KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) is set to induct 12 new aircraft in 2024, including its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo).
The group is looking to receive four A330neo by the third quarter of 2024, alongside eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft to support its network growth requirements.
The A330neo especially is expected to enhance MAG's operational efficiency and support environmental objectives, offering a notable up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said the new A330neo will progressively replace the existing A330ceo fleet and serve the network spanning Asia, Oceania and the Middle East.
"This expansion is not just about increasing our inventory in numbers but also introducing the first-of-its-kind cabin class, new seats and experiences that prioritises customer safety, comfort and overall satisfaction.
"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.
"We aspire to curate an overall passenger experience that not only meets premium standards but exceeds them, underpinned by our inimitable Malaysian Hospitality," he said.
The aircraft features a 1-2-1 configuration, introducing the newly-designed Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, a first for the group.
By incorporating the new seats, Malaysia Airlines is positioned to be the leading global carrier showcasing the Elevation seats on the A330 airframe.
The A330neo will consist of 297 seats, including 28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, with an additional 24 seats offering extra legroom.
In August 2022, MAG entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the procurement of 20 A330neo aircraft, scheduled for delivery until 2028.
Out of these, 10 aircraft were directly acquired from Airbus with a subsequent sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 were leased directly from Avolon.
Additionally, as a component of its continuous modernisation strategy, MAG is also anticipating the arrival of four new aircraft types this year, in addition to eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft to meet the demands of its expanding network.
MAG plans to retrofit six of its A350-900s starting from 2026, ensuring uniform cabin standards and premium experiences for guests in accordance with the new A330neo cabin.
"Presently, MAG possesses a fleet of 104 aircraft across its subsidiaries, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MASkargo," it added.