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MAG selects Airbus A330neo for widebody renewal program

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines' parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has selected the A330neo for the carrier's widebody fleet renewal programme.

MAG said the initial agreements cover the acquisition of 20 aircraft, with 10 to be purchased from Airbus and 10 to be leased from Dublin-based Avolon.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, MAG said the A330neo would join the carrier's fleet of six long-range A350-900s and gradually replace its 21 A330ceo aircraft.

"The carrier will operate the A330neo on its network covering Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.

"Malaysia Airlines will configure its A330neo fleet with a premium layout seating 300 passengers in two classes," it said.

MAG chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the acquisition of the A330neo is a natural transition from its current A330ceo fleet.

Izham said the A330neo would provide fleet modernisation and enhanced operational efficiency and meet environmental targets through reduced fuel burn per seat while keeping passenger safety and comfort at its core.

"This is a significant milestone as MAG moves towards the successful execution of our long-term business plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services Group within the region," he said.

MAG has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the aircraft to be ordered from Airbus.

In addition to the renewal of the widebody fleet, Airbus and MAG signed a letter of intent (LOI) to study a broader collaboration in sustainability, training, maintenance and airspace management.

Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international Christian Scherer said the company is proud and humbled to be its preferred supplier of widebody aircraft.

Scherer said the decision is a clear endorsement of the A330neo as the most efficient option in this size category for premium operations.

"It's also the clear winner in terms of in-flight comfort, and we are looking forward to working with Malaysia Airlines to define an exceptional cabin," he said.

The A330neo is the new generation version of the popular A330 widebody.

Incorporating the latest generation engines, a new wing and a range of aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft offers up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a new level of comfort, ambience and design.

This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system and the ability to provide the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo also features a modern cabin air system ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.

As of July 2022, the A330neo has received more than 270 firm orders from over 20 customers worldwide.

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