Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is set to expand its fleet by introducing 12 new aircraft in 2024, including its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo), which is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter (3Q) of this year.
In a statement today, the group said it was looking to receive four A330neo this year, alongside eight Boeing 737-8, to support its network growth requirements.
Malaysia Aviation Group said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Avolon in August 2022 for the acquisition of 20 A330neo scheduled to be delivered through to 2028.
“10 of the aircraft are directly purchased from Airbus with a back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 are leased directly from Avolon,” it said.
The group said the A330neo would provide improved operational efficiency to its fleet while also allowing it to address environmental targets by offering up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
It said the acquisition would underscore the group’s steadfast commitment as it seeks to provide modernity and elevate the standards of its service offerings while ensuring support for the post-pandemic growth of the aviation industry.
MAG group managing director Datuk Capt Izham Ismail said the induction of the first A330neo in 3Q would gradually replace the A330ceo fleet and operate to the network across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
“We will continue to channel our investments into endeavours that strategically align with the key pillars driving our customer value proposition, namely cabin comfort, in-flight dining, and service delivery of our esteemed cabin crew,” he said.
Additionally, the group would retrofit six of its A350-900s starting in 2026 to ensure consistent cabin standardisation and premium experiences for guests in line with the new A330neo cabin, further solidifying its fleet modernisation initiative.
MAG currently holds a fleet of 104 aircraft through its subsidiaries Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and MASkargo.
News Source: thestar.com.my