The first Airbus A330neo destined for Malaysia Airlines has completed its maiden flight at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in France.
This significant milestone has come just weeks after Malaysia Airlines expressed deep disappointment in Airbus following aircraft delivery delays.
On November 7, 2024, though, a much more buoyant Malaysia Airlines was clearly pleased with the progress its first Airbus A330neo was making.
In a social media post, Malaysia Airlines wrote: “Our very first A330neo has officially taken flight for testing in Toulouse, France, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our fleet. We can’t wait to welcome you on board this beauty soon!”
Airbus was in an equally jubilant mood, sharing the post and commenting: “Wow! Check out @MAS stunning first #A330neo spotted out on her first flight.”
On October 15, 2024, the mood was rather different as Malaysia Airlines announced that delivery of its first A330neo aircraft would not occur until late November 2024.
Wow! 😍 Check out @MAS stunning first #A330neo spotted out on her first flight. ✈️ https://t.co/ezUWc5FWsz
— Airbus (@Airbus) November 7, 2024
In a statement at the time, Malaysia Airline said that its first A330neo commercial flight – planned to Melbourne for November 25, 2024, plus subsequent scheduled services – would be impacted by the delay, with the airline forced to revert to operating the A330-300 on those routes.
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.”
Five new Airbus A330neo are now expected to reach Malaysia Airlines by end of March 2025.