Malaysia Airlines is doubling down on its long-haul and regional ambitions with a firm order for 20 additional Airbus A330-900 (A330neo) aircraft. This brings Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)’s total A330neo commitment to 40 aircraft.
The move is part of MAG’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy to modernise operations, enhance fuel efficiency, and strengthen its network reach across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
MAG’s A330neo deliveries to continue through to 2031
The newly ordered batch of A330neos will be delivered between 2029 and 2031. These aircraft follow the original 2022 order for 20 units — split between 10 purchased directly from Airbus and 10 leased from Avolon. With this latest commitment, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia Pacific region.
MAG has so far taken delivery of four A330neo aircraft, already flying routes to Auckland, Melbourne, and Bali. Six more are expected by the end of 2025, with the remainder of the initial 20 to be delivered progressively through 2028.
Premium long-haul experience with next-gen cabin
All A330neos will feature a new premium cabin layout tailored to Malaysia Airlines’ service standards. This includes:
- All-suite Business Class with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and sliding privacy doors
- Enhanced Economy Class with refreshed interiors and next-generation seating
- Airbus’ Airspace cabin design with more personal space, ambient lighting, and larger overhead bins
- Latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 can fly up to 13,300 km non-stop. The next generation widebody aircraft is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today and it aims to achieve 100% SAF capability by 2030.
Strategic move to support growth markets
The expanded widebody fleet is expected to support network growth in high-demand markets across ASEAN, China, India, and Australasia. MAG says the A330neo’s flexibility across regional and long-haul routes makes it a good fit for evolving market demands while aligning with Malaysia Airlines’ premium brand positioning.
Group Managing Director of MAG, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said, “The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy. With its enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility across both regional and long-haul routes, the aircraft is a strong fit for our evolving market needs. It also allows us to offer a product that aligns with our premium positioning – streamlined, modern, and designed around passenger comfort and expectations. This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth, delivers consistent value to our passengers, and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.”
Airbus EVP Sales for Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, added, “We are proud to further strengthen our relationship with Malaysia Aviation Group as it expands its A330neo fleet. This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s exceptional performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, as well as a testament to the aircraft’s popularity among the world’s premium airlines.”
