Malaysia Aviation Group Receives First A330-900N
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has officially received its first A330-900N aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal strategy. The aircraft, registered 9M-MNG, was handed over by lessor Avolon at a delivery event in Toulouse Blagnac on November 28, before being ferried to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The A330-900N, with MSN 2080, is the first of 20 widebody aircraft that Avolon will deliver to MAG, including ten aircraft originally ordered from Airbus but later transferred under a sale/lease-back agreement. These A330-900s are set to replace the airline’s older A330ceo fleet, aligning with MAG’s broader efforts to modernize and expand its long-haul capacity.
Operating as Flight MH5039, 9M-MNG departed Toulouse on the evening of November 28, arriving in Kuala Lumpur the following day. This delivery is a key part of MAG’s long-term fleet strategy, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving the passenger experience.
Avolon CEO Andy Cronin commented on the significance of the partnership, saying, “We are proud to have partnered with MAG on a complex and unique transaction. With global supply of widebody aircraft extremely limited, these aircraft are a core element of MAG’s fleet renewal strategy, allowing them to capitalise on the continuing recovery in the Asian aviation market.”
However, due to Airbus production delays, Malaysia Airlines had to defer the start of A330-900 operations. The airline had initially planned to begin flying the aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne route in late November, followed by the Auckland sector in December. The start of A330-900 services is now expected to begin in late December, with Melbourne being the first destination.
The delivery of the A330-900N is expected to significantly boost Malaysia Airlines’ long-haul operations, providing a modern and fuel-efficient fleet to meet the growing demand in the Asian aviation market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com