Malaysia Airlines Affirms A330neo Delivery Schedule Amidst Narrowbody Fleet Expansion Plans

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Managing Director, Izham Ismail, has provided assurances that the delivery timeline for Malaysia Airlines’ first A330-900Ns remains unchanged, with the inaugural deliveries anticipated to commence in September 2024. Ismail shared this update at a recent aviation conference in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to its long-term business plan until 2030.

Ismail stated, “If we stick to our long-term business plan until 2030, we should have at least 55 widebody aircraft by 2028.” Malaysia Airlines’ current passenger-configured widebody fleet includes six A330-200s, fifteen A330-300s, and six A350-900s. Additionally, Ismail revealed that the airline holds options for an additional twenty A330-900Ns, with a decision likely to be made in 2024.

In tandem with the widebody expansion, Ismail announced that Malaysia Airlines plans to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for 20 narrowbody aircraft in the first quarter of 2024. He emphasized the airline’s openness to exploring various manufacturers for its long-term narrowbody fleet, cautioning that the carrier may not necessarily adhere to its existing narrowbody aircraft provider.

The managing director expressed the airline’s agnostic approach, stating, “We’re open to (the) A220. To a certain extent, what’s wrong with COMAC? If the fleet meets our mission, vision, and aspiration and is commercially favorable to MAG, we’ll go with the aircraft type.” This signals a willingness to consider alternatives, including the A220 and COMAC, as part of Malaysia Airlines’ comprehensive fleet strategy.

Ismail acknowledged concerns related to Boeing, specifically referencing delays in the delivery of the B737-8s. He expressed disappointment, noting that the airline was initially expecting seven aircraft this year, but the revised contract now anticipates four, with uncertainty regarding the exact delivery timeline. Despite these challenges, Malaysia Airlines remains focused on its broader fleet expansion goals and strategic vision for the future.