A Malaysia Airlines Airbus 330-300, registered 9M-MTE — Aris Zaril
TOULOUSE: European multinational aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE is confident of capturing the market with its A330neo as more carriers seek to upgrade their fleets in the coming years.
Airbus widebody market development director Rodrigo Lezama said airlines needed to renew their fleet to meet the industry challenges which include economic and environmental concerns.
“We’ve seen a renewal of 4% each year of new aircraft entering their respective fleets.
“At the moment, only 28% of aircraft flying globally are new generation, which means there is plenty of space and room for the purchase of new aircraft of which Airbus aims to leverage on,” he told reporters during a media visit to the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France recently.
He also said as an aircraft manufacturer, it is vital to deal with challenges head-on, rather than wait for instructions and industry standards from the authorities.
In 2017, the International Air Transport Association adopted new standards for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which means that after 2028, any aircraft that does not meet the standards cannot be produced.
Lezama said Airbus wanted to act proactively and decided to apply and certify the new standards ahead of the 2028 requirements.
“The A330neo already meets the standards so there won’t be any compliance issues. We will do the same for the rest of the Airbus family. Airbus is set to lead the decarbonisation of the industry globally which we aim to do by altering the market with new features and additions in our aircraft,” he noted.
According to Lezama, there is a critical need for airlines to remain competitive across the industry, as social media becomes another way of reviewing and setting high standards.
“There are many who talk about their experience on flights on social media, they share photos and feedback. So it is important to maximise a customer’s experience. This is what the A330neo will achieve,” he said.
The A330neo, which is the most popular widebody aircraft in the market, is powered by the latest generation Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines and will feature new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations.
The new features will result in a 25% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircrafts.
The A330neos being assembled at the moment will also be certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s new CO2 emissions standard, demonstrating its compliance with environmental regulations.
According to Lezama, the aircraft is adaptable to fit into all kinds of business models from local carriers to flagship carriers and can be used for medium haul ranges to Europe, or long-haul flights to North America.
“At the moment, there are some 150 airlines operating the 330 series. It supports a full market coverage and has the lowest costs for any airline wanting to enter the widebody market.
“We have full trust that the A330neo is a versatile champion with superior qualities and will increase value for airlines all over the world,” he said.
It is in line with the confidence that Malaysia Airlines is looking forward to the delivery of its first three A330neos in the third quarter of this year.
During the media visit, reporters had a sneak preview of the first aircraft that is set to make its maiden flight to Melbourne, Australia later this year.
Sporting the national carrier’s iconic Wau on its tail fin, the aircraft will feature many firsts for the airline and its fleet.
For instance, this will be the first time the aircraft’s cabin will be fitted with the Collins aerospace elevation business class seats, an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors, as well as wireless charging pods at all 28 of the business class seats.
The A330neo is able to accommodate 269 passengers, inclusive of 24 in economy class that have extra legroom seats.
Malaysia Airlines will also become the world’s leading carrier to feature elevation seats on the A330 airframe and become the first carrier in South-East Asia to feature the award-winning Recaro CL3810 seats, which have an ergonomic design and enhanced support, coupled with thoughtful amenities such as coat hooks, cup holder and ample stowage for added cabin comfort and practicality.
In 2022, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, the Malaysian Aviation Group Bhd (MAG), signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the delivery of 20 A330neos through to 2028.
Ten aircraft were acquired via an operating lease with Avolon, while the remaining 10 were acquired directly from Airbus with a sales and leaseback from Avolon.
The A330 first entered service with Malaysia Airlines in 1995 and became a proven and popular choice with passengers flying on its Asia-Pacific route network.
The A330neo is set to replace the group’s existing A330 fleet and once delivered, will operate to its existing network throughout Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
Its current fleet size inclusive of all aircraft is 104 at the moment.
MAG group managing director Datuk Capt Izham Ismail said the airline would look forward to the delivery as it will mark a significant milestone in its modernisation strategy.
He said the addition would not only strengthen its core product offerings, but also enhance its capabilities for future growth, aligned with the goal to expand its widebody fleet to 50 aircraft by 2033.
“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 to be among the Top 10 global airlines and Top 5 in Asia-Pacific by 2030.”
Meanwhile, Lezama said Malaysia Airlines was a trusted airline partner within the Asia-Pacific market, which is also the most dynamic market.
“Airbus has received the highest number of orders from this region, totalling 54 orders followed by Europe, and America.
“Specifically for the A330neo globally, there are 12 aircraft orders for the 800 series and 287 aircraft orders for the 900 series,” he said.
“For Asia-Pacific, there are four aircraft orders for the 800 series, and 50 orders for the 900 series. According to our global market forecast, for Asia-Pacific, there will be 19,000 aircraft needed for tourism, either to replace existing fleets or to grow them.”
