Malaysia Airlines receives ninth A330neo widebody, continues fleet expansion
Malaysia Airlines has welcomed the arrival of its ninth Airbus A330neo aircraft, which touched down in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) from Toulouse on December 21, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival marked another step in the Malaysian flag carrier’s ongoing fleet modernization program.
In a social media post, Malaysia Airlines shared that the aircraft, registered as 9M-MNO, was flown home by Captain Mohd Shamsurin Mohd Mustafa, Captain Zamri Ismail, Captain Brian Raj, and First Officer Eezwan Hijaz Shaharuzzaman.
Malaysia Airlines said it plans to deploy the A330neo on routes including Bali, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, and Tokyo as it works toward operating the youngest widebody fleet into Australasia by the first quarter of 2026.
“Every arrival is powered by dedication, teamwork and the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality,” the airline said in a Facebook post announcing the delivery.
The delivery is part of Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) expanded widebody fleet strategy. In July 2025, MAG, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 additional A330-900 aircraft, doubling the carrier’s future A330neo fleet to 40 aircraft.MAG initially selected the A330neo in 2022 under its widebody fleet renewal program with a commitment for 20 aircraft. The airline has now received nine of those aircraft, with the first four already operating services from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, Auckland, and Bali featuring an all-new premium cabin layout.
According to Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, MAG’s group Managing Director , the A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support the airline’s network and growth strategy.
He noted that the aircraft’s enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility across both regional and long-haul routes make it a strong fit for the carrier’s evolving market needs, while its design aligns with the airline’s premium positioning. The additional order, he said, reinforces the group’s long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth and strengthens competitiveness in key markets.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 can fly up to 7,200 nautical miles nonstop. The aircraft features Airbus’ Airspace cabin, which offers passengers enhanced comfort with increased individual space, enlarged overhead bins, advanced lighting systems, and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity options.
RELATED
Malaysia Airlines Group accelerates growth plans with new routes, new A330neos
The post Malaysia Airlines receives ninth A330neo widebody, continues fleet expansion appeared first on AeroTime.
Malaysia Airlines has welcomed the arrival of its ninth Airbus A330neo aircraft, which touched down in Kuala Lumpur…
The post Malaysia Airlines receives ninth A330neo widebody, continues fleet expansion appeared first on AeroTime.
