Malaysia Airlines Delays A330-900neo Debut Due to Airbus Issues

Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) has postponed the introduction of its first Airbus A330-900neo due to findings identified by Airbus during the aircraft’s flight line stage. The airline originally planned to commence operations on the Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne Tullamarine route on November 25, but now anticipates a later delivery, reported ch-aviation.com.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, indicated that the A330-900, expected in September, will now arrive by late November. Additionally, the airline’s plans to start A330-900 flights to Auckland International in December have also been delayed. In the interim, Malaysia Airlines will continue to operate both routes using its existing A330-300 aircraft.

“We are deeply disappointed by the aircraft delivery delays by Airbus, compounded by the ongoing setbacks of our B737-8 deliveries,” stated MAG Managing Director Izham Ismail. “These delays are significantly disrupting our fleet modernization plans and growth requirements.”

Malaysia Airlines aims to lease twenty A330-900s from Avolon, which includes ten aircraft originally ordered from Airbus and later transferred under a sale/lease-back agreement. The A330-900s are set to replace the airline’s current A330ceo fleet. Just a month ago, Ismail expressed optimism about receiving five of the neo widebodies by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

In addition to the A330 delays, Malaysia Airlines has twenty-one B737-8s pending delivery from a 25-aircraft order placed with Boeing in 2016. Ismail had previously expected seven B737-8s to be delivered in the coming months, with a total of nine deliveries anticipated throughout 2024. The uncertainty surrounding these aircraft deliveries has also led to a delay in a planned Request for Proposal (RfP) for an additional 20 narrowbody aircraft.

Ismail emphasized the importance of having the necessary assets in place to achieve growth targets and optimize the airline’s network. Despite the ongoing delivery challenges, Malaysia Aviation Group remains committed to its fleet modernization plans to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Malaysia+Airlines

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com