Malaysia Airlines receives first A330neo
Avolon has delivered the first of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines.
The handover took place at Airbus’s Delivery Centre in Toulouse, marking the beginning of a significant fleet renewal for MAG. The remaining aircraft will be delivered progressively through 2028.
The delivery follows a transaction announced in August 2022, involving 10 A330neos from the leading aviation finance firm’s order-book, and 10 acquired through a sale-and-leaseback agreement with MAG.
Avolon, a launch customer of the A330neo, has delivered 29 of the aircraft and holds commitments for an additional 46.
Malaysia Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, operates a diverse fleet of 74 narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
The A330neo introduces advanced capabilities. The aircraft boasts a 13,300km range, 25% greater fuel efficiency, and lower CO2 emissions than its predecessor, the A330ceo.
MAG’s aircraft features a premium two-class layout with 297 seats, including 28 fully flat business class suites and a redesigned economy cabin.
Avolon CEO Andy Cronin said: “We are proud to have partnered with MAG on a complex and unique transaction. It was made possible due to the deep and long-standing relationships Avolon has with Airbus and Rolls-Royce, all collaborating to provide the optimal solution for MAG with the A330neo.
“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.”
