Malaysia Aviation Group Considers Airbus Narrowbodies

Izham Ismail, Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has recently expressed a willingness to explore ordering Airbus narrowbody aircraft. This move could potentially break Boeing’s longstanding dominance in the narrowbody jet fleets of Malaysia Airlines (MH) and Firefly (FY). However, Ismail also indicated that the group’s second aircraft order might be delayed, as the Request for Proposals (RfP) is now expected to be pushed to the end of the year.

In a recent interview with Malaysia’s Business Times, Ismail explained that the upcoming RfP will be for the second phase of MAG’s fleet renewal plan, which involves acquiring 25 or more narrowbody aircraft. The RfP will be open to various aircraft types, with Ismail emphasizing the group’s flexibility in considering the best options available. This marks a significant shift from MAG’s previous preference for Boeing narrowbodies.

MAG’s fleet renewal program was initially divided into two stages. The first stage, completed in 2022, saw the group order twenty-five Boeing Boeing 737-8s and twenty Airbus A330-900Ns. Historically, MAG has leaned towards Boeing for its narrowbody jets, such as the 737-800 and the newer 737 MAX, while Airbus has supplied the group with widebody aircraft, including A330s and A350-900s. The second stage of the fleet renewal plan was meant to build on this foundation.

The second stage will include options such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo and A321neo for narrowbody aircraft, with the A330-900 being a probable choice for widebody needs. However, MAG has decided to extend the RfQ deadline to reassess its fleet renewal plans. Ismail stressed the importance of timely decision-making to secure factory production slots, noting that the group cannot afford to delay too long.

Regarding the current fleet status, Ismail does not expect any further delays or reductions in 737-8 deliveries. Originally, MAG was scheduled to receive 12 units this year, but Boeing reduced that number to seven. Four of these aircraft have already been delivered, with the remaining three expected by the end of the year. To manage fleet requirements in the meantime, MAG has extended leases on some 737-800s as a contingency measure. The first A330-900N is scheduled to arrive in September 2024.

Ismail highlighted the necessity for investment in new aircraft, stating, “We cannot continue to operate ageing airplanes. No doubt our airplanes are safe but our planes are tired.” This underscores MAG’s commitment to maintaining a modern and efficient fleet.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates 92 aircraft, including six A330-200s, three A330-200Fs, A330-300s, seven A350-900s, nine ATR72-500s (wet-leased), four 737-8s, forty-two 737-800s, and six DHC-6-400s (operated by MASwings). Meanwhile, Firefly’s fleet consists of 15 aircraft, including ten ATR72-500s and five 737-800s, serving 25 airports across six countries.

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