Malaysia Airlines May Expand A330neo Fleet

Malaysia Airlines is reportedly preparing to place an additional order for Airbus A330neo aircraft, with a possible announcement expected during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit to France. According to industry sources cited by Reuters, Airbus is close to securing the deal as part of a broader effort by the carrier to modernize its widebody fleet and expand its international network.

Prime Minister Anwar is scheduled to arrive in Paris on June 3, 2025, for a two-day state visit, which will include discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The trip could serve as the platform for formalizing the aircraft order, highlighting growing bilateral ties between Malaysia and France and reinforcing Airbus’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

The news follows the delivery of Malaysia Airlines’ fourth Airbus A330neo, registered 9M-MNK, in June 2025. The aircraft joins the fleet as part of the airline’s existing order of 20 A330-900s placed in 2022. Malaysia Airlines expects to receive all 20 jets by 2028, using them to replace aging A330-300 aircraft and support the airline’s long-haul growth plans.

Each A330neo delivery has been celebrated by the airline as a step forward in elevating passenger experience and fulfilling its global service commitment. When announcing the latest addition to its fleet, Malaysia Airlines emphasized that the aircraft symbolizes more than just a delivery—it represents the brand’s promise to carry Malaysian hospitality around the world with greater efficiency and comfort.

The airline’s fleet modernization strategy extends beyond widebody aircraft. On July 3, 2025, Malaysia Airlines confirmed the arrival of its 12th Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, registered 9M-MVM. The aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle on June 30, making stops in Honolulu and Guam before arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

This milestone marks another phase in the airline’s narrowbody renewal program, which began in February 2022 when Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the airline’s parent company, placed an order for 25 Boeing 737-8 aircraft through a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation.

Further expanding its commitment to Boeing, MAG announced in March 2025 the purchase of an additional 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s, along with purchase options for 30 more 737 aircraft. These aircraft will support the group’s network across Asia and contribute to operational efficiency and sustainability.

Malaysia Airlines is strategically aligning its widebody and narrowbody fleets with next-generation aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, allowing for more fuel-efficient operations and enhanced passenger experiences. If finalized, the new A330neo order would reinforce the airline’s growing reliance on Airbus for long-haul operations while balancing its regional network with Boeing’s latest single-aisle models.

As Prime Minister Anwar prepares to meet President Macron, the potential A330neo order could become a centerpiece of strengthened Malaysia-France relations and further establish Malaysia Airlines as a key player in Asia’s evolving aviation market.

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