Summary

  • Malaysia Airlines’ first A330neo is nearing completion in Toulouse before its delivery to Kuala Lumpur in Q3 2024.
  • The collaboration on Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo involves components sourced from global suppliers, including Malaysian-made parts.
  • With the A330neo, Malaysia Airlines introduces new features such as business class all-suite cabins and Recaro CL3810 economy seats.

Last week, Simple Flying had the opportunity to see Malaysia Airlines’ first Airbus A330neo (A330-900) in production, courtesy of the flag carrier and Airbus. The aircraft is undergoing the final stages of assembly at the manufacturer’s facility in Toulouse, France.

Behind-the-scenes on the Final Assembly Line

Already sporting Malaysia Airlines’ iconic Wau (Malaysian traditional kite) on its tail, the airline’s first A330neo (F-WWCZ) is in the final stages of assembly, mere months away from its delivery to the airline’s base in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines A330neo at Airbus Final Assembly Line (4)

Photo: Nicole Kylie | Simple Flying

Like every Airbus airliner, the production of F-WWCZ began at facilities around Europe, where its main sections – such as the forward, center and aft fuselage, wings, and tail plane – were manufactured. Once completed, the parts were transported to the manufacturer’s Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse to be fitted together.

Following the attachment of the sections, the next phase will see the installation of the cockpit, engines, landing gears, electrical wiring, avionics, and fuel and hydraulic systems.

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Malaysia Airlines’ First Airbus A330neo Enters Final Assembly Phase

Malaysia Airlines’ iconic logo is now clearly visible on the aircraft’s tail.

F-WWCZ will then undergo a series of rigorous ground checks before being fitted with the cabin interior. Finally, preparation for its maiden flight and delivery process will begin. The jet is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2024.

It’s worth highlighting that, aside from Europe, Airbus also sources components from suppliers across the globe, including Malaysia. In a fitting homage to the flag carrier, several of the A330neo’s avionics instruments, along with its metallic structural parts and engine cowling structures, are made in Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines acquires 20 A330neos

Malaysia Airlines has had a long history with the A330 family: the first A330 entered service with the airline in 1995 on its Asia-Pacific routes. In 2011, Malaysia Airlines welcomed the A330ceo to its fleet. At present, the airline has 15 A330-300s and 6 A330-200s in its fleet.

malaysia airlines a330 sydney

In August 2022, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), secured 20 new A330neos via agreements with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and aviation finance firm Avolon. The transaction also includes the purchase rights to 20 additional A330s, offering MAG the flexibility to expand its fleet.

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Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group said:

“We look forward to welcoming the first A330neo into our fleet, marking a significant milestone in our modernisation strategy. This addition not only strengthens our core product offering but also enhances our capabilities for future growth, aligning with our goal of expanding our widebody fleet to 50 aircraft by 2033.”

An aircraft of many firsts

The A330neo represents a number of firsts, not only for Malaysia Airlines but also for the aircraft type. This includes the first time Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats are fitted onto an A330. The introduction of these seats also marks the airline’s venture into offering all-suite cabins in business class – featuring individual privacy doors, wireless charging pods, and a highly integrated in-flight entertainment system.

Further, the airline is set to be the first Southeast Asian carrier to install the award-winning Recaro CL3810 seats in economy class, boasting an enhanced ergonomic design complemented by convenient amenities, such as coat hooks, cup holders, and generous storage space.

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The airline expects to receive three of the type in 2024.

These seats are configured to Airbus’ Airspace design, showcasing and all-new premium layout. Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo will offer 28 seats in business class and 269 economy seats.

Datuk Captain Izham added:

“By setting new standards in cabin comfort and customer experience, we reaffirm our position as a premium carrier and our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and customer-centricity; all deeply rooted in our Malaysian Hospitality. This strategic focus is imperative as we embark on our journey to position Malaysia Airlines among the Top 10 global airlines and Top 5 in Asia Pacific by 2030.”

The Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of A330 orders

As of April 2024, the A330 family has logged nearly 1,800 firm orders from 130 customers worldwide. According to an Airbus statement shared with Simple Flying, the A330 is the world’s most popular widebody family.

cebu-pacific-a330neo

Photo: Airbus

Malaysia Airlines’ incorporation of the A330neo into its fleet follows a string of orders from several Asia-Pacific airlines that are already operating the type, including Aircalin, Cebu Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Starlux.

Malaysia Airlines A330neo at Airbus Final Assembly Line (8)

Photo: Nicole Kylie | Simple Flying

During the visit to the FAL, Airbus shared that there are currently 299 orders for the A330-900 and 12 for the A330-800 globally. In Asia-Pacific – the region with the highest number of A330 orders in the world – there are 50 orders for the -900 and 4 for the -800.

Delivery is scheduled for Q3 2024

Malaysia Airlines’ first of 20 A330neos is slated to be delivered in Q3 this year. The inaugural flight is scheduled for Melbourne at an unconfirmed date. The airline is expecting to receive another two A330neos in 2024 – all 20 aircraft will be delivered across four years, from Q3 2024 to 2028.

Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330neo Rendering

Image: Airbus

The A330neo will replace Malaysia Airlines’ current A330 fleet and will be deployed on its existing network across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.


  • Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330 Getty

    Malaysia Airlines

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    MH/MAS

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Kuala Lumpur International Airport

    Year Founded:
    May 1st, 1947

    Alliance:
    oneworld

    CEO:
    Izham Ismail

    Country:
    Malaysia

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