Malaysia Airlines Chooses A330neos To Renew Aging A330 Fleet

As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Malaysia Airlines plans to buy 20 Airbus A330neo widebodies to replace its ageing medium-haul aircraft.

The 20 aircraft will comprise ten leased from lessor Avolon, while the other ten planes will be purchased directly from Airbus.

The Oneworld carrier’s current 21 A330s will be retired and replaced by the first A330neo in the fleet in 2024.

Jets powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 will carry 300 passengers in a two-class “luxury layout” throughout Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.

The acquisition of the A330neo is a natural transition from our present A330 fleet CEO,” Izham Ismail of Malaysia Airlines, said of the order, calling it an “important milestone” in the airline’s post-restructuring plans. Modernizing the fleet and increasing operational efficiency aren’t the only benefits the A330neo will provide; it will also help the airline reach its environmental goals by lowering fuel consumption per passenger.

The A330neo is the most cost-effective choice in this size category for premium operations,” Christian Scherer, head of commercial at Airbus, explains. It’s also the best option for onboard luxury, and we can’t wait to collaborate with Malaysia Airlines to create an unforgettable cabin experience.

This marks Malaysia Airlines as the second Malaysian airline to operate the A330neo, after AirAsia X, which had previously placed a large order for the widebody but considerably reduced it in April.