KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) first Airbus A330neo (new engine option) delivery is delayed to late November, although no exact delivery date is set currently.
MAG said it is working closely with Airbus and its lessor Avolon to secure a new delivery timeline and expedite the aircraft's entry into service.
Although the aviation group did not specify exactly the cause of the delay, it said the delay has been "due to findings identified by Airbus during the flight line stage."
"We're deeply disappointed by the aircraft delivery delays by Airbus compounded by the ongoing setbacks of our Boeing B737-8 deliveries.
"These delays are significantly disrupting our fleet modernisation plans and growth requirements.
"As we take decisive steps toward a stronger 2025, having the necessary assets in place is crucial to meet our growth targets, optimise our network and continue delivering enhanced services to our customers," MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said.
MAG expects to receive five A330neo by the first quarter of 2025. The original schedule for the arrival of MAG's first A330neo was supposed to be in September 2024.
The aviation group said due to the aircraft delivery delay, Malaysia Airlines Bhd's planned inaugural A330neo flight to Melbourne from Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 2024 along with subsequent flights scheduled with the same aircraft type will be impacted.
Malaysia Airlines will revert to operating the A330-300 for these services with no changes to the flight schedule.
MAG ordered 20 new A330neo in 2022 as part of its first batch of fleet renewal program with an option for another 20 of the same aircraft type.
The group also has 25 B737 MAX 8 ordered with four of the aircraft received between 2023 and this year.
On its remaining B737 MAX 8 deliveries, MAG said it is communicating with the aircraft plane manufacturer and its lessor AirLease Corp while closely monitoring the situation.
As part of its first batch of fleet renewal program, MAG ordered 25 B737 MAX 8 in 2017.
The production of the B737 MAX airplanes is on halt for about one month after Boeing workers who are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 and District W24 went on strike.
The union members had last month rejected Boeing's new four-year contract deal.
Three days ago, Boeing new chief executive officer Kelly Ortberg said in a message to employees that the company will be conducting a 10 per cent or 17,000 job cut as part of its measure to align itself with its financial reality and set a more focused priority.