BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) first A330neo (new engine option) is set to be delivered in just a few days, following a delay of nearly two months from its original September schedule.
Airbus Asia Pacific President Anand Stanley acknowledged the setback with disappointment but said that the European manufacturer is working closely with Malaysia Airlines Bhd, a MAG subsidiary that will operate the A330neo, to resolve the issues causing the delay.
"Yes, there was a delay, but the delivery is imminent. The delivery will be done in days," he told Business Times in an interview at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 68th Assembly of Presidents event.
Stanley said Airbus is very proud of the way Malaysia Airlines has designed the cabin interior and layout of the A330neo as well as the airplane's features that will meet the national carrier's passenger experience and sustainability and connectivity goals.
On Oct 15, MAG said the A330neo is expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur by late November as the delivery date was delayed due to findings identified by Airbus during the flight line stage.
"MAG is working closely with Airbus and its lessor, Avolon, to secure a new delivery timeline and expedite the aircraft's entry into service," the aviation group said, adding that it expects to receive five A330neos by the first quarter of 2025.
MAG bought 20 A330-900 aircraft in August 2022, with 10 aircraft purchased from Airbus and another 10 leased from the Dublin-based aircraft lessor, Avolon.
The purchase of the widebody airplanes is part of MAG's first batch of the fleet renewal program. The group has yet to announce the second batch of its new aircraft purchase.
Speaking on the Malaysian aviation market, Stanley said Airbus has a strong relationship with the country, and Malaysia is a key partner in helping the planemaker ramp up its new aircraft production.
"The beauty of Malaysia is its geography. It's right in the heart of two-thirds of the world's population, and that's what's made it very successful as a connector," he said, adding that Airbus' different types of aircraft, such as the A220, A320, A330, and A350, connect Malaysia to the rest of the world.
Malaysia is Airbus' third-largest market in the Asia Pacific region, after China and India. The country is a key customer base across the commercial aircraft, defence, space, and helicopter product lines.