MH starting to look at replacement for A330s

[MH_fan]

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/transport/malaysia-airlines-nearing-decision-on-replacing-21-a330s-ceo

Good to see that MH are starting their long-haul fleet renewal plans. They're looking to replace the 15 A330-300s and 6 A330-200s on a 1 for 1 basis. They are considering the A350, A330neo and B787. They already have 6 A350-900s and it makes the most sense to go with those. Their B737-800 replacements, which is the 737-8, start either next year or in 2024.

 

[moa999]

Plus the 6 A380s which they have unsurprisingly not been able to sell.

 

[MH_fan]

Sadly, no one is going to be buting those A380s. The 6 A350s were used to replace them!

 

[MH_fan]

Looks like they've gone with the A330-900 or A330neo. They've ordered 20 frames (with options for up to 20 more) to replace the 15 A330-300s and 6 A330-200s. Delivery of the new planes to start from 2024/2025 I think. I guess the A330neo is much cheaper than the A350 and the wait times for them aren't as long either.

 

[AussieJasmine]

Saves having to fund retraining of their A330 pilots for A350 ops as well I guess. It'll be interesting to see what cabin config they go with. The extra legroom Y section in their A350s is great value... as much legroom as a lot of prem. econ products but without the bells and whistles.

 

[jb747]

Saves having to fund retraining of their A330 pilots for A350 ops as well I guess.

I don’t know how sensible it is, but the 330NEO and 350 are a common endorsement.

 

[MH_fan]

I wonder if the A330neos will be configured similarly to the A350s with the Business Suites or will they go with a brand new business layout, which will hopefully be in a 1-2-1 configuration.

 

[AIRwin]

I wonder if the A330neos will be configured similarly to the A350s with the Business Suites or will they go with a brand new business layout, which will hopefully be in a 1-2-1 configuration.

This has been unveiled: Malaysia Airlines up-gauges the first of their Australian flights to A339neo.

 

[AIRwin]

 

[MH_fan]

Looks good!

 

[AIRwin]

Special livery:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1810360401089147302

 

[AIRwin]

Delivery has been delayed:

Malaysia Aviation Group Updates Aircraft Delivery Status

www.malaysiaairlines.com

 

[MH_fan]

Well, the delay of the A330neo will @#$@% up their plans a little!

 

[sap1l]

Interestingly, my MEL-KUL flight at the end of Jan has been swapped back to the A333.

What I don’t understand is if MEL is still their launch route, and they’re expecting the A339 to arrive by November, why preemptively swap?

I’m guessing they either expect another set of delays, or they don’t think they can run their inaugural flight by January.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Hopefully they put F on the A350s!

 

[MH_fan]

No F. Even their Business Suite is going once they refurbish the A350s from 2025.

 

[stockmaster]

Interestingly, my MEL-KUL flight at the end of Jan has been swapped back to the A333.

What I don’t understand is if MEL is still their launch route, and they’re expecting the A339 to arrive by November, why preemptively swap?

I’m guessing they either expect another set of delays, or they don’t think they can run their inaugural flight by January.

I also had a KUL to MEL flight booked for July 2025 which was on the A339 but switched back to A333....

 

[sap1l]

I also had a KUL to MEL flight booked for July 2025 which was on the A339 but switched back to A333....

Wow, they swapped July too?

I wonder if they’ve swapped all flights back to the A333 until they have the physical A339 in hand.

 

[stockmaster]

Wow, they swapped July too?

I wonder if they’ve swapped all flights back to the A333 until they have the physical A339 in hand.

Fingers crossed that's what is going on.... Really hoping they switch back!

 

[spade1686]

Both my MEL-KUL (mid December) and KUL-MEL (early Jan) flights have been swapped to an A333 as well. Hoping we at least get the A339 on one of the flights as i really wanted to try the new business class seat