Malaysia Airlines welcomes first of 20 Airbus A330neo jets in Kuala Lumpa

The first of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft due to join the Malaysia Airlines fleet has arrived at Kuala Lumpa Airport (KUL) after the jet was officially handed over in Toulouse, France.  

The factory new Airbus A330neo (A330-900) left Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) on November 28, 2024, shortly before 21:00, and arrived at its new home on November 29, 2024, at 16:52 local time.  

In a social media post shortly after the A330neo landed, Malaysia Airlines said: “This isn’t just about flying; it’s about carrying the heart of Malaysia to the world—our warmth, our hospitality, and our unwavering pride for the Jalur Gemilang. This is a milestone not just for Malaysia Airlines, but for all Malaysians, as we move forward together to elevate our skies and showcase our nation to the world.”

The airline added: “Today, history soars higher as we welcome the arrival of our flagship Airbus A330neo, the new pride of Malaysia Airlines and our beloved nation, Malaysia.”

flightradar24According to witnesses, the Malaysia Airlines A330neo arrived in Kuala Lumpa accompanied by Sukhoi-30MKM.

Aircraft lessor Avolon earlier announced that delivery of the new A330neo, registered 9M-MNG, had been completed at Airbus’s Delivery Centre in Toulouse. 

In total, Avolon will lease 20 A330neos to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, as part of a deal that was first announced in August 2022. 

The new fleet of aircraft is comprised of 10 A330neo aircraft from Avolon’s orderbook and 10 A330neo aircraft to be acquired from MAG via sale and leaseback. The remaining 19 A330neos will be delivered through to 2028. 

A New Era Takes Flight | Welcoming The All-New Malaysia Airlines A330neo Today, history soars higher as we welcome the arrival of our flagship Airbus A330neo, the new pride of Malaysia Airlines and our beloved nation, Malaysia.This is more than just an aircraft—it’s a symbol… pic.twitter.com/s3ert3CbaL— Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) November 29, 2024 Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, 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.” 

Cronin added: “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.” 

Malaysia AirlinesThe first Airbus A330neo destined for Malaysia Airlines recently completed its maiden flight in France, just weeks after the airline had expressed its discontent over delivery delays.  

In October 2024, Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines, said: “We are deeply disappointed by the aircraft delivery delays by Airbus, compounded by the ongoing setbacks of our Boeing 737-8 deliveries. These delays are significantly disrupting our fleet modernization plans and growth requirements.”    

Avolon was a launch customer of the A330neo in 2014. It has 29 A330neos in its delivered portfolio, with a further 46 in its committed fleet for future delivery.  

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