukhoi-30MKM. Duly noted that aircraft lessor Avolon had previously announced the delivery of the new A330neo, registered as 9M-MNG, at Airbus’s Delivery Centre in Toulouse. Avolon is set to lease a total of 20 A330neos to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, in accordance with a deal unveiled in August 2022. The arrangement includes 10 A330neo aircraft from Avolon’s order book and 10 A330neo aircraft to be obtained from MAG through sale and leaseback. The remaining 19 A330neos will be gradually delivered up to 2028.

Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, expressed his pride in the collaboration with MAG, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with Airbus and Rolls-Royce in facilitating this significant transaction. Cronin highlighted, “With global supply of wide-body aircraft extremely limited, these aircraft are a vital component of MAG’s fleet renewal strategy, allowing them to capitalize on the ongoing recovery in the Asian aviation market.”

In another recent development, following Malaysia Airlines' expressed dissatisfaction over delivery delays, the first Airbus A330neo slated for the airline completed its inaugural flight in France. Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines, conveyed disappointment over the delays in aircraft deliveries by Airbus, compounded by ongoing setbacks in Boeing 737-8 deliveries, disrupting the airline’s fleet modernization plans and growth requirements.

Avolon, a launch customer of the A330neo in 2014, boasts 29 A330neos in its delivered portfolio, with an additional 46 in its committed fleet for future delivery. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving aviation landscape!